HARDWARE REVIEW: PRUSA 3D PRINTERS

Part of every job is to use different software and hardware tools. Unfortunately, some of these software and hardware are doing us more damage than good, and some are so useful that you cannot work without them. In this article series, I will discuss the software and hardware I use as a mechanical design engineer. In this article, I will talk about the Prusa 3D printers I have used for years to make quality 3D-printed parts.

Introduction

I have been following Prusa Research for more than ten years. I was participating in creating 3D printers based on some of the first layouts available on the internet. I follow Prusa Research progress and innovation with great interest. I use Prusa 3D printers for aesthetic and functional prototypes, fixtures, jigs, enclosures, etc.

I do most of my work on the Prusa i3 MK3S+ 3D printer and Prusa SL1S SPEED 3D Printer + CW1S.

I would say that for me, as a mechanical design engineer, knowing and using 3D printing technologies in everyday work is one of the most important and valuable skills. Therefore, if your company still does not have 3D printers implemented in day-to-day design work, you should insist on doing so.

What is 3D printing?

3D printing or additive manufacturing is a technology that allows the creation of three-dimensional objects by dispensing material layer-by-layer based on the computer-generated 3D model. You can divide the 3D printing process into four steps: 3D modeling, slicing, 3D printing, and finishing.

In the first step, you create a virtual 3D model that you would like to physically build. For this step, you can use software like Autodesk Fusion 360. The second step is to prepare the 3D model data in a language 3D printer can understand. This step is also called slicing. In this step, you will define different parameters and translate them into a language machine can understand (G-Code). You can use software like PrusaSlicer. The third step is creating physical objects on the 3D printers, like Prusa i3 MK3S+. In the fourth step, if necessary, you will remove the support structure, clean the part, sand it, paint it, etc. The last step is to give an object the finishing look that you would like it to have.

The objects can be made using different technologies: Stereolithography (SLA), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), PolyJet, Multi Jet Fusion (MJF), etc. Of course, the most affordable one is FDM technology.

3D printing can be used virtually for everything, from prototypes to finished products.

My experience with Prusa 3D printers

As I said, I have been using 3D printers for quite a long time. I have created countless different parts, and I must say that Prusa 3D printers I suggest to everyone. For a reasonable price, you get a reliable machine that you can use for most of your engineering work.

What I like most is that I can find everything I need for 3D printing on one website. Usually, I am extremely busy with day-to-day tasks, and I do not have much time to search the web for the parts and materials I need. Prusa has done a great job with this. They have their own 3D printers (obviously), but you can also find the spare parts on their website. In addition, they also have their own slicer software developed for Prusa printers, and they have their own brand of materials.

Furthermore, they have a great community; most common problems have already been solved, and you can easily find blog posts, videos, guides, etc. Also, you can find different upgrades that were made by the Prusa community to get your printer even better than it is.

I have made countless different parts with Prusa printers, from two minutes prints to two days prints. If you do proper maintenance in regular time slots, your machine will work reliably for a long time.

As a mechanical design engineer, I want to have as few distractions and frustrations as possible when working on a new design. That is definitely the case with Prusa Printers. Due to the high quality-to-price ratio, I would say this is one of the best purchases I have ever made.

Which product should you choose?

If you are new to 3D printing and want to use 3D printing at home as a hobby, I suggest you start with Prusa MINI+.

The first option is to buy a slightly less expensive Original Prusa MINI+ kit that you need to assemble. The second option is to go with Original Prusa MINI+ Semi-assembled 3D Printer.

If you want to use 3D printing for your day-to-day engineering work, creating prototypes, fixtures, jigs, enclosures, etc., you should get a Prusa i3 MK3S+.

You have a less expensive option where you have to assemble the machine on your own: Original Prusa i3 MK3S+ kit. Or if you want to get a fully assembled but slightly more expensive machine, you can buy this: Original Prusa i3 MK3S+ 3D printer.

Furthermore, you can upgrade your Prusa i3 MK3S+ with Prusa Enclosure which will help you stabilize the inner environment and ambient temperature.

The Prusa Research company has its own brand of filament called Prusament. They offer different materials in different colors like PLA, PETG, PC, PVB, ASA, ABS, PA, etc.

If you need high-quality extremely detailed 3D prints, you should definitely get the Original Prusa SL1S SPEED 3D Printer + CW1S BUNDLE.

The Prusa Research company also offers materials for SL1S printers: Prusament Resin Tough.

The latest addition to the Prusa family is a large-scale 3D printer Original Prusa XL with up to five extruders. Unfortunately, I still had no chance to work on it, but I believe it will be badass, like everything coming from Prusa research (as far as I know, preorder is available).

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Quality build – high quality to price ratio,
High-quality print (accuracy, resolution, and surface finish),
Printers are compatible with a wide range of materials,
Complete product environment – 3D printers, software, spare parts, material,
A lot of learning materials,
Great community.

Cons:

Companies do not have a say in this, but the price could be a challenge for private users.

Conclusion

3D printers are an essential tool for anyone who is doing any type of physical design work. The possibility to get the part prototype in a few minutes, hours, or overnight for a small fraction of the cost is a must in today’s world. If your company already does not have 3D printers, I would encourage you to convince your managers to implement this in your everyday design work.

Regarding the 3D printers, my personal opinion is that the Prusa 3D printers are worth every penny. The printers are reliable, with high-quality prints and repeatability. In addition, they have a great community and support, and you can easily find everything you need on one website.

This is my experience with using 3D printers. Do you have experience with it? Are you thinking about getting one? Share your experience and thoughts in the comments below!

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