If you want to get started in the ever-expanding world of 3D printing, now is the time. Buying a 3D printer is cheaper than ever and there are many popular brands to choose from. However, not all 3D printers fall into the bargain category. Prusa printers are some of the best printers on the market, but they are also some of the most expensive. That’s because you’re paying for Prusa’s personal touch.
Unlike competing brands like Bambu Labs, Prusa printers are not made in China. Instead, most of their products are manufactured in Europe, specifically in Prague, Czech Republic. Many manufacturing jobs have moved to China because it’s simply cheaper to produce products there – which is one reason why Chinese electric vehicles are cheaper than American vehicles. And while products made in China aren’t necessarily lower quality, part of reducing production costs is using basic components. Prusa 3D printers, on the other hand, are built with higher quality materials, making them last longer but also cost more. Because why pay $300 for a printer that will only last four years when you can pay $600 for a printer that will last a decade?
The money you spend on Prusa 3D printers doesn’t just go into the printers themselves. Much of the money funds the company’s customer service, which is said to be top-notch (according to sites such as Trustpilot). Prusa 3D also offers its own proprietary filament – called Prusament – which also receives many great reviews. But like Prusa printers, the filament is more expensive than its competitors. You are simply paying for this quality and reputation.
Somehow made in the USA
Many electronic products popular in the United States are actually made in other countries, although there are some pockets of American technology manufacturing. Despite our reliance on smartphones, for example, only one brand of phones is made in the United States, but TP-Link makes some of its routers in the United States. You can add Prusa to that list of US-based factory enthusiasts, but don’t expect to get a financial windfall from it.
While Prusa 3D and most of its manufacturing operations are based in Prague, the company has branched out and set up a satellite headquarters in Newark, Delaware. Technically speaking, Prusa does not exploit this location; instead, this manufacturing building is run by Imprimé Solid, a US-based 3D printer company purchased by Prusa in 2022. Nonetheless, the facility meets the exacting standards of Prusa’s main manufacturing facility.
However, ordering through the US branch won’t save you much money. Let’s look at their Prusa CORE One+ Gen 2 model. If you buy it from the Prusa website, you’ll pay $1,299 (including import duties) for the fully assembled product ($999 for the DIY kit). Add in shipping costs that start at $154.99 and you get a total approaching $1,500. Meanwhile, the Prusa CORE One+ Gen 2 costs $1,449 via Imprimé Solid ($1,149 for the kit). Shipping is free — if you’re willing to wait up to six business days — but with tax, the total comes to $1,545. Additionally, every printer you buy from the original Prusa store in Prague comes with two free one-kilogram spools of PLA filament; if you purchase through Imprimé Solid, you are missing out on this deal. Supporting local businesses is often a good idea, but in this situation, it’s the least frugal option.
