The Prusa Mini+: A Feature-Packed Budget 3D Printer That Delivers Quality Prints

The Prusa Mini+ is an upgraded version of the popular Original Prusa Mini 3D printer. As an affordable, beginner-friendly desktop 3D printer, the Prusa Mini+ packs impressive specs and capabilities that rival more expensive printers.

In this in-depth review, we’ll cover the key features, print quality, specs, and performance of the Prusa Mini+ to help you decide if it’s the right budget 3D printer for your needs.

An Overview of the Prusa Mini+ Printer

The Prusa Mini+ is manufactured by Prusa Research, one of the most well-known brands in 3D printing. It was released in 2021 as an upgrade from the original Prusa Mini launched in 2019.

The Prusa Mini+ retains the same compact, open frame design as the original Mini. It has a build volume of 18x18x18 cm, making it ideal for printing smaller parts, prototypes, and models. Despite its small size, the Prusa Mini+ includes many features typically found on larger, more expensive 3D printers.

The Mini+ improves upon the original Mini with a faster 32-bit ARM processor, additional silicone bed coating for better adhesion, and a metal nozzle with a replaceable brass inset. It’s also compatible with the same magnetic spring steel sheet system used on Prusa’s flagship MK3S+ model.

Some key features and specs of the Prusa Mini+ 3D printer include:

• 7.3” touchscreen color LCD interface
• Auto bed leveling with inductive sensor
• Removable spring steel print bed with PEI surface
• Direct extruder with Bondtech drive gear
• Max print speed of 200 mm/s
• 0.4mm nozzle (interchangeable)
• Stepper motors with Trinamic silent drivers
• WiFi connectivity
• 18x18x18 cm max print volume
• Prints using PLA, PETG, ASA, ABS filaments
• Dimensions: 35 x 35 x 35 cm
• Weight: 6.3 kg
• MSRP: $399 assembled, $349 kit

As you can see, the Prusa Mini+ packs impressive capabilities into a small, budget-friendly package. Next let’s take a closer look at how it performs.

Print Quality and Performance of the Mini+

One of the most impressive aspects of the Prusa Mini+ is the print quality it can achieve right out of the box. This is partly thanks to the auto bed leveling feature which helps ensure a level print surface for the first layer. The replaceable spring steel sheet with PEI surface also does a great job keeping prints adhered while allowing easy removal once finished.

The 0.4mm nozzle, max print speeds of 200mm/s, and 32-bit ARM processor allow the Mini+ to produce prints relatively fast without losing detail. Reviews consistently report the Mini+ can achieve excellent print quality on par with more expensive printers.

Prints come out smooth and crisp thanks to the direct extruder which provides consistent filament flow. Small detailed prints are also handled nicely by the Mini+’s precise stepper motors and Trinamic silent drivers. Tall skinny prints are less prone to warping or toppling over mid-print as well.

Overall, the Prusa Mini+ is capable of outstanding print quality for its price point. Here are some of the key factors that allow it to print so well:

• Auto bed leveling for consistent first layer adhesion
• Spring steel PEI print bed prevents warping and sticking issues
• Precision 0.4mm nozzle produces detailed prints
• Max speeds of 200mm/s allow faster prints without quality loss
• Direct extruder provides accurate filament flow
• Quiet stepper drivers optimize print head movement

The Mini+’s smaller build volume does limit the maximum size of prints. But for most beginners and hobbyists interested in printing smaller models, prototypes, and miniatures, the build volume shouldn’t be an issue.

Ease of Use

Prusa designs their printers to be user-friendly for beginners while still offering customization options for advanced users. This makes the Mini+ a great choice for someone new to 3D printing.

The printing process is straightforward thanks to the LCD interface and included software. After assembling the printer, you just need to level the bed, load in some filament, and start your print from the SD card.

The Mini+ comes partially assembled with the tricky components pre-built. Full assembly takes around 5 hours but is a great learning process for understanding how the printer works. The included instructions are some of the most well-written and detailed in the industry.

Once up and running, the Mini+ is very simple to operate. The LCD interface allows easy navigation and control of prints. It also includes calibration tools and diagnostics so you can fine-tune the printer as needed.

Connecting via WiFi allows you to print wirelessly from a PC or mobile device. Prusa’s custom slicer software is optimized for their printers and easy for beginners to use.

Overall, the Prusa Mini+ gets top marks for its user-friendly yet customizable design. Even as your 3D printing skills improve over time, this printer has advanced features to continue growing with you.\

Reliability and Community Support

Given its affordable price, many are skeptical whether the Mini+ can provide reliable performance over thousands of print hours. But according to customer reviews, the Mini+ has proven itself as a workhorse printer.

Prusa uses quality components on their printers that can handle frequent use. Owners report being able to print for months on end with little to no issues. The hotend and heated bed have been tested for longevity even under heavy workloads.

The largest community of Prusa users also helps troubleshoot any problems that do pop up. As an open source printer, there is detailed documentation online to help you diagnose and fix minor issues. And Prusa’s excellent customer support is there if you ever get stuck. Their commitment to reliability gives confidence in the Mini+ as an essential tool rather than a finicky project.

Should You Consider the Prusa Mini+?

For anyone looking to get started with 3D printing, the Prusa Mini+ ticks nearly every box. It offers an accessible entry point into the world of desktop 3D printing with features more advanced printers provide.

Here’s a quick recap of the key benefits and drawbacks of the Mini+ 3D printer:

Pros:

• Excellent print quality for the price
• Compact, beginner-friendly design
• Auto bed leveling for ease of use
• Large user community for troubleshooting help
• Reliable performance suitable for frequent printing
• Upgradeable and customizable for advancing skills

Cons:

• Smaller build volume limits print sizes
• No enclosure for printing higher-temp materials
• Not as fast as industrial-level printers
• Partial kit assembly can be tricky for first-timers

For hobbyists and tinkerers getting started with 3D printing, the Prusa Mini+ is arguably the best value desktop printer available. The combination of print quality, reliability, and user-friendly design is unmatched in its low price range.

If you’re willing to take the time assembling the partial kit, the Mini+ will reward you with thousands of hours of consistent, high-quality prints. As your experience grows, it provides room to expand by experimenting with materials and making modifications.

For those seeking a hassle-free out-of-box experience, the pre-assembled version gets you printing faster. And the Mini+ community has a wealth of guidance to help overcome any hurdles along the way.

All said, few other beginner printers offer so many pro-level features at such an affordable cost. The Prusa Mini+ manages to balance print quality, performance, and reliability in a compact package. For makers looking to dip their toes into 3D printing, it’s hard to go wrong with this capable starter printer.