Why Are Prusa Printers So Expensive?

Prusa 3D printers are considered some of the very best, if not the best, 3D printers on the market. To that end, an assembled machine costs over $1000, and a DIY kit will set you back around $750. There’s no question their quality is excellent but is there a specific reason why this brand is priced so high? 

Prusa printers are so expensive because they create their own hardware, software, filament, and more. The software functionality and user-friendly and efficient hardware make them a formidable manufacturer. Plus, a Prusa print is considered superior in size and quality to that of other brands.

Read on to learn why Prusa printers, such as the i3 MK3S, are so prolific, even in default settings. We’ll also cover some frequently asked questions so you can decide if Prusa is right for you.

Prusa Uses Open Hardware, Software, and Frame Design

Prusa printers have what is known as open hardware and software, meaning modifications can easily be made to both of these to suit your needs. 

As a result, this open hardware and frame design allows you to buy almost all parts or replacement parts from any store or company. 

That said, Prusa parts are made with the same materials that the printer uses to print, meaning you can literally print your own printer. So, with the proper guidance and instructions, you can easily create parts in your own home. 

Prusa printers are made of a light, flexible material called PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate modified with Glycol). This is a commonly used filament and is especially popular among 3D printer users or 3D artists for its low price and good printability. 

In addition, it’s tough, durable, and has excellent heat-resistant qualities. 

Prusa Allows for Custom Components and Modifications

Prusa has different components and modifications available that allow you more variation with your prints. This includes nozzles of varying sizes and filament in a range of colors. 

They can control the thickness and height of print layers and the temperature of the printing bed itself. 

Finally, Prusa printers are made with wireless capabilities when using a raspberry pi. To learn more about the Prusa range and its capabilities, read this detailed review. 

Prusa Produces High-Quality Prints

The print quality of all Prusa printers is consistently exceptional, even from the smaller and cheaper options. In addition, some models can print high-quality items and multiple items at once. 

Many of the higher-end Prusa builds have upgraded motherboards that can better detect and even take the initiative to correct errors while the machine is printing. 

However, human error is always a factor to consider, especially when creating a really complex print. 

Luckily, if you purchase the DIY kit, the machine firmware calibrates the printer and compensates for minor errors that may happen when assembling manually. 

Prusa’s Printers Are Long-Lasting and Upgradeable 

Despite the extensive availability of spare parts and modifications, Prusa printers are made to last, and their parts will rarely break or need to be replaced. This is partially due to the durable PETG material the printer and its parts are made up of. 

Of course, as with everything, this depends on the frequency of use and whether or not you maintain the printer correctly. 

Still, Prusa’s knowledge base and support system are extremely helpful in the unlikely event of a breakage or damage to the model you have. Furthermore, most breakages and damages are relatively easy to fix on your own because of how available spare parts are, as stated earlier. 

How To Know if Prusa Is for You

You don’t necessarily need the most high-end printer around if you’re a total beginner. Many options are more basic, affordable, and of reasonable enough quality. 

However, Prusa’s user interface, automatic settings, and availability mean that the Prusa range is suited to even the newest beginners. 

For example, The Monoprice MP Cadet is well-suited to a beginner printer. It’s cheaper, simpler to use, and smaller in size. However, it is less capable of complex printing (e.g., prints with minute details, such as jewelry or prints with many moving parts) and less detailed in general. 

If you’re more experienced, the Prusa range is the cream of the crop and is perfect for you. The power and freedom allowed by these powerful tools will allow you to print your wildest dreams. 

To view Prusa’s entire range, check out their website. 

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re still interested in purchasing one of these top-of-the-line 3D printers, here are a few frequently asked questions that might help you decide.

Which Prusa Printer Is the Cheapest?

The Original Prusa MINI+ Semi-assembled 3D Printer and the Original Prusa MINI+ kit are the cheapest Prusa printers in the range. They cost around $400 each, as opposed to the larger printers, which cost upwards of $1000. 

Is There a Cheaper but Similar Quality Brand?

The Creality Ender 3 V2 FDM (Available on Amazon) printer is a cheaper but similar quality brand to Prusa. It’s the second-best rated 3D printer of 2022 so far, is comparable in standards to the MK3S, has a lower budget, and is more cost-effective. 

Does the Prusa Use Anything Other Than PETG To Print?

Prusa uses many other filaments to print, including PLA (Polylactic Acid) and ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene). These are just as flexible and hard as PETG, but they all have different specific uses and purposes. 

Conclusion 

The Prusa range is pricey; there’s no doubt about that. However, the verdict is that it is definitely worth it. 

The price you pay ensures quality, efficiency, and creative freedom for the 3D artist, whether beginner or veteran. 

Not to mention, not every Prusa printer is a bank breaker. 

The lower-end and smaller printers are more affordable without compromising too much on quality and efficiency. But, of course, they aren’t as effective as larger, more expensive models, especially when it comes to highly complex prints or when printing items with very fine detail.