Prusa CORE One+ INDX, Original Prusa XL+, Bambu Lab H2D, Snapmaker U1 and Creality KliTek show how toolchangers and nozzle switching are changing FDM workflows.
Some users refer to a “Prusa Index”, but the official product name is Prusa CORE One+ INDX. It is based on Bondtech INDX technology and points to a wider shift in desktop FDM: instead of pushing every material through one nozzle and purging at every change, new systems use separate nozzles, separate toolheads or fast nozzle-changing mechanisms.
For technical plastic parts, this matters beyond color printing. Different materials, support interfaces, flexible areas, large nozzles for volume and small nozzles for details can be combined in one build strategy. That brings FDM closer to engineering workflows for fixtures, grippers, prototypes, assembly aids and pre-series samples.
Toolchangers, nozzle changers and multi-material systems
A toolchanger typically swaps a complete print head or tool. The Original Prusa XL+ Five-Head uses up to five toolheads, each with its own filament, nozzle and temperature. This reduces purge waste and enables material combinations that are difficult with a single-nozzle setup.
The Prusa CORE One+ INDX focuses on fast switching between multiple independent nozzles. Bondtech INDX is positioned as a toolchanger solution for multi-material, color and nozzle variation. That makes not only color prints more efficient, but also deliberate nozzle-diameter combinations.
Other brands follow related but different approaches. The Bambu Lab H2D uses a dual-nozzle system. The Snapmaker U1 uses four independent, preheated toolheads. Creality presents KliTek as a nozzle-changing platform. These systems should therefore be compared by mechanics, calibration, thermal control, material path and maintenance, not only by color count.
Why nozzle switching is technically useful
A 0.25 mm nozzle can reproduce fine contours more cleanly, but it prints slowly. A 0.8 mm nozzle builds volume quickly, but it is coarse for small features. In a conventional workflow, the engineer chooses one compromise. With nozzle switching, the part can be planned differently: large hidden volumes print fast, while functional details, snap fits, markings or sealing contours use a smaller nozzle.
Support material is another important case. A separate tool can print support interfaces, soluble supports or different processing windows with less contamination. For fixtures and prototypes, this can improve surface quality, dimensional control and post-processing effort. FDM still remains anisotropic, so layer adhesion, chamber temperature, material drying and part orientation remain critical.
What companies should check before buying
The strongest machine is not automatically the right machine. The real questions are material range, part size, tool-change repeatability, calibration strategy and maintenance responsibility. Abrasive materials require attention to nozzle material and spare-part availability. Flexible materials depend on the filament path. For fixtures, the number of colors is often less important than stiffness, surface, delivery time and repeatability.
SwissInjection evaluates these technologies from the application side: which parts truly benefit from toolchanging, where a classic FDM system is enough, and when injection molding, SLS, SLA or machined parts are more economical. The answer depends on function, volume, risk and validation requirements, not on the marketing name.
Conclusion
Toolchangers and nozzle changers are making desktop FDM more professional. Prusa CORE One+ INDX, Original Prusa XL+, Bambu Lab H2D, Snapmaker U1 and Creality KliTek represent different technical philosophies. For Swiss SMEs, the opportunity is clear: validate faster, prototype more deliberately and move technical samples closer to the later function.