Prusa i3 MK3
|
Prusa i3 MK3
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Status: Active | |
Superusers
- Reese Snook (rsnook@terpmail.umd.edu)
- Ivan Penskiy (ipenskiy@umd.edu)
Overview
The Prusa i3 MK3 is a highly acclaimed 3D printer known for its reliability, precision, and user-friendly features. Developed by Prusa Research, it builds on the open-source i3 design with advanced capabilities like a removable magnetic print bed, filament sensor, power loss recovery, and silent Trinamic stepper drivers. The MK3 delivers consistent high-quality prints thanks to its sturdy frame, auto bed leveling, and a well-tuned extruder system. It's popular among hobbyists, professionals, and educators for its balance of performance, affordability, and strong community support.
Location
E.A. Fernandez IDEA Factory (Bldg. 228), room 3119.3D printer specifications
| Max print volume (W × D × H) | 250 × 210 × 210 mm (9.84 × 8.3 × 8.3 inch) |
| Layer height | 0.05 - 0.35 mm standard layer height: 0.20mm |
| Supported materials | – common: PLA, ABS, TPU, PETG, ASA – uncommon: HIPS, PC, TPE |
| Maximum print head temperature | 300 °C |
| Maximum heated bed temperature | 120 °C |
| Accepted file types | .stl, .step, .3mf, .obj, .amf |
Important documents and useful links
- Official user guide
- Manufacturer technical specs
- Prusa slicer guides landing page
- Prusa MK3 knowledge base
- Terrapin Works Prusa slicer Dozuki guide
Reservation
Prusa i3 MK3 must be reserved before using. The reservation is done using the Google calendar. Users will be able to reserve the equipment personally after attending the RAL lab orientation and then following the steps below to gain access to the equipment.
Video demonstration
The following videos demonstrate capabilities and the some aspects of operating the Prusa i3 MK3 printer:Important reminders and safety
- Some parts of the printer get very hot during operation and take a while to cool down. Be careful when removing the printed parts or doing work inside the printer.
- Make sure to log the print and the amount of material used.
Designs can be made in any software capable of saving models in STL format (e.g. Onshape, AutoCad, SolidWorks, ProE, etc.). The on site computer station is meant for operating lab equipment only. Do not work on your CAD models here, your files can be brought over on a flash drive or wireless method.
Remember to set the appropriate tolerances in your STL files: tolerances should be smaller than the smallest feature in your design. Don't make tolerances much smaller than 3D printer resolution. Also, be mindful that small tolerances produce larger files.
- Guide to tolerancing for 3D prints
- Design for 3D printing guide by All3DP
- Visual troubleshooting guide
3D printing conceptual guides
- 3D printer anatomy, youtube video
- 3D printing basics, youtube video
TBD
TBD
TBD
Shutting down procedures
- Ensure that no active print jobs are running.
- Flip the main the power switch located on the right side of the printer.
Gaining access to equipment
Read the printer's user manual and contact the lab manager (ipenskiy@umd.edu).