[3D Printing] Prusa Officially Announces CORE One Upgrade System "INDX"!
From Josef Prusa, Founder of PRUSA:
After hinting at it a few weeks ago, I'm thrilled to finally officially introduce the Bondtech INDX system!
INDX is an innovative tool-changing system design concept. It's not just an improved filament switching unit, nor is it a slightly different tool changer from conventional ones. It's an entirely new architecture.
Imagine a world where you can load eight different filaments into a CORE One printer, complete a tool change in just a few seconds, and produce almost zero waste.
This is a huge leap forward and a fantastic example of Prusa Research and Bondtech, a Swedish leader in extrusion technology, collaborating to push the entire industry forward.
Bondtech's patented technology is simple yet incredibly ingenious.
Steps Towards Multi-Material
We have accumulated many years of experience in the multi-material 3D printing field. In September 2016, we introduced our first Multi-Material Upgrade (MMU) in a blog post.
Now, MMU3 has evolved to its third generation, providing a simple and cost-effective solution that adds full multi-material printing with five different filaments to single-nozzle printers.
After that, we developed the original Prusa XL, which features an advanced tool-changing system.
The XL is ideal for printing that demands high quality and reliability, and it adopts a structure that allows the entire print head to be replaced.
This allows for combining flexible and rigid materials in a single print, or even switching to completely different tools, such as a tool head for silicone printing or the pick-and-place tool head we showcased at Formnext.
There are various solutions on the market, each with its challenges.
Filament switching systems like MMU and AMS require repeated loading and unloading of filament, which is not only time-consuming but also wastes material because the previous color in the nozzle needs to be purged.
While the MMU is not as compact as the AMS, it minimizes waste material as much as possible, collecting it all in a compact purge block.
Printers with two switchable nozzles are a special case. While they appear very fast on paper (e.g., "nozzle switching in 8 seconds"), this is only true when using two types of material.
As the number of material types increases, they face the same drawbacks and limitations as filament switching systems.
Material waste increases, and filament changes can take over 40 seconds.
We saw a significant gap here.
Could we achieve truly high-speed printing with a tool-changing method and near-zero material loss, while also maintaining the scalability and low cost of a filament changer?
INDX is precisely the system that fills that void.
New Architecture: Smart Head and Passive Tools
Designed by Bondtech, INDX can be described as a lightweight tool-changing system.
However, unlike conventional methods that replace the entire expensive and heavy print head, including the extrusion motor, gears, heater, thermistor, and various sensors, INDX has an extremely simple structure.
The analogy is like an electric shaver: the body remains the same, and only inexpensive, passive replacement blades are swapped.
The smart head is the only unit that moves on the gantry.
It houses expensive components such as the inductive heating mechanism (IN), various sensors, and the Dynamic eXtruder (DX) drive system with a self-adjusting tension mechanism.
On the other hand, the passive tool located at the tip is very simple, and its biggest feature is its low cost.
It contains no wiring, heaters, thermistors, or electronic components, and essentially consists only of a filament guide and a special nozzle.
This architecture is the key point. It is highly scalable; you can start with four tools and add a fifth, sixth, or eighth tool at a low cost.
Innovative Induction Heating Technology
The "IN" in INDX stands for "Induction."
This groundbreaking design means INDX does not require a traditional hotend.
Here's how it works: an induction coil is built into the smart head.
When a passive tool is detected, current flows through the coil.
This generates a high-frequency magnetic field that instantly heats the nozzle.
Moreover, the nozzle itself is designed to have "almost no mass."
Therefore, almost all heating energy is used to melt the plastic, not the aluminum block.
The INDX nozzle is extremely fast due to its structure, which combines direct heating and low thermal capacity.
The nozzle reaches printing temperature from room temperature in just a few seconds.
Furthermore, its cooling speed is also very fast, which is crucial for multi-material printing. It minimizes material leakage while tools are waiting and does not require long reheating times.
So, how does it control the temperature of a passive metal nozzle with no wiring or electronics?
The smart head can read the nozzle temperature without needing contact or wiring. In other words, it measures temperature non-contact.
Self-Adjusting Extruder for All Materials
"DX" stands for Dynamic eXtruder.
If you've ever printed both PLA and TPU, you know that there's no single optimal gear tension for all materials, and you either have to adjust it manually or use a compromised setting.
The DX extruder eliminates that compromise. It's an extruder that automatically adjusts to optimal tension without user intervention.
The secret lies in its use of a responsive cam mechanism, not just a spring.
When back pressure increases, such as during high-flow printing, the force on the filament is transmitted to the drive gear, and the cam mechanism mechanically converts that force into stronger grip.
Conversely, when printing soft TPU at low flow rates, it provides a gentler grip. It dynamically provides optimal pre-tension at all times, depending on the material and flow rate.
This mechatronics design is also very clever.
The lightweight stepper motor that feeds the filament simultaneously drives the cam mechanism, fully opening the drive gear. This releases the filament and also unlocks the passive tool during material changes.
One motor performs three functions.
Simple, Fast, and Flexible Printing Experience
Combining all these technologies creates a seamless printing experience.
Simply load eight filament spools into the CORE One and attach each to its dedicated passive tool.
No buffer mechanism, no rewinding to an external box, no filament cutting, no purging, no preheating, and no complex mechanical structures are needed.
The entire process of storing the current tool, selecting and heating a new tool, and resuming printing can be completed in as little as 12 seconds, depending on the materials used.
The CORE One + equipped with the INDX system is scheduled for release in Q1 2026. Be sure to check back for the latest updates from us!
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After hinting at it a few weeks ago, I'm thrilled to finally officially introduce the Bondtech INDX system!
