3D printing with “near-instant”material swaps

Czechia-based Prusa Research and Swedish extrusion-specialists Bondtech have unveiled a 3D-printing upgrade: the INDX. Designed as an eight-material, multi-tool solution for the CORE One (Prusa’s USD999 CoreXY 3D printer), INDX promises near-instant material swaps, minimal waste and versatility – without the bulk typically associated with tool-changer systems.

Unlike traditional filament-switching units or heavy tool-changer heads, INDX uses a new architecture: a single “Smart Head” carries the electronics, induction coil and extruder drive, while up to eight passive nozzle tools – essentially just filament paths and nozzles – park ready for instant exchange. Original Prusa 3D Printers The result is a compact, expandable configuration where users can load eight spools at once and switch between materials in around 12 seconds, depending on filament type, the company claims

INDX uses induction-based heating system. When the Smart Head picks up a passive nozzle tool, it uses a high-frequency magnetic field to heat the nozzle directly – avoiding the thermal mass and delay of traditional hot-ends. This enables rapid heat-up and cooling, helping to eliminate oozing and waste during tool swaps.

The extruder drive uses a self-adjusting “Dynamic Extruder” system that adapts tension automatically according to filament stiffness and flow requirements – so switching between rigid plastics and flexible filaments like TPU requires no manual tinkering.

Prusa says the INDX kit will be offered first as a “Founders Edition” via Bondtech’s site, with wider e-shop availability to follow in 2026. 

Photo: The eight-material “Smart Head” (Prusa Research/Bondtech)

Bondtech 
Prusa Research