Adrian Bowyer RepRap and Josef Prusa 3D Printing Revolution
RepRap is humanity's first general-purpose self-replicating manufacturing machine.
RepRap takes the form of a free desktop 3D printer capable of printing plastic objects. Since many parts of RepRap are made from plastic and RepRap prints those parts, RepRap self-replicates by making a kit of itself - a kit that anyone can assemble given time and materials. It also means that - if you've got a RepRap - you can print lots of useful stuff, and you can print another RepRap for a friend...
RepRap is about making self-replicating machines, and making them freely available for the benefit of everyone. We are using 3D printing to do this, but if you have other technologies that can copy themselves and that can be made freely available to all, then this is the place for you too.
Reprap.org is a community project, which means you are welcome to edit most pages on this site, or better yet, create new pages of your own. Our community portal and New Development pages have more information on how to get involved. Use the links below and on the left to explore the site contents. You'll find some content translated into other languages.
RepRap was the first of the low-cost 3D printers, and the RepRap Project started the open-source 3D printer revolution. It has become the most widely-used 3D printer among the global members of the Maker Community.
RepRap was voted the most significant 3D-printed object in 2017. That is to say people think that the most important thing you can print in a 3D printer is another 3D printer - the whole reason for the RepRap project. Also in 2017 RepRap's creator Adrian Bowyer was awarded the 3D Printing Industry's Outstanding Contribution to 3D Printing Award and was inducted into the 3D Printing Hall of Fame. In 2019 Adrian was awarded an MBE by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for RepRap.
RepRap state-of-the-art is well represented by John Mulac's Mulbot and Mike Jeffs' ReprapMJ.
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| Source: Moilanen, J. & Vadén, T.: Manufacturing in motion: first survey on the 3D printing community, Statistical Studies of Peer Production. |
| A family using one RepRap to print only 20 domestic products per year (about 0.02% of the products available) can expect to save between $300 and $2000: "...the unavoidable conclusion from this study is that the RepRap is an economically attractive investment for the average US household already." |
| Source: B.T. Wittbrodt et al., Life-cycle economic analysis of distributed manufacturing with open-source 3-D printers, Mechatronics. |
Hello, we are Prusa Research!
And we make more than just amazing 3D printers!
Prusa Research was founded as a one-man startup in 2012 by Josef Prusa, a Czech hobbyist, maker and inventor - and now one of the most famous names in the 3D printing industry.
Josef found his passion for 3D printers as a student of University of Economics in Prague. That was in 2009. Back then, he considered 3D printing to be nothing but a hobby, an amazing new technology open to changes and improvements. Josef then joined the open-source RepRap project and the rest is history.
It's pretty cool history, actually! Scroll down and see how Prusa Research was born and how we reached the top of the global charts!
We started really small. There were no investors, no Kickstarter campaigns. Just a man with a plan (and a huge stack of pizza boxes, which were used to ship 3D printer parts from a small basement workshop to the whole world). The beginnings were modest, but pretty exciting!
As time went by, the Prusa i3 design became one of the most popular FDM 3D printer designs adopted by many manufacturers and hobbyists across the world thanks to its open-source nature.
And now? Now, there are more than 700+ people working in Prusa Research and we ship over 9000 printers worldwide directly from our HQ in Prague every month! We have become the no.1 fastest growing tech company in Central Europe (Deloitte 2018) with a growth rate of 17118 % over the last four years and claimed the no.1 spot in Deloitte's 2019 BIG 5 category with the growth rate of 4527 %!
But despite all these numbers, visiting Prusa Research is like visiting a craftsman's workshop - a workshop sprawling across eight floors of a huge old Prague factory! We develop our own hardware and software, invent, improve, tinker, experiment and do all sorts of awesome stuff.
And we are staying faithful to our roots. Our award-winning Original Prusa i3 3D printers are still open-source and plenty of their parts are printed by other 3D printers - that’s why we also have “The Farm”, a large hall with more than 600 printers that create parts for other printers!
The Road to 100,000 3D printers
Watch the documentary describing Josef's journey - from a small basement workshop to founding a globally recognized brand and a massive factory that ships thousands of 3D printers to the entire world every month.
