Prusa Mini

Original Prusa MINI
Prusa Mini+ Black Edition
ClassificationFused deposition modeling 3D printer
InventorJosef Průša
ManufacturerPrusa Research

The Prusa Mini, stylized as the Original Prusa MINI, is an open-source fused deposition modeling 3D printer that is manufactured by the Czech company Prusa Research.[1][2] The printer is the lowest cost machine produced by Prusa Research and is designed as a first printer or as part of a 'print farm'.[1][3][4]

Specifications

Mini

Image of a Prusa Mini Clone
Prusa Mini Clone

The Prusa Mini was officially launched in October 2019.[5] The printer is available either assembled or as a kit. The build volume is 180 x 180 x 180 mm, and the print is performed on a spring steel sheet which meant to be easy to remove.[2] Minimum layer resolution is 50 micrometers, and the maximum travel speed is 200 millimeters per second. The printer has an LCD color display (non-touch), is able to print via USB drives. It has a custom 32-bit mainboard and a built-in online firmware updater. The printer has sensorless homing using Trinamic 2209 drivers and has a custom hot end which supports E3D nozzles.[6][7]

It has several safety features including three thermistors to detect thermal runaway.

Mini+

In November 2020, the Prusa Mini was replaced by the Mini+, which featured a few small updates meant to ease assembly and maintenance.[8] One of the changes was a new mesh bed levelling sensor called "SuperPINDA" which replaced the previous "MINDA" sensor, and it is claimed by the manufacturer that this should result in a more consistent calibration of the first print layer in particular.[citation needed] The Mini+ filament sensor is an optional extra.

Upgrades

In September 2023, Prusa Research announced that upcoming Mini and Mini+ firmware would include network remote management using the PrusaConnect service, and input shaping for faster printing with no physical changes to the printer needed.[9]

The printer is the first open source hardware product to require a user wishing to use unsigned firmware to physically break off a piece of the PCB, voiding the printer's warranty, before it can be flashed onto the board.[10] This is intended to reduce Prusa's liability should someone create custom firmware with potential to cause harm (such as disabling thermal runaway protections or other safety features).[10]

Reception

Prusa Mini was selected as The Best 3D Printer by The Wirecutter in 2021, and continued to feature until 2023.[11]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Griffiths, Laura (24 October 2019). "Prusa introduces new $350 MINI 3D printer". TCT Magazine. Retrieved 26 December 2019.
  2. ^ a b "Prusa Unveils Original Prusa Mini 3D Printer and Announces Prusa XL". All3DP. 12 October 2019. Retrieved 26 December 2019.
  3. ^ Bush, Steve (14 October 2019). "Prusa cuts the cost of production and prototype 3D printing". Electronics Weekly. Retrieved 26 December 2019.
  4. ^ "Mini Prusa MK3 Appears at TCT Birmingham 2019". All3DP. 25 September 2019. Retrieved 26 December 2019.
  5. ^ Prusa, Josef (12 October 2019). "Original Prusa MINI is here: Smart and compact 3D printer for everyone!".
  6. ^ "2019 Original Prusa Mini 3D Printer: Review the Specs". All3DP. 14 October 2019. Retrieved 26 December 2019.
  7. ^ "Prusa Research Releases Prusa Mini for $349". 3DPrint.com | The Voice of 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing. 14 October 2019. Retrieved 26 December 2019.
  8. ^ Prusa, Josef (24 November 2020). "November 2020 Update: Original Prusa i3 MK3S+ and MINI+ now shipping, MINI+ kit in the works, new steel sheet available".
  9. ^ Kohut, Adam (20 September 2023). "Original Prusa MK4 Input Shaping Is Here, and the Mini Gets in on the Fun Too". All3dp. Retrieved 26 November 2023.
  10. ^ a b "Prusa Dares You To Break Their Latest Printer". Hackaday. 16 December 2019. Retrieved 26 December 2019.
  11. ^ Brewster, Signe (16 August 2021). "The 3 Best 3D Printers 2021". New York Times. Archived from the original on 16 August 2021. Retrieved 25 June 2024.