CoreXY is one of the most popular 3D systems on the market. In fact, some of the best 3D printers for beginners and professionals are of the CoreXY system.
In this guide, we’ll look at the 5 best CoreXY 3D printers you can buy. But first, let’s find out what CoreXY is all about.
Development of CoreXY 3D Printers
CoreXY 3D printers can be considered as more advanced FDM 3D printers. The system was introduced in 2013 .
Cartesian 3D printers work in a simple manner: a single motor drives each axis. In this system, the extruder moves in the X and Y axes while the printbed moves in the Z-axis only.
While Cartesian 3D printers use motors that move within the different layers, CoreXY 3D printers use belts. When belts are used, any unwanted overlaps (e.g., when both motors are moving in the same direction) are significantly reduced.
The combined rotation of the motors makes the toolhead to move.
In a CoreXY 3D printer, both the X and Y motors can be stationary. As a result, the overall weight of all moving parts is kept at a minimum. This explains why CoreXY 3D printers are lighter than their FDM counterparts.
The CoreXY system is opensource. As a result, it has become popular in the 3D printing community, with hundreds of printers designed modeled around it.
Advantages of CoreXY System
CoreXY 3D printers print fast without losing quality of the print. The printers have a larger build volume compared to other 3D printers and since the motors run stationary on the X and Y axes, the portal moves easily. The portal moves when the motors rotate in opposite directions. This is why the overall stability of the printer is higher.
Finally, CoreXY 3D printers are generally more affordable than their FDM counterparts. These printers have cheap bearings and deliver high-quality prints. The technology is compatible with all the latest firmware versions, which makes the printers highly compatible.
Drawbacks of CoreXY 3D System
The major drawback of CoreXY 3D printers is related to the tension of the belts. The printer belts have to be perfectly tensioned to run smoothly. Therefore, they have to be regularly maintained.
CoreXY 3D printer motors also consume more power than the power of comparable FDM 3D printers. The printer has more deflection rollers. Therefore, the risk of errors is also higher. For this reason, the motors should always be properly adjusted.
Best CoreXY 3D Printers
To come up with this list of the best CoreXY 3D printers, we considered the price of the machines as well as the subsequent cost of upgrading the unit with optional parts. We also checked the setup requirements and how active the printer’s community is, just in case you will need help along the way.
With that said, here are the best CoreXY 3D printers you can buy:
1. Two Trees Sapphire Pro
The Two Tree Sapphire Po has a precision linear rail that operates the extruders along the X and Y axes with two separate drives.
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The printer works fairly quiet, thanks to the silent TMC 2208 step stick. After the initial setup, you will be printing high quality model without any fuss
The Sapphire Pro is quite affordable and the community around it is big. In the communities, you will find advice on how to improve your printer and solutions to various problems you may encounter.
Two Trees Sapphire Pro
General Specifications
| Technology | FFF |
| Year | 2019 |
| Assembly | Partially assembled |
| Mechanical arrangement | CoreXY |
| Manufacturer | Two Trees |
Printing Properties
| Build volume | 235 x 235 x 235 mm |
| Layer height | 0.1 mm |
| XYZ resolution | 0.01 mm, 0.01 mm, 0.0025 mm |
| Feeder system | Bowden |
| Extruder type | Dual Gear BMG |
| Nozzle type | J-Head |
| Nozzle size | 0.4 mm |
| Max. extruder temperature | 260 °C |
| Max. heated bed temperature | 100 °C |
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Bed leveling | Manual, Automatic (removable sensor) |
| Max. print speed | 300 mm/s |
| Max. travel speed | 1000 mm/s |
| Connectivity | USB, TF-Card |
| Built-in camera for monitoring | No |
| Average operating noise | < 60dB |
| Print recovery | No |
| Display | Touchscreen control |
Materials
| Filament diameter | 1.75 mm |
| Third-party filament | Yes |
| Filament materials | PLA, ABS, TPU, Flexible, Wood, PVA, HIPS |
Software Requirements
| Operating system | Windows, Mac |
| Recommended slicer | Cura |
Dimensions & Weights
| Assembled dimensions | 405 x 360 x 480 mm |
| Weight | 11.5 kg |
| Shipping weight | 14.0 kg |
2. Tronxy X5SA Pro
The Tronxy X5SA Pro is a CoreXY 3D printer with a large build space.
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The X5SA Pro has a filament runout sensor, auto bed leveling, two-axis guide rails, and a drive mechanism based on the E3D Titan. However, you will need to tweak the printer before use to get good results.
The CoreXY 3D printer is affordable. However, it does not come assembled. The good news is that there are helpful communities online as well as YouTube video tutorials that make the setup easier.