Open-source technology and why it matters
We wouldn’t exist without open-source. Prusa i3 3D printers were born from the idea of an open-source machine and we are still faithful to this ideology. Everything we do, everything we sell, is open-source. What does this mean? All source codes, printed parts, blueprints, circuit board designs… everything is freely available to anyone via GitHub. Because we strongly believe in the community and in sharing knowledge.
Prusa Research Timeline
- 08-2022
Introducing Prusament PA11 (Nylon) Carbon Fiber Black
Our collection of high-quality filaments has grown with a new addition - the Prusament PA11 (Nylon) Carbon Fiber Black is a material perfectly suited for use in the automotive industry, but also great for printing durable mechanical parts at home – components for drones and other RC models, gears and other technical parts.
- 07-2022
Beta firmware for MINI/MINI+ with Wi-Fi released
On July 27th, 2022, we have released the 4.4.0-BETA2 firmware for the Original Prusa MINI/MINI+ which brings support for wireless networks. With the new firmware and a cheap ESP module, you can connect your MINI/MINI+ to the local network for wireless G-Code upload and remote control.
- 06-2022
Prusa Research celebrates 10th anniversary with limited edition 3D printers
Prusa Research celebrates its 10-year anniversary! Our team has grown to over 700 people and we decided to celebrate the occasion with a limited run of the MK3S+ with a special frame finished in gold paint. We also prepared a special, custom-made "Timeline" edition of the MK3S+ decorated with scenes of important milestones from the history of Prusa Research.
- 05-2022
Printed Solid, Inc. joins the Prusa family!
Printed Solid, Inc., becomes part of the Prusa family! They are a well-known and highly regarded US-based distributor of 3D printers and accessories. Their amazing team will help to improve the availability of Original Prusa 3D printers, parts, accessories and services beyond the “big pond.” We have already started with the enterprise, government and educational sectors. In the near future, we want to offer 3D printer maintenance services to all customers in the US.
- 05-2022
Launching Prusa Academy!
We're launching the Prusa Academy: a library of online courses on 3D printing. We will cover everything from the very basics to advanced 3D topics, focused both on our products and general 3D printing related stuff!
Check out the announcement article on our blog!
- 05-2022
Introducing Original Prusa Enclosure!
3D printer enclosures are pretty popular because they offer a number of great benefits – and now, we’re introducing our own: the Original Prusa Enclosure!
Read more about it in our blog post!
- 03-2022
PrusaPrinters is now Printables.com
PrusaPrinters have been rebranded to Printables.com to make our online database of 3D models more welcoming to all 3D printer owners!
Learn more in our blog post!
- 01-2022
PrusaSlicer 2.4 released!
With the holidays around the corner, we prepared an early gift for you – the final version of PrusaSlicer 2.4! With multi-material painting, improved supports, shape gallery… the list of new features is once again nearly endless! Big thanks go to all testers of the alpha, beta, and release candidate versions, your feedback is much appreciated.
All new features and changes are described in our blog article!
- 12-2021
Badges and New Reward System coming to PrusaPrinters!
PrusaPrinters.org received two new reward systems, one with actual physical rewards like free spools of Prusament and various Prusa merchandise, and the second with brand new badges awarded for achieving various goals.
Read more about the reward systems in our blog article.
- 12-2021
Prusament PLA Recycled released!
Our new filament type is a material that contains 100 % of recycled Prusament PLA materials. When we manufacture our Prusament PLA, we have a very strict QA control and there are spools that don't make it through QA. Throwing them away would be a waste, so, instead, they are reused to produce Prusament PLA Recycled.
Read all about it in our blog article!
Order here!
- 11-2021
Prusa Research Acquires 80% share in Trilab
Prusa Research acquired an 80% share in Trilab, another Czech 3D printer manufacturer. Trilab focuses on industrial delta-based 3D printers. Prusa enters the deal as a strategic investor. The founders of Trilab, Vojtěch Tambor and Michal Boháč and all other members of the Trilab team will remain with the company where they will continue to develop 3D printers under a new brand "Trilab - A Prusa Research Company."
- 11-2021
Original Prusa XL Announced
The large-scale CoreXY 3D printer has been announced at Formnext 2021 event in Frankfurt. The XL features a 36×36×36 cm print volume, next-generation extruder, new hotend, segmented bed and a tool changer.
