# Prusa i3

> Czech open-source fused deposition modelling 3D printer

**Wikidata**: [Q24885444](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q24885444)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prusa_i3)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/prusa-i3

## Summary
The Prusa i3 is a Czech open-source 3D printer utilizing fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology. Manufactured by Prusa Research, it is a specific printer model designed for creating three-dimensional objects via additive manufacturing. The design is notable for its open-source hardware and software, hosted publicly on GitHub.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Instance of a printer model; subclass of 3D printer.
- **Technology:** Utilizes Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), also known as Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM).
- **Manufacturer:** Produced by Prusa Research.
- **Origin:** Czech Republic (indicated by "Czech" in description and Wikidata).
- **License:** Source code and hardware are licensed under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0.
- **Core Components:** Built using NEMA 17 stepper motors, an Arduino/Genuino MEGA 2560 microcontroller, and a RepRap Arduino Mega Pololu Shield.
- **Repository:** Source code is available at `https://github.com/josefprusa/Prusa3-vanilla`.
- **Identifiers:** Google Knowledge Graph ID `/g/11bzyx0_b7`; Framalibre ID `prusa-i3-mk2`.

## FAQs
### Q: What manufacturing technology does the Prusa i3 use?
A: The Prusa i3 uses Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), which is a type of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology. This process creates objects by depositing melted material layer by layer.

### Q: Is the Prusa i3 design open source?
A: Yes, the Prusa i3 is an open-source machine. Its source code repository is available on GitHub under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0.

### Q: What electronic components power the Prusa i3?
A: The printer utilizes an Arduino/Genuino MEGA 2560 board combined with a RepRap Arduino Mega Pololu Shield (RAMPS). It specifically employs NEMA 17 stepper motors for movement.

## Why It Matters
The Prusa i3 represents a significant milestone in the democratization of additive manufacturing. As an open-source fused deposition modeling printer, it embodies the "RepRap" philosophy of self-replicating and accessible rapid prototyping. By publishing the hardware designs and source code under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0, the creators allowed users worldwide to study, modify, and distribute the technology freely. This approach has made it a foundational reference in the hobbyist and prosumer 3D printing markets.

Unlike closed-source industrial machines, the Prusa i3 relies on standardized, accessible components such as the Arduino MEGA 2560 and NEMA 17 stepper motors. This modularity reduces barriers to repair and customization, fostering a robust community of developers and users. Its status as a distinct, identifiable model from Prusa Research has cemented its role as a standard benchmark for FFF/FDM quality and reliability in the maker community.

## Notable For
- **Open-Source Philosophy:** Fully open hardware and software licensed under GNU GPL v3.0.
- **Standardized Components:** Utilizes the ubiquitous Arduino/Genuino MEGA 2560 and RAMPS shield ecosystem.
- **Czech Origin:** A major technological export from the Czech Republic in the manufacturing sector.
- **Community Integration:** Widely referenced across multiple language Wikipedias (including English, German, Spanish, and Japanese) and Wikimedia Commons.

## Body

### Design and Classification
The Prusa i3 is categorized as a "printer model" and is a subclass of the general "3D printer" entity. It is defined as a machine that uses additive manufacturing to construct tridimensional objects. The device originates from the Czech Republic and is associated with the "Fused Filament Fabrication" industry.

### Hardware Architecture
The structural and electronic design of the Prusa i3 relies on a specific set of components that allow for its printing capabilities.
*   **Motion System:** The printer employs **NEMA 17 stepper motors** to drive its axes.
*   **Controller:** The brain of the machine is the **Arduino/Genuino MEGA 2560**.
*   **Interface:** It uses a **RepRap Arduino Mega Pololu Shield** to interface the microcontroller with the motors and heaters.

### Software and Repository
The intellectual property and code behind the Prusa i3 are managed to ensure openness.
*   **Source Code:** The firmware and relevant files are hosted in a repository located at `https://github.com/josefprusa/Prusa3-vanilla`.
*   **Licensing:** The content within the repository is explicitly governed by the **GNU General Public License, version 3.0**.

### Manufacturer
The entity responsible for the production and development of this printer model is **Prusa Research**. The model has been assigned the Google Knowledge Graph ID `/g/11bzyx0_b7` and the Microsoft Academic ID `2780910110` (discontinued).