- Last Updated: January 19, 2023
-
Pat Nathaniel
CoreXY printers are some of the most reliable and versatile on the market, making them ideal for both hobbyists and artisans.
Unlike other 3D printer design styles, such as the delta 3D printer, CoreXY printer heads only move on the X and Y axis (hence the name).
Why is that a benefit?
Because they are more agile and faster than the competition. Since the head doesn’t have to move on the Z-axis, it can provide much more detail within your builds.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best 7 CoreXY 3D printers.
Let’s get started!
7 Best CoreXY 3D Printers At A Glance
1. Tronxy X5SA Pro (Best Value)
2. Creality Ender 6 (Best Choice)
3. Vivedino Troodon CoreXY (Premium Choice)
4. Two Trees Sapphire Pro (Best Budget)
5. Voron 2.4 R2 CoreXY (Best DIY)
6. Rat Rig V-Core 3.1
7. SecKit SK-Go³ (Best for Experienced Users)
3D Printer Type: FDM | Layer Resolution: 0.1-0.4 mm | Materials: PLA, PLA+, TPU, ABS & PETG | Build Volume: 330 x 330 x 400 mm | Print Speed: 20-150 mm/s | Printer Size / Weight: 580 x 645 x 660 mm / 14 kg
The X5SA Pro is for you if you frequently print large projects and prefer a quiet machine.
Be warned however that the instructions it comes with aren’t the clearest so I recommend watching videos online to help assemble it. Because of this, I don’t recommend the X5SA Pro for beginners (unless you like to tinker and DIY).
I like that the printer is quite sturdy once built.
A few other features I like:
Large Enclosure
This CoreXY 3D printer has one of the biggest platforms on the market, with a 330 by 330 by 400 mm printing surface. You can let your creativity shine with larger pieces such as printing cosplay armor.
Automatic Leveling
If you have to use multiple color filaments to build your piece, leveling can be a challenge. With the automatic leveling function, you can keep going without any noticeable errors in your design. This printer also supports manual leveling when applicable.
Titan Extruder
The ‘Pro’ version of the X5SA comes with a Titan extruder which means you can print flexible filament like TPU. And switch to PETG or ABS with ease. The versatility of printing different materials is a huge pro.
Overall, this is a decent CoreXY 3D printer with a few drawbacks. Keep in mind that to get the best out of it modifications may be needed. While these aren’t usually too expensive, it will raise the cost.
If you want a 3D printer that doesn’t need to be upgraded then check out the next two reviews below.
Pros
- Large printing area
- Automatic leveling
- Power sensor
- Filament sensor
- Lifetime tech support
- Silent operation
Cons
- Some build instructions can be confusing
- Can take a while to master the leveling feature
3D Printer Type: FDM | Layer Resolution: 0.1 mm | Materials: PLA | Build Volume: 250 x 250 x 400 mm | Printer Size / Weight: 495 x 495 x 650 mm / 30 kg
If you want a 3D printer that’s more beginner-friendly, than I recommend the Ender 6. This is Creality’s first foray into the world of CoreXY and they did a great job with this entry-level unit.
Assembling the Ender 6 was a breeze – it took us only one hour. And what we enjoyed the most was that the test prints came out beautifully.
A few other things we liked:
Large Housing Unit
Although the Ender 6 isn’t as big as the X5SA Pro, it is larger than most other printers. It has a 250 by 250 by 400 mm enclosure, which is almost as big as their CR-10 models. However, with such a relatively massive chamber, you need to make sure that you have enough counter space to house it.
Fast Printing Speeds
Since the Ender 6 uses a CoreXY structure, it can achieve printing speeds of up to 150 mm per second. With an excellent cooling function and smooth FDM head, you can get more precision and better results in less time.
If you want a well-designed, easy to operate machine from one of the most well-known and respected companies the Ender 6 is for you.
Pros
- Rugged construction
- Large printing area
- Fast printing speeds
- Touchscreen interface
- Rapid cooling
- Hassle-free assembly
Cons
- Suffers from fan noise common to Creality printers
- Colored panels can make it harder to see your products during printing
3D Printer Type: FDM | Layer Resolution: 0.05-0.3 mm | Materials: ABS, PLA | Build Volume: 300 x 300 x 400 mm | Printer Size / Weight: 516 x 643 x 764 mm / 38 kg
If you’re ready to upgrade your 3D printing to the next level, the Troodon is for you. This is one of the largest (and priciest) models on the market, but it is better for advanced printing options.
Why do I like the Troodon?
Extra Large Printing Area
With a 300 by 300 by 400 mm enclosure (like the X5SA Pro), you have the option to print much larger. Even better, the Troodon works faster than them, too, all without sacrificing precision or build quality.