The XL is also equipped with our internally developed load cell sensor which is used to perform a number of important actions - such as achieving a perfect first layer. No matter how often you switch the sheets or materials, the XL will deliver an always perfect first layer without any user intervention - you can say goodbye to Live Adjust Z!
Read more about it in our announcement.
- 10-2021
Prusa Pro AFS - Automated 3D print farm
We have introduced the Prusa Pro AFS (Automated Farm System) at EXPO 2020 Dubai. This self-contained, automated 3D print farm featuring 34 new state-of-the-art Original Prusa 3D printers is fully controlled by our new print management system called Prusa Connect. Our next-generation production facility allows faster and easier local production, rapid prototyping and more!
Read the blog post to learn more!
- 09-2021
PRUSAMENT RESIN IS HERE!
Our in-house-made top-quality filament quickly became a users' favorite print material. Now, we're expanding this brand with photosensitive resins. Named Prusament Resin, this SLA 3D printing material is manufactured locally in Prague, Czech Republic with a strong focus on high-quality components, low odor and no bisphenol A in the mix.
Read the blog post or visit the website to learn more.
- 06-2021
ORIGINAL PRUSA SL1S SPEED AND CW1S ANNOUNCED
The successor to SL1 has been announced. Featuring 25% larger print volume, 1.6 seconds per layer, even better print quality and many useful tweaks and improvements, the SL1S SPEED can produce amazingly detailed prints - fast! First units were sent to our customers in July 2021.
You can learn more in our blog post.
Buy the SL1S and CW1S in our e-shop!
- 04-2021
JOSEF BECAME CZECH ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
In April 2021, Josef was voted Czech Enterpreneur Of The Year by EY (former Ernst&Young).
- 03-2021
PRUSA RESEARCH JOINED THE 3MF CONSORTIUM
In March 2021, our company joined the 3MF consortium with the aim to further improve the 3MF file format, upgrade its software interoperability and boost it with new features.
- 11-2020
MK3S+, MINI+ AND SATIN STEEL SHEET NOW AVAILABLE
Improved versions of the MK3S and MINI started shipping. Both 3D printers feature a brand new SuperPINDA sensor for improved first layer calibration consistency. The MK3S comes with Misumi bearings and a number of smaller design changes. The new Satin print sheet is an ideal choice for those who often print PLA and PETG. Read all the details in our Blog article!
- 11-2020
BRAND NEW KNOWLEDGE BASE AND MASSIVELY UPDATED MATERIAL GUIDE
We have recently launched our brand new Knowledge Base. Featuring a streamlined interface, powerful search system and frequently updated articles, the new database will help you solve your printer-related issues in no time! 3D printer maintenance, common 3D printing issues, print quality troubleshooting - it's all there!
Also, the Knowledge base has been recently expanded with an extensive Material Guide. A well-arranged table covers all usual and many unusual materials and a number of detailed articles covers specific filaments in great detail. Everything perfectly organized and in one place.
Products and Projects
Original Prusa i3 MK3S+
Improved version of the award-winning FDM 3D printer
Original Prusa i3 MK3S+ is the newest version of the MK3, which in turn is the successor to Prusa's award-winning Original Prusa i3 MK2 3D printer.
We have further upgraded the MK3S with a brand new SuperPINDA sensor for improved first layer calibration, added high-quality Misumi bearings and various useful design tweaks to make the printer easier to assemble and maintain. The MK3S+ includes all the proven features of the previous models, including the MK52 heatbed with removable PEI spring steel print sheets, numerous sensors, power loss recovery (power panic) and safety features. And it is still as silent as ever!
The functionality of the MK3S can be further expanded with our unique Multi-Material Upgrade 2S addon for printing with up to 5 materials simultaneously.
The MK3S+ is available both assembled and as an assembly kit.
Original Prusa MINI+
SMART AND COMPACT 3D PRINTER FOR EVERYONE
The Original Prusa MINI+ is our new compact 3D printer with all the bells and whistles you would expect from the creators of the award-winning Original Prusa i3 MK2 and MK3S+!
The MINI+ is a big printer in a compact body. We did our best to squeeze as many features into the lowest possible price as possible.
The MINI+ is great for beginners, companies looking to build a printing farm and 3D printing enthusiasts worldwide.