Tronxy X5SA Pro Specs
General Specs
| Technology | FDM |
| Manufacturer | Tronxy |
| Model | X5SA Pro |
| Assembly | Semi-assembled |
| Frame | Aluminum and Sheet Metal |
3D Printing Properties
| Print Size | 330 x 330 x 400 mm |
| Print Speed | 20-150 mm/s (recommended: 60 mm/s) |
| Print Thickness | 0.1-0.4 mm |
| Positioning Accuracy | 0.0125 mm (X/Y), 0.02 mm (Z) |
| Nozzle Size | 0.4 mm |
| Materials | PLA, ABS, PETG, PC, HIPS, PVC, Exotics |
| Max. Nozzle Temperature | 260 ℃ |
| Max. Bed Temperature | ℃ |
| Connectivity | USB, SD card |
Software Requirements
| Slicing Software | Tronxy slicer (recommended, not required) |
| File Format | STL, OBJ, DAE, AMF, G-code |
| Operating Software | Repetier-Host / Cura |
| Operating System | Windows / MacOS / Linux |
Power
| Power Input | 110V / 220V AC, 50 / 60Hz |
| Power Output | 24V / 360W |
Physical Dimensions & Weight
| Machine Size | 580 x 645 x 660 mm |
| Package Size | 580 x 645 x 660 mm |
| Machine Weight | 14.5 kg |
| Package Weight | 16.5 kg |
3. Vivedino Toodon CoreXY
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The Troodon CoreXY is another CoreXY 3D printers that we recommend. This affordable 3D printer has a closed filament sensor that reduces the odor produced by temperature-sensitive materials, such as ABS.
The printer has a belt for the X-axis, an extruder with two drives, and is powered by a Duet Wi-Fi clone. The printer is also more stable since it does not have threaded spindles.
The printer has automatic bed leveling through BLTouch and the printbed is removable. There’s a sensor that controls how the filament is extruded to prevent it damaging the printer or the print. A HEPA filter is also built into the printer.
The Vivedino has a neat cabling system and prints high-quality models straight out of the box.
Vivedino Toodon CoreXY Specs
Printing Specs
| Layer Thickness | 0.1-0.4mm |
| Print Accuracy | X Y-axis 0.012mm Z-axis0.02mm |
| Print size ( X Y Z ) | 300*300*400mm / 400*400*500mm |
| Print Speed | 250mm/s |
| Filament Diameter | 1.75mm |
| Nozzle Diameter | 0.4mm |
| Filament Compatibility | PLA, ABS, PVA, HIPS, PETG, Nylon, Wood, PC, Carbon Fiber, etc |
Mechanical Specs
| Manufacturer Warranty | One Year | |
| Chassis | Aluminium and Metal. | |
| Extruder Temperature | 270℃ | |
| Power Requirements | 350W 110/220V | |
| Connectivity (Interface) |
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| Display | 4.3 inch Full Color Touch Screen. |
Weight & Dimensions
| Machine Weight | 38 kg |
| Machine Dimensions | 516*643*764mm |
E3D ToolChanger
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The E3D ToolChanger is an advanced 3D printer that is built with CoreXY technology. This 3D printer is supplied as a kit and, therefore, needs to be assembled. The assembly can be quite a challenge and hence, we recommend it to expert makers only.
Most CoreXY 3D printers have their belt at the front. However, with the E3D, the belt is at the back. The machine has four print heads, each of which can be used separately. During operations, the print heads that are not in use stay in the docking station.
Another advantage of the E3D ToolChanger is that it can print four different materials at a go. This means your prints will take less time to be completed. However, you also need to calibrate the four toolheads regularly.
The E3D ToolHead is made from high-quality CNC-milled parts and robust E3D titanium extruders. Therefore, it is quite an expensive printer. However, high-quality workmanship and precise prints make the price worth it.
There are also dozens of active communities online centered around the printer.
SainSmart Coreception CoreXY
The SainSmart Coreception is an easy-to-assembly 3D printer with a direct drive extruder. This 3D printer has two threaded spindles that lift the bed. However, the printer does not have automatic bed leveling.
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The large format 3D printer is quite affordable and can print both flexible and soft filaments. The community around it is small but growing.
SainSmart Coreception Core XY Pro Specs
General Specifications
| Technology | FDM |
| Year | 2020 |
| Assembly | Semi-assembled |
| Mechanical arrangement | Cartesian CoreXY |
| Manufacturer | SainSmart |
Printing Properties
| Build volume | 300 x 300 x 330 mm |
| Feeder system | Direct drive |
| Print Head | Single nozzle |
| Nozzle size | 0.4 mm |
| Max. hot end temperature | 260 ℃ |
| Max. heated bed temperature | 100 ℃ |
| Print bed material | Glass |
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Bed leveling | Manual |
| Connectivity | microSD, USB |
| Print recovery | Yes |
| Filament sensor | Yes |
| Camera | No |
Materials
| Filament diameter | 1.75 mm |
| 3rd party filaments | Yes |
| Compatible materials | Consumer materials (PLA, ABS, PETG, Flexibles…) |
Software Requirements
| Recommended Slicer | Simplify3D, Cura |
| Operating system | Windows, Mac OSX, Linux |
| File types | STL, OBJ, 3MF |
Dimensions & Weights
| Frame dimensions | n/a |
| Weight | n/a |
Best CoreXY 3D Printer: Conclusion
3D printing technology is evolving and CoreXY 3D printers are getting cheaper. If you are looking to start 3D printing as a hobby, or perhaps want to do it as a business, there is a printer out there for you.
CoreXY 3D printers are easy to set up and use. Moreover, there are vibrant online communities around the different printers, in case you will need help.
If you are a beginner, we suggest you go for an inexpensive entry-level model such as the Two Tree Sapphire Pro. This printer comes already assembled, is fast, has a reasonable build volume and prints high-quality models.
If you are an experienced user and need a printer with a large build volume or more advanced features, the E3D ToolMaker will be right for you.
