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The one name that has become a pioneer for the entire 3D printing community is Prusa Research. The manufacturer has released many 3D printers for a different group of users and each of these has excelled by par.
Users have loved what the company has to offer and it all because of the unbeatable results these printers are capable of offering.
The Original Prusa i3 MK2S isn’t different from the league and has become famous among individuals from different niches. The magic lies in the huge number of updates that the company has brought with this device.
The next in the series after MK2, The Original Prusa i3 MK2S is a souped-up version of the all-time favorite, MK3.
The Prusa series and the company got its name from its founder, Joseph Prusa. Instead of just addressing few changes from its predecessor, the Original Prusa i3 MK2S is a completely different machine.
It is just the looks that are similar to an orange and black printer’s frame. Looking closer, you would be able to distinguish these two printers clearly.
Hence, here is a review based on the customer feedback and our experience handling Original Prusa i3 MK2S. This might help you decide on the best. And, if you at all need this printer for your specific goals.
Features
Before starting to talk about the features of the 3D Printer, it is important to know that the machine is available in different formats. One can but a kit or can get the pre-assembled format.
Moreover, one can also print the entire machine using another 3D printer. The designs for the different parts are available on the company’s website.
Although it isn’t predictable if the designing of the entire machine from scratch would be any cheaper, it definitely would be an amazing experience.
Talking about the features, there are many notable ones that would leave you awestruck. Getting so much for such a little price is a true value for the money you pay.
E3 V6 Hotend: The company has ensured to use the best in class parts to provide the highest reliability. TO start with, the printer uses an E3D hotend.
For those who are not aware of the benefits of the nozzle, it is an all-metal hot end capable of handling higher temperatures. The Original Prusa i3 MK3S makes use of the E3 V6 hot end.
Bondtech Drive Gears: To make the duo even stronger, The ED3 hot-end is complimented by upgraded Bondtech drive gears. The drive gears help in enhancing the steady flow of filament to the hot ends.
These grip assists the flow by holding the filament from either side, hence, reducing slip and at the same time, increasing the push force. This also allows the printer to work great with the most notorious of the filaments.
Automatic Loading of Filament: A lot of users have described how difficult it could be to load the filament sometimes and with few printer designs.
However, with the automatic filament feeder utilized in Original Prusa i3 MK2S, all you need to do is pop the filament into the extruder.
The rest would be taken care of by the sensor that detects the material and pulls it into the machine. After the filament is loaded, you just need to make the selection for the filament type.
Upgraded Build Plate: The removal of models after they are completed isn’t very easily most of the time. With MK2S, however, it is simple and effortless.
Unlike the old version that used a glass plate along with the bull clips to hold the plate in place, MK2S utilizes magnetic HeatBed along with a spring steel sheet, coated with an alloy PEI.
Using this plate, the printer tackles the post-processing in a very simple manner. The MK3S is shipped with a smooth PEI sheet.
However, you can also choose the textured powder-coated version. This is only available on request for some extra bucks to further increase the adhesion.
Sturdy Aluminium Extrusion Frame: The 3D Printer is sturdy and uses aluminum extrusion that was introduced in the MK3. This aluminum extrusion is utilized for the Y-axis as well as for the high-quality lead screws.
Quiet Operation: You would be amazed to see how quite this printer works. In the stealth mode, the printer won’t make noise and let you work in silence.
To do so, Prusa makes use of the highest quality stepper motor and combines them with Trinamic2130 drivers. For cooling, it uses Noctua fans. Hence, one can print without any disturbance when using the printer in the stealth mode.
Power Loss Recovery: This is a very important feature that helps the user save themselves from print failures. If the power is lost in between the print, the model won’t be wasted.
The printer would save the progress and would resume from where it was left after the power comes back. The MK3S helps to recover completely after the power loss. So, even if you are out of power for longer, the print would always start from where it was left.
P.I.N.D.A. 2 probe: This is also one of the most important features of the 3D printer. This means that the machine boasts two thermistors.
Of which, one is used for checking the suitable temperature of the electronics. On the other hand, the other P.I.N.D.A. 2 probe is utilized for adjusting in case of any temperature drift that may occur at the print level.
This helps in making sure that the adhesion of the first layer is always optimum.
Open Frame: The printer has an open frame. Hence, the printer is open from all sides. This helps in increasing the visibility of the prints. However, may not be safe when working at home with children around.
All these features are very helpful in making this printer a great choice for professionals. The 3D Printer ensures the ease of use as well as ensures high-quality prints for best results.