Original Prusa SL1S SPEED
Fastest MSLA 3D Printer
The Original Prusa SL1 was our first foray into the world of SLA printers. We wanted to build a solid, sturdy and robust 3D printer that would produce consistent, high-quality 3D prints. Based on the general feedback and reviews, we did many things right. The SL1 found its way not just into hobbyists’ workshops but into various industries as well.
The vastly improved version of the SL1 is finally here! Called SL1S SPEED, it features a brand new high-resolution monochrome LCD and high-performance optics, a larger print platform, and all cumulative updates from the entire lifespan of the SL1. The new SL1S SPEED is a lightning-fast machine that requires just 1.6 seconds per single to produce amazingly detailed 3D prints.
Prusament
Premium-quality materials for 3D printing
Prusament is our line of in-house made filaments and resins. The advanced manufacturing process allows for a higher level of quality control, more efficient testing and guaranteed manufacturing precision.
Each spool of our filament has perfect winding and is meticulously tested. The complete manufacturing reports are available online, enabling customers to see detailed properties of every spool they have purchased. Prusa Research is the only company providing its customers with this unique option.
The range of materials under the Prusament brand was expanded with high-quality in-house-made resins in 2021.
Prusa Pro AFS
Autonomous Farm System
Introduced as a fully-functional prototype at EXPO 2020 in Dubai, the Prusa Pro AFS is the next-generation solution for rapid prototyping and small-batch production. Featuring 34 new Original Prusa CoreXY 3D printers, automatic collecting mechanisms, and a simple-to-use touchscreen interface, the AFS is the perfect solution for both large and small businesses.
PrusaLab
COMMUNITY MAKERSPACE/HACKERSPACE
Opened in June 2018, PrusaLab is a maker's dream come true. A fully equipped makerspace/hackerspace (creative open space) stretches over an area of 350 m² and it is available to everyone for a low monthly membership fee.
3D printers, CNC Vertical Mill Haas VF2SS, CNC Toolroom Lathe Haas TL-1, Narran Laser cutter, saws, drills, pliers, hammers, electro-workshop items... no matter how complex your project is, we've got you covered! Plus, you can take part in various workshops, lectures or listen to industry-related talks.
Prusa Research in Press
Latest articles about Prusa Research
The company designed an open-source face shield (now known as the Prusa PRO Face Shield) which anyone can print at home on their own personal printer, or even in a more professional setting, and donate to frontline workers to help protect them during the pandemic.
– UNBOXING JOSEF PRUSA: MEET THE LIVING LEGEND 
In three days, Founder Josef Prusa and his team at Prusa Research designed, prototyped, verified, and began mass production of medical-appropriate face shields with both 3-D printed and laser cut plastic components.
– THIS CZECH COMPANY GUIDES GLOBAL 3-D PRINTING PANDEMIC RESPONSE 
Prusa Research founder Josef Prusa is targeting schools and other educational facilities. He is giving free 3D printers to interested parties. In a generous gesture, he is trying to contribute to the popularization of science and technology.
– One thousand 3D printers for Czech schools
Our print farm
See how hundreds of 3D printers produce parts for new printers!
A 3D printer that can print most of the parts for a whole new printer, that was the idea behind the RepRap project, from which the Prusa i3 was born. But, the more printers you want to print, the more printers you need. Right now, we are running almost 600 3D printers on our farm and, as far as we know, it is the largest 3D printing farm in the world.
We use 2 kg spools to decrease the frequency of filament spool changes. Each printer can print a whole set of plastic parts for MK3S+ in 27 hours. Furthermore, the farm consumes about 6 tons of filament every month.
When you take a look at our huge 3D printing farm you might ask yourself, “Wouldn’t it be better to just use injection molding?” Well, in some cases, it might. Even though a single mold can cost tens of thousands of dollars, it could be more effective. However, using 3D printing gives us one huge advantage – thanks to 24/7 heavy load we can keep innovating and upgrading our printers as we have to resolve every found issue. And in that case, injection molding is no longer a better solution. A 3D printer can also create much more complex parts than injection molding. And our workflow is also way simpler. As soon as we come up with a part improvement, we just test it, upload new gcode to the print farm and within hours we start shipping improved printers to our customers. Basically, we are leveraging one of the biggest advantages of 3D printing to the maximum.
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