Prusa Mini Explained

Original Prusa MINI
Classification:	Fused deposition modeling 3D printer
Inventor:	Josef Průša
Manufacturer:	Prusa 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'.^{[3] [4]}

Specifications

Mini

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. 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. 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).

Reception

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

See also

• Prusa i3

External links

• Prusa Research

Notes and References

1. Web site: Prusa introduces new $350 MINI 3D printer. Griffiths. Laura. 2019-10-24. TCT Magazine. en-gb. 2019-12-26.
2. Web site: Prusa Unveils Original Prusa Mini 3D Printer and Announces Prusa XL. 2019-10-12. All3DP. en. 2019-12-26.
3. Web site: Prusa cuts the cost of production and prototype 3D printing. Bush. Steve. 2019-10-14. Electronics Weekly. en-GB. 2019-12-26.
4. Web site: Mini Prusa MK3 Appears at TCT Birmingham 2019. 2019-09-25. All3DP. en. 2019-12-26.
5. Web site: Prusa . Josef . Original Prusa MINI is here: Smart and compact 3D printer for everyone! . 2019-10-12.
6. Web site: 2019 Original Prusa Mini 3D Printer: Review the Specs. 2019-10-14. All3DP. en. 2019-12-26.
7. Web site: Prusa Research Releases Prusa Mini for $349. 2019-10-14. 3DPrint.com The Voice of 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing. en-US. 2019-12-26.
8. Web site: Prusa . Josef . November 2020 Update: Original Prusa i3 MK3S+ and MINI+ now shipping, MINI+ kit in the works, new steel sheet available . 2020-11-24.
9. Web site: Kohut . Adam . 2023-09-20 . Original Prusa MK4 Input Shaping Is Here, and the Mini Gets in on the Fun Too . 2023-11-26 . All3dp.
10. Web site: 2019-12-16 . Prusa Dares You To Break Their Latest Printer . 2019-12-26 . Hackaday . en-US.
11. Web site: Brewster . Signe . The 3 Best 3D Printers 2021 . web.archive.org . New York Times . 25 June 2024 . 16 August 2021.