Mr. Josef Prusa of Prusa Research is the brains behind the Prusa i3 MK3S, and he is hailed for his ability to take feedback from his users and implement them into an upgraded version of an existing product. This is exactly what happened with the Prusa i3 MK3, as it is an update to the original Prusa i3 mk3s. The new printer comes with a redesigned extruder that allows owners to change the nozzle without taking apart the extruder assembly, among a host of other features that we’ll point out in this i3 MK3S review. For those who seek to know if it is the best 3D printer, read on to see for yourself.
Why We Like It – Original Prusa i3 MK3S
The Original Prusa i3 MK3S is one of the most highly revered 3D printers, and for good reason too. The Prusa MK3S has a mid range price tag, and comes with improvements from its predecessor such as full recovery from power loss, automated bed leveling and a magnetic heated bed.
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- Removable magnetic print bed
- Power recovery option (pause and restart)
- Easy to use Slic3r software
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- Poor bed adhesion
- Long distance prints are difficult
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Performance
The i3 MK3S, like the LulzBot Mini 3D is an open frame printer that boasts of an accommodating build volume of 250 x 210 x 200mm, and has a heated bed that is also removable. It has a print speed of 200mm per second, and can operate at a minimum resolution of 50 microns. Its print bed is also capable of automatic bed levelling, which happens just before the printing procedure begins. The new features that this new version comes with that the original Prusa i3 lacks include a redesigned extruder whose nozzle has been moved closer to the X-axis, and an updated filament sensor for compatibility with specific filaments.
Design
The design of the original Prusa i3 MK3 is not that different from that of the MK3S. Prusa only tweaked a few technical abilities, but the structural design remained quite the same. Just like the XYZprinting Nobel 3D, the printer does feature an LCD screen, though it is operated by a rotating knob. To run this printer, you’ll need to use a USB cable to connect it to your computer, but you can also save your print job on an SD card and slot it in to get the printer to work. As for the smoothness of the print bed, you can go for a spring steel surface that is sold per sheet, and also comes in different colors.
Value
The print quality demonstrated by the MK3S is impeccable. Once you get around using the open source Slic3r software, you’ll be able to specify even the most minute detail about how you want your print to turn out. If your power happens to go out having printed just the first layer of your job, it’ll be able to resume from right where it stopped thanks to its power recovery feature; one that even the Zortrax M200 doesn’t have. Owners can also go for spring steel sheets for their print bed as they allow for a smooth print surface.
Original Prusa i3 MK3S Wrap Up
The Prusa i3 MK3S is a top-grade 3D printer that is suitable for professional grade work, and at about $1000, it’s a bit more suitable for more experienced users and not beginners as such. The printed parts come out in high definition, thanks to good precision from the printer. Is it worth the upgrade from the Original Prusa i3? This depends on whether or not you can handle the misgivings of the Original Prusa, which in our opinion, are not that difficult to live with.
