How Prusa got to this point?
The Prusa i3 MK3S is manufactured by Prusa Research and claims a strong community of users committed to providing good feedback. It’s this feedback that has allowed the Prusa i3 MK3S to continually get better.
The best printers don’t typically roll off the assembly line as the best printer. Rather, they grow into the best by being reviewed, challenged and then making the adjustments necessary to improve. The team at Prusa is committed to this process.
For you and I, when we buy something, we just want it to work and the Prusa i3 MK3S just works.
What are the specifications of the Prusa i3 MK3S?
Build volume – 9.84 x 8.3 x 8.3 inches.
Layer height - .05 to .35 mm
Max travel speed – 200+ mm/s
Max extruder temp - 300 degrees celcius
Max heat bed temp – 12 degrees celcius
Print surface – removable magnetic heat bed and PEI spring steel sheets
Number of materials simultaneously – one
Supported materials – any thermoplastic (including nylon and polycarbonate)
Filament sensor – yes
Power panic – yes
Calibration – automatic 9 points XYZ/skew axes compensation
What changed on the updated Prusa i3 MK3S?
The original Prusa i3 MK3S was already a highly rated 3D printer, but additional changes have been made to make it even better. Let’s take a look at the improvements.
All the previous enhancements on the Prusa i3 MK3S are fully implement on this updated version.
A new filament sensor has been implemented which uses an optical sensor, triggered by a simple lever. Previously, the sensor would not work with some filaments.
The extruder has been redone making it easier to change the nozzle and PTFE tube. Additionally, by moving the extruder assembly closer to the X axis it has resulted in less resonance and improved prints.
Other tweaks such as anti-rust coating, and firmware enhancements have also improved this printer.
Slicer software which continues to be easy to use, simple design, but is still powerfully customizable in its settings. And now it has a couple of new print profiles.
Ability to recover and resume printing after a power loss, as well as detecting layer shifting.
Auto bed leveling.
A removable magnetic spring steel bed has been added allowing it to be popped off as the sheet cools down and more easily remove the object.
To see a full review of all details you can go to Prusa website: Click Here
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of the Prusa i3 MK3S?
Advantages:
Reliable and dependable print quality.
Firm and Sturdy
Autocalibration
Ability to resume printing after a crash
You can pause and restart the print.
Beautiful bridging and overhangs
Easy to use Slic3rPE slicing software
Disadvantages:
Can’t rely on long distance printing
Default settings with dense support structure
Minus the few changes listed above no major change form original i3 MK3S
What do people say about the Prusa i3 MK3S?
What people say about something is more valuable than any marketing jargon. These 4 review headlines might give you an idea that people think this machine is pretty great.
Amazing print quality and easy to use!
3D-Printer Heaven
It's a Miracle Machine
Great 3D printer
What else should I know about the Prusa and the i3 MK3S?
Prusa offers 24/7 customer support and also indicates there is a active forum that is regularly updated as a knowledge base. Their goal is to get you 3D printing as fast as possible and are committed to helping you along the way.
Prusa wants you to know that if you choose to assemble the kit yourself, you can do it. It doesn’t require specialized tools and it’s a great way to learn the ins and outs of printer construction. Cables come cut to length and essentially just require plugging connectors to the motherboard. They want you to have fun with the process.
Prusa brags their fastest customer assembled the kit in 4 hours, but other reviews and comments have indicated 8-10 hours might be more realistic.
Prusa has produced an assembly instructions book and a 3D printing handbook with pictures and drawings to assist you in the assembly and operation.
Prusa sends the printer with settings that are great for a variety of objects so you can focus on printing and not adjusting. Over time as you become comfortable with the printer than you can explore more of the setting options.
Prusa has developed their printer for upgradability. Things change and they want you to grow and expand without having to always invest in a new printer.
Prusa offers a 5% discount on subsequent orders of selected filaments. So, take advantage.
Prusa offers multi material machines, so once you master this single material machine, you might upgrade to multi material.
Prusa ships more than 6000 i3 printers per month so you are not alone in your quest to become a 3D printer, and choosing the i3 is a good first step.
We hope you have learned a bit or two about the Prusa i3 MK3S printer and gained some confidence in its capabilities. But ultimately the choice is yours after diligent research.
