I3mk3s vs. Mini +  

RE: I3mk3s vs. Mini +

RE: I3mk3s vs. Mini +

@bobstro

That is certainly true.  I would also add that it is more well tested and is more options for modification - think MMU2S.  

RE: I3mk3s vs. Mini +

Have you replaced your old pinda out with the new super pinda?

RE: I3mk3s vs. Mini +

MINI is for sure capable to print with PETG. So, there's either something wrong with your MINI or you use wrong settings. And when you say it has "become unreliable", think: it's the same printer as it was when you bought it. Probably it only needs good maintenance, for example: cleaning hotend & extruder, replacing tube inside heatbreak, rods lubrication, checking overall adjustments, etc. -things that need to be done on every printer now and then.

I don't have MK3s, but in that sense, I don't see it as "better" printer.. it's just more versatile printer: can print with even more filaments types, probably doesn't requires maintenance that often and has more upgrading options.

Just sharing my thoughts

RE: I3mk3s vs. Mini +

I am surprised that the biggest advantage of the Mk3 -- the bigger bag of Haribo gummis -- is being overlooked.

If you already have a Mini, I'd suggest figuring it out. As others have noted, the Mini should be able to print PETG reliably. Work with support if needed -- you paid for that support after all -- and get it working. 

If you're in the market for a 2nd printer, definitely consider a Mk3. Another Mini won't gain you anything other than a 2nd machine with the same limitations. A Mk3 will open up both dimensional and material options. You'll have the best of both worlds. Then you can eagerly await the XL with the rest of us.

RE: I3mk3s vs. Mini +

     I AGREE with OP (@focus-research).  PETG on the stock Mini is basically not possible.  Well, a PETG print w/o stringing and / or other issues.

However, after spending $500 CAD on the original Mini,  I spent another ~$200 CAD on a bondtech extruder [original is junk], plus ~$200 CAD on a mosquito hot end. + an upgraded ceramic heater cartridge [40W- I think?], a custom built silicon sock on the mosquito hot-end, and a custom built cooling apparatus that actually blows onto the part & filament directly [not randomly like the original], I can now print PETG to a quality of about 9.4/10. 

    If I could go back in time, definitely would stay away from the mini.  It takes double the money with upgrades to get a usable PETG printer.  So ya, go with the i3 MK3s.  I have one of those as well.  I should have bought a second one [i3 MK3s] instead of the mini, for the reasons mentioned. 

RE: I3mk3s vs. Mini +

I own 2 MK3's and an MK3S I would just get the MK3 printer, they have never failed me print quality is a great. Nylon ,PC, ASA, ABS,PETG,TPU/TPE and PLA so far no fuss no muss.

My opinion, the mini was designed for high school kids printing PLA for the first time, it's cheap and that's the point of it.

Regards

Swiss_Cheese

RE: I3mk3s vs. Mini +

Posted by: @swiss_cheese

My opinion, the mini was designed for high school kids printing PLA for the first time, it's cheap and that's the point of it.

Hmmm.. I think Mini is more targeting hobby enthusiasts who are looking for first 3D printer. And after doing some research (video reviews, etc), brand "prusa" gives them certain confidence.
Good or bad, as it is, Mini for sure isn't cheap! For about 500€ (incl. necessary upgrade), one can get more versatile and robust printer than Mini is -and I say that even I'm an Mini owner. I only bough Mini because I needed smaller printer and Mini has no competition in this segment. Anyway, it serves me well and I'm happy with my decision.
I think, for "highs school kids", printers like Ender 3v2 are much more appealing: is half the price and also does the job.

Just sharing my thoughts.

RE: I3mk3s vs. Mini +

Posted by: @jason-halter

I AGREE with OP (@focus-research).  PETG on the stock Mini is basically not possible. 

     That is patently false.  PETG on a stock mini is possible and I do it daily.  

