Prusa Mini+ Original - FDM 3D printer kit

The Prusa Mini Original is a very interesting 3D printer with great potential due to its small size, quality and reduced price. It is an ideal equipment for beginner users or as a complementary 3D printer. It is shipped in a pre-assembled kit in three parts, so assembly is very easy and fast.

Prusa3D was born in 2012 by Czech Josef Prusa. What began as a hobby ended up being one of the leading companies in the 3D printing sector.

A small 3D printer with great possibilities

What stands out at first glance of the Prusa Mini Original is its small size, with a print volume of 18 x 18 x 18 cm. These dimensions, which may seem too small, are just one of the biggest advantages of this 3D printer. In some cases, it is faster and more cost-effective to set up multiple Prusa Mini and get them up and running simultaneously, than to get a single larger 3D printer, as you can see in the following comparison.

Image 1: Comparison Prusa i3 MK3S vs Prusa Mini

In contrast to the Prusa Original, the Prusa Mini has an indirect or bowden. Both maintain 1.75 mm filament, so this 3D printer is not best suited for working with flexible filaments. 

Simplicity of assembly and use

Another of the great advantages of the Prusa Mini Original is its design, devised to be competitive but at the same time very easy to use. Two possibilities are offered when purchasing the Prusa Mini:

Pre-assembled kit: The pre-assembled kit consists of only three parts. You only need to assemble them and self-calibrate the 3D printer to start printing.

Kit: The other option is to get the Prusa mini kit, which includes all the parts needed to assemble the 3D printer. This process turns out to be a very enriching experience, as it helps to get to know each component, how it is installed, and how the 3D printer works, serving as a basis for solving possible future problems. Prusa3D includes very detailed instructions, with the parts clearly differentiated from each other and with the cables prepared and cut to size to facilitate the assembly process. It also has a large community ready to help any user in trouble.

Image 2: Removing print sheets

Another advantage is the ability to remove a printed part from the base easily and quickly. The Prusa Mini Original features a magnetic heated base and removable steel bases, allowing you to remove printed parts by simply flexing the base. In addition, the flexible magnetic base can be purchased in smooth or textured format. With the textured base you get a rough finish on the face of the part in contact with the base.

Continuing the idea of streamlining processes and simplifying them, this 3D printer has the option of "one-click printing". Prusa3D has been concerned about avoiding errors or problems when loading a print file into the 3D printer. It is now possible to start 3D printing using a USB drive. In addition, it has a 2.8" full color LCD screen, from which you can also select printing over ethernet or via Wi-Fi (upgrade pending).

Image 3: Prusa Mini Original features a 2.8" LCD screen

PrusaSlicer

Prusa3D has its own open source laminating software, Prusa Slicer, compatible with the Prusa Mini Original. It has different functions and is constantly updated. In addition, the user is provided with fine-tuned profiles for all types of materials compatible with this 3D printer.

Image 4: PrusaSlicer, Prusa3D's own laminate software

For all the above: its price, its ease of use, its manageability... The Prusa Mini Original is a perfect 3D printer to start in 3D printing, as well as to get a good performance as a complementary 3D printer or even as part of a 3D Printer FDM.