HEPA Air Filter
One of the primary advantages of buying an enclosed 3D printer is that it can trap potentially harmful fumes. This model goes a step further by scrubbing the air clean so you can work more efficiently, particularly when building multiple models in sequence.
Pre-Built Machine
Rather than having to build this 3D printer yourself, it comes fully assembled. This is part of the reason why the price tag is higher, but it allows everyone to get involved, not just those with engineering skills.
The Vivedino Troodon is one of the more beginner friendly CoreXY printers and is perfect if you want to get high-quality prints from the get-go.
Pros
- Pre-assembled housing
- Large design for bigger models
- Rapid printing and cooling
- A HEPA filter traps harmful emissions
- Automatic pause and power sensor
- Quiet operation
Cons
- More expensive than other 3D printers
3D Printer Type: FDM | Layer Resolution: 0.1 mm | Materials: PLA, ABS, TPU, Flexible, Wood, PVA, HIPS | Build Volume: 225 x 235 x 235 mm | Printer Size / Weight: 405 x 360 x 480 mm / 14 kg
When comparing different 3D printers, you’ll notice that many of them can be quite costly. If you’re hoping to save some money while getting the most value, the Two Trees Sapphire Pro is an excellent choice.
Why is this the best budget pick?
Print Different Materials
The Sapphire Pro can do things machines priced higher can’t. Chief among them is print in TPU and flexible filament.
Rapid Cooling
Because these printers use the FDM method of printing, distortion can be possible if the filament doesn’t cool down in time. Thankfully, the Sapphire Pro alleviates that problem so that your finished products will look smoother, uniform and be more durable.
Automatic Pause
Just as you wouldn’t want to dry-fire a gun, running your 3D printer without filament can damage the internal components. The Sapphire Pro has built-in sensors that shut the machine down as soon as the material runs out. This feature is also helpful if there are any blockages or errors while printing.
Another advantage of pausing is that you don’t lose your place while printing. Once you get more filament into the machine, it will resume where it left off, so there won’t be any issues with the results.
If you want to experiment with CoreXY design and not shell out a ton of cash then the Sapphire Pro is for you.
Pros
- Quieter with TMC2208 stepper motor
- Lighter and more agile printing method
- Large 3.5-inch touchscreen
- Easier to build than other models
- Rapid cooling for smoother, more uniform products
- Automatic pause when filament runs out
Cons
- Not designed for commercial purposes
- Some components can overheat, causing damage to the machine
3D Printer Type: FDM | Layer Resolution: 0.025 mm | Materials: PLA, ABS, PETG, etc. | Build Volume: 250 x 250 x 250 mm, 300 x 300 x 300 & 350 x 350 x 350 mm
Like the X5SA, the Voron 2.4 R2 CoreXY is for those who have a DIY-can-do attitude and want the ultimate 3D printing machine.
Be warned, however, that you will have to build your model from scratch. Because of this process, you will spend more on this machine than you would with most others on this list.
Why do I like the Voron?
No Vibrations
One of the issues with CoreXY printers is that the arm moves on the Z-axis. As a result, it can shake and rattle the machine, leading to errors during printing. Because the Voron moves the head on all three axes, that is not an issue.
Durable Components
Voron’s mission statement is to create a 3D printer that doesn’t need constant tweaking or upgrading. Buying and assembling these parts means that you will have a printer built to last.
HEPA Filter
As we’ve mentioned, 3D printers can emit semi-toxic fumes. To alleviate this potential hazard, the Voron comes with a HEPA filtration system.
Pros
- High-quality parts
- Low noise and vibration
- Customizable build
- Vibrant online support community
- Large print area
Cons
- On the expensive-side ~$1200 to build
- Requires expertise to build
3D Printer Type: FDM | Materials: PLA, ABS & PETG | Build Volume: 200 x 200 x 200, 300 x 300 x 300, 400 x 400 x 400 & 500 x 500 x 500 mm
Those who want to pick and choose what goes into their 3D printer must meet Rat Rig V-Core 3.1. This open-source printer offers the user a fantastic variety of customization, from frame size and print volume to various EVA 3-compatible print heads, controller boards, enclosures, and more.
The print volume ranges from 300 x 300 x 300 mm to 500 x 500 x 500 mm — making V-Core 3.1 the largest printer on this list. The aluminum frame is sturdy and V-Core 3.1 is built like a tank.
Some users experienced reliability issues with certain components on the previous V-Core 3 version, particularly the idlers, but Rat Rig has replaced most of them with new ones. The upgraded machine should let you simply print without worrying about maintenance.
But what if you don’t want to build your own machine? That’s fine — Rat Rig offers packaged options of the V-Core 3.1. Simply pick the build volume you want and you’ll get the same package Rat Rig itself uses at its print farm.