RE: I3mk3s vs. Mini +

@bogdanh

True.  It is more a newbie printer and is a simple printer focused on the first-time buyer.  I use mine for a wide range of prints.  I have found a few prints and filaments that I had to turn to an MK3S to get to them to print reliably.  

RE: I3mk3s vs. Mini +

@cwbullet

agree to disagree.  I tried a long time... I gave it all I could do to dial it in with PETG.  Best I could get was a 8.6 / 10 quality.

Ref: Michael Laws review:  

Decide for yourself.   I was hoping for a printer that stock-wise would do the same as an i3 MK3s.....  But not so. 

After the upgrades it was getting 9.5 /10 quality. May as well just bought a second i3 MK3s. 

RE: I3mk3s vs. Mini +

@jason-halter

I was just trying to clarify yout statement.  No offense was intended.  There are a heck of of folks that have success with PETG and the mini.  I have 5 printers doing it successful.  It sure looks like you are in the minority and that “PETG on the stock Mini is basically not possible” is not a factualy statement.  

Keep in mind, I have a fairly good pro-concumer print fair that support 3 local rocket clubs.  I can’t print things fact enough with my 5 minis.  

RE: I3mk3s vs. Mini +

Posted by: @bogdanh

[...] I think, for "highs school kids", printers like Ender 3v2 are much more appealing: is half the price and also does the job.

I spend a lot of time in various 3D printing forums, and I see a lot of "wish I'd saved up a bit more and bought a Prusa" from the Ender owners. The amount of time and money I've spent on my Sidewinder to get any initial quality has certainly eaten away at any initial "cost savings" over the last 18 months. Having to spend 10-15 minutes leveling the bed every time I fumble loading filament or change a nozzle is a royal pain in the ass.

I get it if someone is disappointed in their Mini, but that doesn't make the grass any greener on the other side. Most new user posts for the cheap competition start with "here are the things you need to replace or fix on day one..." and proceed from there.

RE: I3mk3s vs. Mini +

@bobstro

Isn’t that the truth.  I have regreted almost every non-Prusa printer.  I am considering a Phrozen and hope I am not repeating insanity.   

RE: I3mk3s vs. Mini +

@bobstro
Agree fully about "grass greener on the other side" (very well put). And btw., what I've meant with Ender 3 being more appealing, is related to price: it's just more reasonable choice for "let me see what's all about" -as long one doesn't expect too much for 240€.

And my final thoughts about this topic (Mk3s vs Mini+) -for those deciding between them.
Mini shouldn't be seen as smaller Mk3, as they are totally different machines. And thus, it makes no sense to compare them (it's like Toyota Corolla vs Landcruiser). Once interested person is clear about what he wish and need, decision becomes easier.

RE: I3mk3s vs. Mini +

ok, just my 2cts for that discussion as I own both kinds:

Despite its offering I do not think of the Mini as an ideal starter point. Mainly due to its inherent possibility to run into the extrusion issue. This might be something a beginner would badly remember. The issue is neither addressed nor fixed and you can't literally do anything about it right now. Beside bug fixing that is. I am talking here out of my experience that is 35000+ hours of printing, not counting the printers beside Prusa. So, strong advice, hands off that machine as long as you don't own other Prusas.

As for the MK3s (MMU2S). What a machine. Mine are all running fine, need some maintenance from time to time, and, yes, some little refinements (not Ender style I change everything). Graciously they print every material I have on hand (something the Mini doesn't even do in the temperature range offered). They work and work and work... No idea if this is to be generalized, but my experience seems to be a common one.

Sorry to say, but the Mini isn't going to meet expectations beside one. This is solely the reason I haven't just dumped it after three weeks: The footprint. In my case it fits into something like a 40x70x45 cm shelf where I do rapid prototyping. If Prusa was to offer a smaller frame for the MK3s for serious money I would buy it straight away. The quest to offer a cheaper printer had too many trade offs. Seriously, my Enders where more reliable (at least I remember so). But for the fun the Mini can be employed, just don't rely on it.