REVIEW: PRUSA i3 Mk3 (Tested after 1 Million + Hours)

After over four years of non-stop runtime and continued improvements in hardware and software, is the i3 Mark-3 ecosystem from Prusa Research still the workhorse king?

The short answer: Absolutely. I take a look back to give our unique insight running a print farm full of Original Prusa printers, all of them updated to the Prusa i3 Mark-3S+ specifications. From our experience printing, repairing, and replacing parts, I can be confident in saying that these printers are extremely reliable; even compared to newer options in the market, the Mark-3S+ comes out on top. They will continue to churn out products for us well into 2021, 2022, and beyond. That alone proves their worth invaluable.

UPDATE 4/2023: Prusa has recently announced the Prusa Mk4, which is a further improvement on their i3 design. We have purchased a Mk4, and we'll be running it through its paces in the coming months. Stay tuned for more content about that!

We were recently featured on The Verge:


3D Printing Nerd's UPDATED feature of us:

This is NOT a sponsored review, but I do have an affiliate code for purchasing below (It's worth mentioning in the 5-year channel history- this is my first affiliate link):

FAQ & Corrections:
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0:00 Opening & Montage
0:33 Introduction
3:03 Disclaimers & Tempering Expectations
4:04 Our Print Farm Background
8:53 The Advantages of the Prusa Ecosystem
11:24 History of Customer Support
13:06 The Mk3S+ in Today's Market
14:22 Reliability and Repairability
17:18 To Wrap Up
19:27 Rating & Closing Remarks

Out of Darts, run by Luke, is a one-stop nerf-modding hobby shop. We carry all the supplies, tool accessories to make your modding journey easier! We create original 3D-printed blasters and mod parts with almost 100 Prusa printers. Check out our site below for guides, build lists, and resources.

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Product questions?

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Edited by J Perry Heun, Out of Darts Video Editor

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Syn Cole - Feel Good [NCS Release]
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[outofdarts]

What other aspects of our business would you like to see more? We're really trying to make more than just blaster reviews, so let us know in the comments below!

P.S. This was a much more involved video than usual. Thanks for your patience as we got this one published. - Perry

[volaertus]

I'm not into nerf guns by any means, but as an outsider to this hobby who's interested in running 3d printers commercially this video is priceless. I can see why you are successful. Thanks for the genuine and realistic information.

[sriramneravati]

At 13:41 he says its a pricy printer but I find it really justifiable as an engineering student who wants to use the printer as a tool, rather than make working with the printer a project in and of itself. I have nearly 6000 hours on the printer and it really is a reliable tool, as long as you take care of it and service it. Thanks for the review and if anyone is on the fence with this and a cheaper version but can stretch their budget, trust me its worth your money.

Also definitely get the kit, knowing every part in and out will make replacement and troubleshooting a breeze armed with the knowledge of the intricacies of the printer

[llsnyderj]

I would be interested in a Prusa Mini review aswell. To see how I can improve mine. Thanks!

[The_RC_Dude]

I probably won't be getting a printer soon, but this review was interesting non-the-less Luke! It's crazy that you have what is probably the 2nd biggest Prusa farm, and it all started with "this guy" tinkering with blasters in his garage! This channel has come so far, I can't believe that I'm looking at $120, 000+ worth of Prusa printers!

[LeoMakes]

This was a phenomenal review that covered literally everything I was wondering (reliability, print quality, service and support, Mini vs. 3S+, etc.) Thanks for taking the time to make this. I'll think I'll be replacing my CReality for a 3S+ as I'm tired of the reliability issues.

[alexandersmith]

You know, I didn’t even realize that a 3D printing technician is an actual job job. I’ve been building and fixing prusa printers since I was a freshman in high school and now I’m going into my sophomore year of college (manufacturing engineering technology). I love what y’all are doing seems like an awesome job!!

[trailheadmedia]

Awesome video! Just got my first printer and it happens to be this model. Scored it from a neighbor for $200 US. Happy to see I got a good deal!

[TheRoninSword]

Prusas really are great for when you want to have a printer with minimal issues, and upkeeping. not to mention they have great warranty and support if something goes wrong
I got one earlier this year, and I don't regret it at all.

[Just_Jesus_ef]

I'm so late to this video! Love these insight videos. Some of your earlier ones are one of the main, if not THE main reason I went with a Prusa Mini. Having gotten my feet wet on an Ender (and its many headaches) your video pushed me to Prusa. No regrets. I'm on my third Mini with plans to get more as my start-up grows! Thanks so much!!

[maetheechongchitnant]

I would definitely want to see more 3d printing content from Out of Darts. While you guys are primarily a Nurf-modder, the experience of running a print farm at your scale is something most 3d printing enthusiast don't have and I believe that makes you guys one of the most knowledgeable on this subject. So, please do share more!

[theamzngq]

I mostly watch your videos for technical stuff about 3-D printing as well as your product design process. I am just in love with the fact that 3-D printing allows you to think something up and hold it in your hand a short time later. I run a small print farm of a dozen MK3S units and I have also run them 24/7 for nearly a year and a half and I can echo your findings: only minor issues over that time so far. I keep thinking I’d like a larger printer, but I am hesitant to buy something that is not made by Prusa… anyway, thank you for such great videos! I hope to be like you someday when I grow up 😀

[OrenArieli]

Great video, Luke. Shout-out to you from your friends down in Cali.

[markjohnson]

Keep it going!!!! Your business is an inspiration. I’m up 11 prusa printers in my my print farm making pendants and jewelry weigh them.

[wecreatedit]

This was an amazing review. It’s amazing how you managed to build the business from 0 to what it is now in only 7 years! Good for you! Also thanks for the 3D printing farm knowledge. Really helps out aspiring makers. Can’t wait for the Mini+ review!

[calebschutter]

Just assembled my first Prusa MK3 with the dream of owning a farm. Thank you for these videos and hopefully blazing the path for future 3d printing farm businesses. Learned a lot from this video alone.

[JeromeDemers]

can't wait to see your review on the mini, I have the MK3S+ and like it. I knew it was great printer and I remember seen on your IG a picture of the numbers of print days one had. I was sold.

[StuntDoubleFPV]

This is an old vid now but thanks for a fantastic real world review. You have given me all the info I need and I'm about to pull the trigger. Cheers from Downunder

[SocalNewsOne]

Hi, thank you for putting this review together! Based on this video I have purchased my first Prusa i3 kit. I have been using 3D printers from the first Makerbot but lost my Ultimaker in July. Been looking for an alternative and this looks to be the one. Sorry I didn't use your affiliate link!! Hope others who purchase a Prusa remember to click your link. However, heading over to your website to buy Nerf stuff for my nephew. Thanks again.

[youhigh]

I just bought a prusa and the reputation that follows them for reliability is exactly what you get. Anywhere from assembly to slicing to printing it’s fantastic. Makes 3D printing accessible and less intimidating to starters. I don’t even tune slicer profiles i just use generic pla and it literally prints anything you throw at it. I am in love with the printer. I got a ender 3 first which I’m happy I did cause that’s how I got my know how of printing.