Cartesian vs. CoreXY vs. Delta

3D printers are categorized by their motion systems, which dictate how the print head and build platform move during printing. Among various motion systems, the three primary types are Cartesian, CoreXY, and Delta. While other motion systems exist, these three are the most common and widely used in desktop 3D printing.

Other Motion Systems

Besides Cartesian, CoreXY, and Delta, there are other motion systems such as Polar printers, SCARA (Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm) printers, continuous belt, and H-Bot systems. However, these are less common in consumer and hobbyist 3D printers.

Cartesian 3D Printers

Cartesian printers operate on the Cartesian coordinate system with linear movement along the X, Y, and Z axes. Typically, one axis moves the print head, and another moves the build plate vertically or horizontally. The definition is that each axis moves independently of each other and most Cartesian printers are bed slingers.

• Z-axis motion: In most Cartesian designs, the build plate moves back and forth in the Y axis as layers are printed - also known as a bed slinger printer. Some Cartesian printers have the build plate move up and down - though this is not as common.

• Examples: Printers like the A1 are Cartesian bed slingers. The Ender 5 hasa Cartesian motion system even though the build plate moves vertically along the Z axis. What technically defines Cartesian is each axis moves independently of each other, even though most are bed slingers.

CoreXY 3D Printers

CoreXY printers use a closed-loop belt system to move the print head in the X and Y axes, while the build plate usually moves up and down along the Z axis. This design separates the motion of the axes, allowing for faster and more precise movements.

• Z-axis motion: Most CoreXY printers have the build plate moving up and down in the Z axis.

• Examples and exceptions: While most printers with a build plate moving in the Z axis are CoreXY, exceptions like the Ender 5 show that Cartesian printers can also have vertical Z motion for the build plate.

Delta 3D Printers

Delta printers use three vertical arms arranged in a triangular configuration to control the position of the print head. Instead of moving a build plate in Z, the print head moves in all three dimensions, while the build plate usually stays stationary.

• Z-axis motion: The build plate is typically fixed, and all movement for positioning occurs through the arms controlling the print head.

• Characteristics: Delta printers are known for smooth, fast, and precise movements, especially for taller prints.

Pros and Cons of Each Motion System

Motion System	Pros	Cons
Cartesian	- Simple design and control - Wide availability and community support - Stable and rigid in most implementations	- Slower speeds due to moving heavier parts like the bed - Larger footprint as all axes move linearly - Thin prints can wobble
CoreXY	- Faster travel speeds and acceleration - Easier to enclose - Increased precision due to belt system	- More complex belt and pulley system requiring precise calibration - Higher cost and maintenance complexity
Delta	- High-speed and smooth printing - Compact footprint relative to height - Efficient for tall objects	- Complex kinematics make calibration more challenging - Limited build volume shape (cylindrical) - Less common parts and community support - Harder to stack due to height

In summary, Cartesian, CoreXY, and Delta systems each offer unique designs tailored to different printing needs. Cartesian printers are straightforward and reliable, CoreXY excels in speed and precision with a more complex design, and Delta printers provide fast, smooth motion especially suited for taller prints. Most printers with a build plate that moves vertically tend to use CoreXY, but exceptions like Cartesian-based Ender 5 prove that there are multiple approaches to similar mechanical solutions. Other motion systems exist but are niche compared to these three main types.