Prusa i3 MK2 Kit Build Review

Prusa Research has done it again! This is by far the best 3D printer kit I have ever assembled. There are a couple of factors that make this kit the best. First, the assembly book and online documentation is easy to read and follow. Picture are large and no steps are missing. They also include tricks on how to assemble parts. Second, the 3D printed parts are all high quality. All parts fit together without any modifications. (Minus the self tapping M2 screws in the three plastic parts) Third, this machine is based of the Prusa i3. A well established solid platform.

This machine took me 5 hours to assemble. I would suggest to reserve a whole day to assemble and print your first part. This kit would be a great Father and son/daughter build.

Tripp Lite Standard Computer Power Cord 10A,18AWG

Expandable Polyester Sleeving, 1/2" ID, 10' Long

▼ Want to mail me something? It may show up in a future unboxing video (include note) ▼
Mark Fuller - PMB 163
463 Pooler Parkway
Pooler, Ga 31322

[PaulsR-D]

Good info. I built my Ultimaker Original 3 years ago and this looks vastly easier in comparison. I've been looking for a good review on this i3 MK2 and appreciate the summary you gave.

[WolfBlitzer]

Great review buddy, made me feel positive about my (on the way) order of the mk2, thanks.

[ShortCourseWorld]

Great vid. I have a mk2 on the way now.

[dagwood]

great review. I especially like how you handled the wires. This is something I am going to do to mine.

[chelescreations]

good job. good information on the machine build. thanks

[ajc]

Thanks for the tips - hopefully I'll still remember them when my printer kit arrives - got an estimated 7 weeks left:(

[AnthonyWebb]

At 11:45 it appears as though your machine actually rests on your LCD cable bundle, can you confirm? Seems like the machine would not lay flat?

[JohnOCFII]

Very nice video. Good audio (except a few noises - sounded like something hitting the microphone cord). Really good lighting. Personally I would have been a lot more upset about the bearing issue you had. Great that you were able to move past it. Did you have to print modified bearing holders, or were you able to re-use the ones that came with the kit? I really like your use of the nylon sleeving. Would one piece do the whole build? Is that one size you listed what you used everywhere, or did you use multiple sizes?

[ctbram]

So to get the pre-assembled and calibrated machine is about $200 more. That includes assembly and calibration. You said it took you about 5 hours to assemble. Do you recall the time to align and calibrate everything? If it's just a 5 hour assembly project then I am not sure it's worth $40/hr to have them build it. If so how do I apply for the $80, 000 a year job to assemble prusa's (smile).

[ellinorlinnea]

Hi! I had the Original Prusa i3 Plus, and just upgraded to the mk2. I have had a little hiccup, though. Even though I am sure the threaded rod base is fully square, I am having a serious issue. When I calibrate the printer, it tells me: "XYZ calibration compromised. Left front calibration point not reachable. X/Y skewed severely. Skew will be corrected automatically." How did you get your printer aligned? I have pored over the manuals for days and can't figure it out. I would really appreciate any tips. Thanks! PS. This video is great!

[Jeremy-ivbc]

Where did you get the longer linear bearings?

[WillieStubbs]

4 screws for the fan, LOL... they could have just made a frame for it to slide into and click in place.  Seems like that whole extruder assembly could be designed to be one or 2 pieces and click both fans in place inside a frame.  Awesome video... makes me want to give it a go and build one.

[JohnOCFII]

Doing my build (I'm pretty slow and methodical. My 1/4" ID expandable cable must not be as expandable as yours. I can't even get it over the small bundle going to the X-axis motor and endstop. While it does, in fact, measure 1/4" ID, it doesn't stretch very much. I can't even get my pin finger in past the fingernail. Going to have to fall back to the included cable wrap, I guess. You sure yours is 1/4: ID?

[martinmajewski]

So different can opinions be... I really hate the "snake skins"... Now I replace them with the plastic "stretchy" tubes wherever abd whenever I can. The nylon sleeves gives you a hard time routing the wires through, they fringe at the ends or look ugly when melted and they are a maintenance nightmare. :-)

Good and informative video, btw.! :-) Thank you for it.

[TravisHailston]

Fans have 4 screws to prevent annoying buzzing... ;-)

[Shadowcruise]

Quite informative. However, you need to be more cognizant of the placement of your microphone and refrain from creating superfluous noise. Very irritating and distracting.

[HDFoxra]

Get a dedicated mic for your videos v.v my ears nearly explode every time you move the camera...

As for the printer, I think you're either forgetting or don't know what the purpose of the prusa printers is. They are not meant as "professional printers", they are for enthusiasts. It's meant to be cheap yet perform extremely well. The two things that seem to be nit picked are arbitrary if anything... A straight plug is most likely included because it's more universal. It can go any direction where as the 90 degree cord would take up space if you had an outlet to your right or even in front of the printer. And while idk about you, it seems a majority of people leave their printers in a corner somewhere and the outlets usually closest to the printer are on the sides, not the back. Considering most household wiring specifications say to have the outlets near the middle of the walls instead of near the extremities.

[hanysonic]

i am not here to make you happy with my likes