To wrap it all up, Rat Rig V-Core 3.1 is a premium printer and a dream machine for those who want to customize their machine precisely to their needs.
Pros
- Amazing variety of customization options
- Large build volume (depending on the frame)
- Active online community
- Good print quality
Cons
- Needs a Raspberry Pi, not included in the set
- Customizations can rack up the price
- Not very beginner-friendly
3D Printer Type: FDM | Materials: PLA, ABS, PETG & TPU | Build Volume: 310 x 310 x 350 mm
SecKit SK-Go³ probably shouldn’t be your first printer — even the brand’s name stands for “second kit.” But it’s a fantastic machine to move on to once you’ve learned the ropes of 3D printing.
SK-Go³ has a decent print volume of 310 x 310 x 350mm. It won’t print the largest parts, but the size is adequate. The print bed is also supported by a rigid, sturdy all-metal frame, which gives the machine welcome longevity.
Where SK-Go³ truly shines is in print quality. It prints excellently detailed parts with little to no warping, stringing, or other quality issues. You can get the same high quality with almost any material — if you run into issues, it’ll likely be because of the material’s limitations.
Despite what you might expect, SK-Go³ is surprisingly affordable, particularly when you consider the printing quality. The final price varies somewhat based on the parts you choose, as the manufacturer offers some customization options (mostly a choice between a basic and premium component).
SecKit SK-Go³ brings to the table fantastic print quality and versatility, making it a perfect choice for your second 3D printer.
Pros
- Excellent print quality with practically any material
- Good value for the quality
- Small but happy community that the manufacturer actively talks to
- Decent customizability
Cons
- Very noisy
- Not for beginners
CoreXY 3D Printer Buyer’s Guide
Now that we’ve seen some of the best 3D printer models available, let’s dive into the primary features of a CoreXY machine. Before making a final decision, here is what you need to know.
What are CoreXY 3D Printers?
The name for these printers stems from the fact that the head only moves on the X and Y axes. To create a 3D structure, the base moves along the Z-axis. This design offers some significant benefits, namely speed, and precision.
These machines typically have a square enclosure to allow freedom of movement, and the base has to be able to move freely up and down. Higher-end models will have glass sides to trap fumes and act as a safety barrier.
Another hallmark of a CoreXY printer is that it uses the FDM printing method, which utilizes thermoplastic filament to create structures. Other techniques include stereolithography (SLA), digital light processing (DLP), and selective laser sintering (SLS). Overall, FDM is relatively easy to master and can deliver durable products quickly and reliably.
Advantages of CoreXY 3D Printers
Here are some primary reasons to purchase a CoreXY 3D printer:
- Speed – Because the printing head doesn’t move in all three axes, it can print faster and smoother than other models.
- Longevity – Another benefit of moving on two axes is that the machine requires fewer parts. These printers are relatively low-maintenance.
- Cost – While you have to pay for more filament, these machines’ upfront costs are far lower than other high-end models.
- Small, Precision Printing – If you aren’t trying to build large objects, CoreXY printers are ideal for smaller pieces. You can also scale down your designs to get more precise details.
Disadvantages of CoreXY 3D Printers
Here are some potential reasons to avoid CoreXY printers.
- Belt Maintenance – Although these machines have fewer parts, the ones they do require care and upkeep. If the belts aren’t aligned correctly, they can yield disastrous results.
- Vibrations – Since the pad moves, it can cause the machine to wobble and vibrate slightly. When this happens, you can spot small imperfections in your finished pieces.
- Complex Setup – You can buy pre-assembled CoreXY printers, but they tend to be more expensive. Building one of these machines requires some know-how, so beginners may not like the process.
FAQs
Do These Printers Provide High-Quality Prints?
Although these machines don’t provide as much precision as other models, they can deliver excellent results.
Are These Printers More Expensive Than Other Models or Brands?
On average, CoreXY printers will be in the middle of the pack, but some units are much more affordable.
Is Assembling a CoreXY Printer Difficult?
These printers are harder to assemble than others, such as Cartesian printers. Part of the challenge is getting the belts in the right position.
Are These Printers Easy to Use?
Yes, once they are assembled, you can utilize the touchscreen to create vibrant finished pieces. However, some specific models can be tricky to master, particularly when it comes to leveling.
Final Verdict
We’ve shown many high-quality CoreXY 3D printers on this list, but our top two are the X5SA Pro and the Voron 2.4 R2. If you want something easy to use and reliable, the X5SA is an excellent choice. It has a substantial build surface, so you can create larger masterpieces than you would be able to on other models. We also like that it has durable parts that will last for a long time.
If this isn’t your first rodeo and you’re more serious about 3D printing, the Voron is unmatched. While it is far pricier than the X5SA, you get what you pay for. We like the customization options of the Voron, as well as the ruggedness of the build.
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