PRUSA i3 MK3

Location

Main lab, 4 printers

FDM Desktop Fabrication
Model: Original Prusa i3 MK3
Brand: Prusa Research
Heated build Chamber
Filament used: PLA, PETG

Official Handbook: Here

Download and install PrusaSlicer
Once PrusaSlicer is installed, the configuration menu may pop up. If it doesn’t, manually open it by going to Configuration –> Configuration Wizard in the top bar.

Go to Prusa FFF and select the Original Prusa I3 MK3 & MKS3+. Then, press finish on the bottom left.

Here is a PrusaSlicer Beginner Tutorial that will teach you the basics. The following bullet points will also serve as a guide to printing your first 3D model.

Create a 3D model or find one online. You can find some on thingiverse.com. We will be printing the Calibration Cube. Supported file types are: STL, STEP, 3MF, OBJ, and AMF.

Open the file in PrusaSlicer. If your file is in a zip, you must unzip it to access it. You can either drag the file from your downloads to PrusaSlicer, use CTRL + I, or import it by going to File –> Import –> Import STL/3MF/STEP/OBJ/AMF/PRUSA

Your model should now be in PrusaSlicer. Make sure the filament selected is PETG (unless you are using a different filament). You may want to edit your model’s position or change some print settings, such as the nozzle size, quality, and amount of infill. If your model is tall and overhangs, it is recommended that you go to Print Settings –> Support Material –> and toggle Generate Support Material on. For this demonstration, we will be using the default settings.

Once your model and print settings are finalized, press Slice Now at the bottom left of the screen. You should be able to see the supports and check how the infill looks in your model. You can also see the estimated print time.
Plug in the SD card from the printer into your computer. Export the file to your SD Card by either doing CTRL + U or going to File –> Export –> Export G-Code to SD Card. It is recommended that you rename the file and make it clear. Now, eject your SD card.

You are now ready to print! Bring your SD Card and plug it into the printer (on the left side of the control screen). On the screen, scroll down to your print by rotating the control knob. Press the knob to select. Press again to bypass any firmware notices. The bed will now heat up, and the print should start in a few minutes. You should see the estimated print time on the right.

Once your print has finished, wait until the bed has cooled down to room temperature, as this makes it easier for the print to come off. Use a spatula to take out the print or remove the bed and slightly flex it to separate the print from the bed.
If your print has supports, you can remove them with tweezers.

If the filament is not sticking to the printer bed, remove the sheet and clean it with rubbing alcohol.
If you switch out a steel sheet for another type, make sure to re-calibrate the bed.
If you notice the nozzle is touching too close or too far from the bed when printing, you can adjust the height of the nozzle by changing the z-axis in the printer’s configuration or live adjust the z-axis while printing.

Magnetic bed with swappable steel sheets:
- For easy and quick 3D print removal.
  - 3 Types: smooth, textured and satin which do not require surface preparation (i.e., glue, tape)
- The flexible steel sheets have a PEI powder coating.
- The print bed can reach up to 100C.
Optical filament sensor:
- Enables automatic filament loading.
- Lets the user know when the filament is running out and pauses the 3D print.
- Detects filament jams and stops the 3D printing process.
Power panic: if there is a power outage, the MK3 will go back to where it last left off when the power is back. This feature works without batteries.
Sensing fans and Noctua: for more silence when 3D printing. Also, cooling from both sides of the extruder increases the 3D printer's overhang performance.
New Y axis: gives the 3D printer a smoother look and a sturdier frame.
Bondtech extruder: dual gears ensure a reliable grip on the filament to prevent filament from slipping. The extruder can reach up to 300C.