The Prusa INDX team is demonstrating a V0 prototype at SMRRF 2026 with incredibly fast tool change times.

INDX at SMRRF 2026

The Prusa INDX project made an appearance at SMRRF 2026 (Southern Maryland RepRap Festival), showing off a V0 prototype that's generating buzz in the 3D printing community.

The standout feature? An incredibly quick tool change mechanism that goes from docking to printing again in under 10 seconds.

What is INDX?

INDX is Prusa's ambitious project to create a tool-changing 3D printer. Unlike traditional single-nozzle printers, a tool-changing system allows the printer to automatically swap between different extruders, hotends, or even complete toolheads — enabling multi-material prints, different nozzle sizes, and specialized tools without manual intervention.

Fast Tool Changes

The sub-10-second tool change time demonstrated at SMRRF is impressive — comparable to some commercial tool-changing systems. This speed minimizes the overhead of switching tools during complex multi-material prints.

The V0 prototype shown at the event represents an early but promising step toward Prusa's vision for an accessible tool-changing 3D printer.

Why Tool Changing Matters

Tool-changing printers open up possibilities that are difficult or impossible with single-tool machines:

  • Multi-material prints with precise color placement
  • Different nozzle sizes for detail vs. speed
  • Multi-extrusion with separate temperature control
  • Automated maintenance with cleaning tools

Stay tuned for more updates as Prusa continues development on the INDX platform.

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