Prusa releases improved i3 MK3S + and MINI + 3d printers
Prusa Research has updated its i3 MK3S and smaller MINI printers. The + versions of the printers will include a better bed-level sensor. There will also be a kit version of the MINI and there is news about the Prusa XL.
The MK3S has been delivered since February 2019 and, just like with the introduction of that model, the MK3S + is now also being delivered to customers who order the normal version. The price of the MK3S + is therefore unchanged compared to the MK3S: 769 euros for the self-build version and 999 euros for the pre-built version. The biggest change in the new printer is an improved sensor that provides automatic bed leveling. The PINDA v2 of the MK3S makes way for the SuperPINDA: which has a better sensor on board and does not suffer from temperature drift, or changing measurements at different temperatures. In the MK3S, this is compensated by software with a temperature sensor or thermistor.
Prusa has also addressed the construction of the MK3S +. For example, the linear bearings for the y-axis are easier to attach with clips instead of u-bolts and the steel guides of the y-axis are held with new holders instead of zip ties. The extruder has also been slightly modified, with optimizations for printing flexible filaments and better access to the Bondtech gears. Furthermore, the mounting of the cooling fan has also been adjusted and the tensioning of the timing belt for the x-axis has been improved. Prusa indicates that the enhancements for the + version do not significantly improve print quality and that MK3S owners do not need to upgrade. Those who want to can buy an upgrade kit for 50 euros, which can be delivered from January.
The Prusa MINI + would benefit noticeably from the upgrade to the SuperPINDA sensor. In the MINI a slightly less good sensor for auto bed leveling is used: the MINDA probe. That would suffer much more from variation, so that the important first layer of prints is not always consistent. The upgrade to the SuperPINDA sensor is the most important change for the MINI +, but unlike the MK3S + it is increased in price: the MINI + costs 419 euros, while the original MINI cost 379 euros. In 2021, a kit version of the MINI + should become available, which should be available for 379 euros. An upgrade kit for the MINI to the MINI + will also be available: it costs 26 euros and consists only of the SuperPINDA sensor.
In addition to the + versions of the FFF printers, Prusa has also released a new print bed for the MK3 variants: a Satin Steel print bed. That bed has a fine structure that sits between the smooth print bed and the textured bed. This would make it suitable for printing different types of filament, while the smooth bed is mainly suitable for PLA and the rougher bed is mainly suitable for plastics such as PETG. The new print bed will cost 45 euros: slightly more expensive than the two other variants. Furthermore, Prusa has made new filaments available and as a bouncer it announced that the next 3D printer, the Prusa XL, will get a tool changer. That might mean that the XL could be equipped with a laser or a milling head in addition to a print head.