I've been asked by a family member to recommend a 3D printer. This family member has only one person nearby who is technical, and that person is insanely busy. So I'd like to recommend something that will work well out of the box. I myself have a MK4, and there are several of them at work that have run forever, so I'm utterly confident in the MK4S.
For the Core One I'm worried about potential issues. When the Core One first came out it seemed clear that it was a new design and the ride could be a little bumpy. And last month at work, I stopped by the maker space and saw that all four Core Ones were out of service, while the MK3 and MK4 printers were still printing away.
Those of you who have received a Core One in the last couple of months, what kind of issues have you had? I'd love for my family member to have the advantages of the Core One, but if there are any issues other than the most minor, they are not going to be able to resolve them. In which case I might recommend the MK4S instead.
Get a factory-assembled CORE One+. Dunning-Kruger is real, just look at this sub, the more “technical” and “experienced” the person is, the more “problems” he has, usually having to do with not reading instructions or that he’s a special snowflake that knows better than others. At least with the factory-assembled version a lot of variables can be eliminated right from the beginning.
No doubt that I love my factory-assembled MK4.
I've not had a problem with my (kit) Core One since I built it that would put it out of service. At least, not something that I didn't cause, like the filament getting a bit tangled on the roll cause I didn't secure it properly.
I had some noise on the z-axis when it lowered (a groaning) that was fixed with a tiny bit of lube. A clicking on the z-axis when it was near bottoming out, which was fixed with a re-alignment of the z-axis screws using the printed tools on printables. Any other 'problem' was simple things like tuning the belts, or adjusting the door sensor, as I probably had it just barely at triggering when it closed, and really needed to move it out a bit more. Basically all related to me building it and not knowing what to check once it was all together, and they were all really easy fixes.
Only print related problems were stuff like bed-adhesion issues where I needed to print something with a small footprint with a brim... things that are my fault, really.
It's been a great printer. I've really had no significant issues, and it's not like I'm some 3d printing expert. This is my first printer.
Thanks for your update! Definitely planning on having Prusa do the assembly.
I got my Core One 6 weeks ago. Printing nonstop for the most part. Not sure what out of service means, but you might want to ask the Maker Space. Too vague to determine. Could be simple like they have run abrasive filament through brass nozzles and not replaced the nozzles and prints look like crap, who knows.
“Out of service” means none of the printers were working and the student worker said “we’re trying to fix them and we hope they’ll be back soon.” The makerspace supplies only PLA filament, usually Hatchbox, no white, so I don’t think that’s the issue. Those printers are typically busy 12 hours a day, though.
Anyway, I’m delighted to hear you have no issues with your Core One. I’ve been tempted to upgrade my MK4, but truth be told the MK4 is just fine for my needs.
Enjoy your new printer!
Thanks! I have a Core One L coming soon as well!
If they are not technical and want to print out of the box with minimal troubleshooting or maintenance, I suggest going with Bambu Labs. You can get a P2S combo cheaper than an assembled MK4S.