Specifications
The printer provides a decent build volume of 9.8 x 8.3 x 8 in. This is sufficient enough for many applications. Moreover, the printer is capable of printing is high resolution ranging from 50 microns to 300 microns layer height.
The E3D extruder can reach a temperature of up to 280 degrees Celsius. Also, the heated bed temperature that can be attained is 120 degrees Celsius.
The accuracy of the machine is also exemplary. One can expect to realize 10 x 10 x 5 Microns of accuracy along different axes. Hence, making this 3D printer a huge success among the users.
Price
If you choose the Original Prusa i3 MK2 kit, you would be charged $699. However, for the pre-assembled version, the cost is $899.
If you wish to print it yourself, it will depend on how optimized settings you come up with to get the best result in the first go itself for all the parts printed by you.
This affordable 3D printer is very attractive in terms of price with so many advanced features included with this design.
First Impressions
As already mentioned, the design is very familiar to that of MK2. After you take it out of the box, you would find it as impressive and sturdy as the old version.
It embodies an onboard LCD interface. For connectivity, you have the option to choose between the USB slot and the SD card slot. The spool holder is placed at the top of the frame. The machine, with its single extruder, looks amazing.
The first difference to notice is the upgraded cable management with the hidden electronics. It features a clean design. Along with that, the version has a better print head.
The printer utilizes the nozzle with a default diameter of 0.4 millimeters. However, it is swappable and you can use the one you prefer.
Among all this, the build plate isn’t removable. Although that may seem a laid back decision from the company, it is not. The models can still be easily removed once the bed cools down completely.
In short, the first impression would be astonishing. And, if you order the kit, you would still be impressed by the way the company packages the box, completely secure. The instruction manual is also well detailed and is complete for beginners as well.
Setup
The 3D printer, when ordered in the kit version would come as separate parts. You must assemble them together to complete the setup.
The instructions provided by the company are very detailed and it would take around 6 hours or less for experienced users when assembling the machine.
You also have the option of using the online version of the guide instead of looking at the printed one. Also, there are many videos available online that features the installation and setup of the machine.
After the assembly completes, you do not have to worry about the bed leveling process as the printer provides the automatic bed leveling feature. All you need to take care of is the software installation, initial calibration and you can start with the first print.
Printing Type/Cost
Original Prusa i3 MK2S is an FDM 3D printer. Hence, it is cheap to operate as compared to printers based on other printing processes.
PLA is the cheapest of all the filaments. You can choose PLA if you wish to keep the cost low. However, you must consider the design, complexity, details, resolution, and various other aspects when calculating the operation cost.
Print Quality
The manufacturer is known for providing the best results in terms of print quality and this device follows that league quite well. You can expect to print detailed models without any hassle.
The print quality is astounding. The complex designs and difficult models can be printed with the utmost satisfaction when working with this workhorse.
Software
The 3D printer comes with the manufacturer’s recommended slicer, Slic3r Prusa Edition for intermediate, and PrusaControl for beginners.
Both applications are simple and easy to use. Slic3r does provide more freedom to change the settings of the prints. On the other hand, the latter is easy and can be used when wanting to print without much tinkering.
Apart from these applications, the printer can also be used alongside various other slicers. Simplify3D is also included in that list which is the most popular slicer known.
Customer Service
Once again, the performance of the company is amazing in terms of providing technical support. There are documents and manuals available on the website of the company.
Also, a large online community supporting the machine is always eager to help users in case of any query regarding the operation or installation of the 3D printer.
Parameters Influencing the Buying Decision
This is what you must look for when making the final decision to buy the printer.
3D Printer cost: The printer is affordable for professionals and even for some serious home users. The kit version is even cheaper than the completely assembled format.
3D Print quality: It offers great quality prints.
3D Print speed: The speed is also nice. Depending on the resolution you choose to print with, the results may vary.
3D Printer capability: The printer can print with a resolution between 50 to 300 microns and is highly accurate. Hence, is well suited for commercial use.
3D Printer Practicality: It is a great choice for almost all user base. From beginners to enthusiasts to professionals, anyone can utilize it.
3D Printer User expectations: It does get all the right ticks. And, is highly popular among users.
Verdict
At this price point, Original Prusa i3 MK2S is one of the most popular 3D printers with amazing results. One can trust the printer for many tasks. This printer can help accomplish commercial applications as well as great for a learning experience for beginners.