INDX is an innovative tool-changing system design concept. It's not just an improved filament switching unit, nor is it a slightly different tool changer from conventional ones. It's an entirely new architecture.
Imagine a world where you can load eight different filaments into a CORE One printer, complete a tool change in just a few seconds, and produce almost zero waste.
This is a huge leap forward and a fantastic example of Prusa Research and Bondtech, a Swedish leader in extrusion technology, collaborating to push the entire industry forward.
Bondtech's patented technology is simple yet incredibly ingenious.
Steps Towards Multi-Material
We have accumulated many years of experience in the multi-material 3D printing field. In September 2016, we introduced our first Multi-Material Upgrade (MMU) in a blog post.
Now, MMU3 has evolved to its third generation, providing a simple and cost-effective solution that adds full multi-material printing with five different filaments to single-nozzle printers.
After that, we developed the original Prusa XL, which features an advanced tool-changing system.
The XL is ideal for printing that demands high quality and reliability, and it adopts a structure that allows the entire print head to be replaced.
This allows for combining flexible and rigid materials in a single print, or even switching to completely different tools, such as a tool head for silicone printing or the pick-and-place tool head we showcased at Formnext.
There are various solutions on the market, each with its challenges.
Filament switching systems like MMU and AMS require repeated loading and unloading of filament, which is not only time-consuming but also wastes material because the previous color in the nozzle needs to be purged.
While the MMU is not as compact as the AMS, it minimizes waste material as much as possible, collecting it all in a compact purge block.
Printers with two switchable nozzles are a special case. While they appear very fast on paper (e.g., "nozzle switching in 8 seconds"), this is only true when using two types of material.
As the number of material types increases, they face the same drawbacks and limitations as filament switching systems.
Material waste increases, and filament changes can take over 40 seconds.
We saw a significant gap here.
Could we achieve truly high-speed printing with a tool-changing method and near-zero material loss, while also maintaining the scalability and low cost of a filament changer?
INDX is precisely the system that fills that void.
New Architecture: Smart Head and Passive Tools
Designed by Bondtech, INDX can be described as a lightweight tool-changing system.
However, unlike conventional methods that replace the entire expensive and heavy print head, including the extrusion motor, gears, heater, thermistor, and various sensors, INDX has an extremely simple structure.
The analogy is like an electric shaver: the body remains the same, and only inexpensive, passive replacement blades are swapped.
The smart head is the only unit that moves on the gantry.
It houses expensive components such as the inductive heating mechanism (IN), various sensors, and the Dynamic eXtruder (DX) drive system with a self-adjusting tension mechanism.
On the other hand, the passive tool located at the tip is very simple, and its biggest feature is its low cost.
It contains no wiring, heaters, thermistors, or electronic components, and essentially consists only of a filament guide and a special nozzle.
This architecture is the key point. It is highly scalable; you can start with four tools and add a fifth, sixth, or eighth tool at a low cost.
Innovative Induction Heating Technology
The "IN" in INDX stands for "Induction."
This groundbreaking design means INDX does not require a traditional hotend.
Here's how it works: an induction coil is built into the smart head.
When a passive tool is detected, current flows through the coil.
This generates a high-frequency magnetic field that instantly heats the nozzle.
Moreover, the nozzle itself is designed to have "almost no mass."
Therefore, almost all heating energy is used to melt the plastic, not the aluminum block.
The INDX nozzle is extremely fast due to its structure, which combines direct heating and low thermal capacity.
The nozzle reaches printing temperature from room temperature in just a few seconds.
Furthermore, its cooling speed is also very fast, which is crucial for multi-material printing. It minimizes material leakage while tools are waiting and does not require long reheating times.
So, how does it control the temperature of a passive metal nozzle with no wiring or electronics?
The smart head can read the nozzle temperature without needing contact or wiring. In other words, it measures temperature non-contact.
Self-Adjusting Extruder for All Materials
"DX" stands for Dynamic eXtruder.
If you've ever printed both PLA and TPU, you know that there's no single optimal gear tension for all materials, and you either have to adjust it manually or use a compromised setting.
The DX extruder eliminates that compromise. It's an extruder that automatically adjusts to optimal tension without user intervention.
The secret lies in its use of a responsive cam mechanism, not just a spring.
When back pressure increases, such as during high-flow printing, the force on the filament is transmitted to the drive gear, and the cam mechanism mechanically converts that force into stronger grip.
Conversely, when printing soft TPU at low flow rates, it provides a gentler grip. It dynamically provides optimal pre-tension at all times, depending on the material and flow rate.
This mechatronics design is also very clever.
The lightweight stepper motor that feeds the filament simultaneously drives the cam mechanism, fully opening the drive gear. This releases the filament and also unlocks the passive tool during material changes.
One motor performs three functions.
Simple, Fast, and Flexible Printing Experience
Combining all these technologies creates a seamless printing experience.
Simply load eight filament spools into the CORE One and attach each to its dedicated passive tool.
No buffer mechanism, no rewinding to an external box, no filament cutting, no purging, no preheating, and no complex mechanical structures are needed.
The entire process of storing the current tool, selecting and heating a new tool, and resuming printing can be completed in as little as 12 seconds, depending on the materials used.
The CORE One + equipped with the INDX system is scheduled for release in Q1 2026. Be sure to check back for the latest updates from us!
How did you find this article?
The CORE One + equipped with the INDX system is scheduled for release in Q1 2026. Don't miss out on future updates!
Please contact us . We will provide more details about Original Prusa.
The CORE One + equipped with the INDX system is scheduled for release in Q1 2026. Don't miss out on future updates!
Please contact us . We will provide more details about Original Prusa.
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