History of Prusa

The Prusa i3, a family of fused deposition modeling 3D printers, was first designed by Josef Průša in 2012 and released as a commercial kit in 2015.
Author

Michael Borck

  1. Origins and Development:
    • The Prusa i3, a family of fused deposition modeling 3D printers, was first designed by Josef Průša in 2012 and released as a commercial kit in 2015.
  2. Popularity:
    • In 2016, the Prusa i3 was recognized as the most used 3D printer in the world, largely due to its low cost, ease of construction, and modification.
  3. Open Source Influence:
    • Released under an open-source license, the Prusa i3 design has inspired numerous variants and clones produced by other companies and individuals.
  4. Model Iterations:
    • The Prusa i3 has seen multiple iterations, including the MK2, MK2S, MK3, MK3S, and the latest MK4, each with significant improvements and new features.
  5. Key Features:
    • Notable features across models include mesh bed leveling, automatic geometry skew correction, improved build volume, custom stepper motors, and various advanced sensors for better print quality.
  6. Materials and Construction:
    • The printers use 3D printing filament for parts, and their designs have evolved from threaded rods and printed bushings to aluminum extrusions and more robust frame structures.
  7. Recognition and Awards:
    • Prusa i3 models have received several awards, including Best Overall 3D Printer from Make: Magazine and recognition from 3D Printing Industry and All3DP.
  8. Control Systems:
    • Prusa i3 printers have transitioned from using Arduino-based controllers to more advanced boards like the Einsy Rambo and xBuddy, featuring Marlin 3D printing firmware.
  9. Innovation in Features:
    • The MK3 introduced features like a filament detector, error-correcting stepper motor drivers, and power outage recovery. The MK4 added input shaping, pressure advance, and modular hot end systems.
  10. Expansion and Variants:
    • Beyond the i3 series, Prusa Research has developed other models like the SL1, Mini, and XL, leveraging different printing technologies and designs for various applications.