The NXT Bench Review Notes 01
A smooth first setup, two successful Benchys, and a few useful learning moments along the way.
Disclosure: Prusa provided TVG Report with the CORE One+ review printer and filaments for evaluation.
A Carefully Packed, Very Large Printer
My first reaction to the CORE One+ was simple: this is a big printer.
The box was densely packed, but everything was organized and easy to identify. Prusa included several filament types and colors, and Pistachio Green PETG quickly became one of my favorites. The package also included a handbook, cables, a print sheet, and gummy bears. I was not expecting snacks with a 3D printer, but it was a fun addition.
The handbook was more useful than I expected. It explained the basic parts, startup process, and common questions in a way that was easy to follow. Having that information beside the printer was genuinely helpful.
Once the machine was unpacked, I noticed the visible 3D-printed components inside the enclosure. There is something fitting about a 3D printer using 3D-printed parts. I also liked the interior lighting, which changes while the printer is working and when a job has finished.
Setup Was Mostly Smooth
Most of the initial setup was straightforward. The on-screen process and handbook handled the main steps clearly.
We had one small hiccup during registration. On a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5, the app appeared to crop the team option out of view, so we could not finish registration. We switched to a Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra with a conventional flat display, and registration moved along without any trouble. It was an easy workaround once we tried the second phone.
The only other point where I paused was belt calibration. I understood that the printer needed to check belt tension, but I was not sure whether I should loosen or adjust the belts before starting the automatic process. The QR code provided more information, although I still had to spend a little time working out the starting position.
One idea: a short start-to-finish video showing the belt position and when the automatic wizard takes over would make an already guided setup even friendlier for a first-time user.
The First Benchy Looked Great
Our first print was a 3D Benchy, and the result made a strong first impression.
The bottom lettering was clean, the arches looked good, and the smaller features were well defined. Looking closely, I found a few small gaps and a little stringing, but the overall result was better than I expected from a first print.
It was a really encouraging way to start the review.
A Quick Fan Hiccup Before Benchy Two
The second Benchy also finished successfully, although we had a small fan hiccup before it started.
On the first attempt, the rear fan on the print head did not start while the front fan continued running. The printer noticed that the fan was not operating and paused the job before printing.
After we restarted the print a few times, the rear fan came back on and the printer completed the second Benchy successfully. Everything worked once the fan started, and I will simply keep an eye on it during the rest of the review.
Where the Review Goes Next
My first experience with the CORE One+ was positive. The packaging and handbook were thoughtful, setup was well guided, and both Benchys completed successfully. We found easy ways past the registration and fan hiccups, and now I am looking forward to trying more prints as the review continues.
