Comparison of Affordability
The price of standard Anycubic Kossel Plus is around $200. However, the price depends on the upgrades you prefer. For the prior versions of Anycubic Kossel, you may expect a lower budget that can be around $160.
On the other hand, Anycubic Kossel Linear Plus can range between $200-$300, where its upgrades are pretty distinctive. We will talk about those benefits shortly.
Now let’s see how the Original Prusa i3 MK3/S compares. Prusa is quite renowned for providing outstanding value for an affordable price. The Original Prusa i3 MK3S kit costs around $749, while an assembled printer will be about $999. This is still an affordable 3D printer under $1000 with superior specifications.
Besides, because of its open-source technology, it provides you the flexibility to upgrade the printer parts based on your necessity. The printer is quite versatile with simple operation, being suitable even for a beginner.
So here you can see, Anycubic Kossel is far more inexpensive compared to Prusa i3, however, read till the end to understand why the price differs so much and which one suits you best.
Anycubic Kossel Vs. Prusa I3 Specifications
Anycubic Kossel Plus Specifications
Initially, the Anycubic Kossel plus came with a pulley version for its locomotion system. However, the upgraded linear Kossel plus got rid of the pulleys and replaced them with linear rails with guides.
These linear guides provide a superior response to fast movements and low friction compared to the pulley version. As a result, the printing operation leads to higher precision and reliable performance.
Let’s have a look at the main technical specifications of the Anycubic Kossel plus 3D printer:
Large Print Bed: The upgrade in Kossel plus printer incorporates a large print bed. The plain Anycubic Kossel plus (pulley version) has a print volume φ180 x 300mm, whereas the Anycubic Kossel Linear Plus features a φ230 x 300mm print size.
The print area of the latter approximately matches with the print area of Prusa i3 Mk3.
Print Speed: You can play with the print speed that ranges between 20mm/s to 80mm/s.
Layer Resolution: You can also adjust the layer resolution from 0.1mm to 0.4mm.
Compact and Lightweight: In general, the Anycubic Kossel plus is pretty compact and lightweight. For instance, the printer dimension of the pulley version is 315 (△) x 680 (H) mm, while the weight is only around 5.8 kg! So if you have limited space at home or office, this would be quite convenient.
The lightweight property comes from the innovative carbon rod, which is extremely light and strong.
Printing Temperature: The operating print bed temperature is 100°C, while the extruder temperature can reach up to 260°C.
Positioning Accuracy: The positioning accuracy is pretty good, i.e., X/Y 0.0125, Z 0.0025 mm.
Connectivity: In order to connect the printer, you need to either use an SD card or a USB line.
Check here for a complete overview of the specifications of Anycubic Kossel plus.
Prusa I3 Specifications
What about Prusa i3 specifications? Here it comes-
Print Size: The build volume of the is 250 x 210 x 200 mm with a removable magnetic print bed. The heated bed assisted with PEI spring sheets, which can be removed following every use.
Print Speed: The travel speed admirably superior compared to the Anycubic one ~ 200+ mm/s!
Layer Resolution: The layer height starts from only 0.05 mm and can be up to 0.35 mm.
Dimension and Weight: The printer dimension is550 (D) ×400 (H) ×500 (W) mm, so the printer is pretty large. The weight is relatively less, only 7 kg.
Printing Temperature: The operating heat-bed temperature is around 120°C, while the extruder temperature can reach up to 300°C.
Positioning Accuracy: You can expect an accuracy of 10 x 10 x 5 microns of along the three axes.
Connectivity: You can connect with the Prusa i3 printer through SD Card, and USB. This 3D printer is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
Here is the detailed specification of the Prusa i3 MK3S 3D printer.
Anycubic Kossel vs Prusa i3 Software
Anycubic Kossel uses the Cura Slicer software, which is essential to manage and perform the printing job efficiently. Here the input formats are- .STL, .OBJ, or .AMF, whereas the Cura output format comes as G-code.
On the contrary, Prusa i3 manufacturers came up with two versions of host/ slicer software, which are Prusa Control and Prusa Slic3r. Although Prusa control is appropriate for beginners, it has some limitations such as the absence of a ‘vase' mode.
PrusaSlicer or Slic3r Prusa edition is advanced software that provides users much more functionality to switch among. Although it might be a little complex for beginners, it is an excellent option for users familiar with slicing software.
New print profiles are also updated for the MK3 and MK3S Prusa i3. All you need to do, all you have to do is download the latest versions Slic3r Prusa Edition.
The Prusa i3 printers use Marlin as firmware. Besides, Prusa also features upgradability through its open software/ hardware sources. Furthermore, the printer setting allows for third party slicers!
Special Features: Compared
Apart from the options for linear or pulley version, Anycubic Kossel Plus provides a special feature of ‘Auto-leveling’, as an improvement from its predecessor. Here the print head descends to the bed and makes contact with the bed across several points of a matrix. This is a great feature, particularly for such an inexpensive 3D printer.
However, based on the feature, some users have marked some drawbacks such as buggy firmware and poor hardware.
Besides, the heated print bed comes with a BuildTak sticker which facilitates the elevation of temperature to 100° C.
Now if you compare the features of Anycubic Kossel Vs Prusa I3, you will some extraordinary features pertaining to the Original Prusa i3 MK3S, as following:
Automatic Bed Leveling: Like the Anycubic, Prusa i3 also features the auto bed leveling and much more!
Frame Stability and Look: Due to redesigned aluminum made Y-axis, the frame becomes more rigid, sturdy, and stable. Besides, it also provides a sleek look along with its Prusa’s distinctive orange color!
Magnetic Heat-Bed: As already mentioned, the removable magnetic PEI-coated steel bed is a great feature for enhanced usability.
Power Panic: This feature enables the Prusa i3 to recover and resume a print-job if you experience a power loss. Moreover, it allows the detection of blown fuses by monitoring power.
Besides, this printer can also detect and correct layer shifting while printing.
Modified Extruder: The Prusa i3 MK3S has remarkably redesigned the extruder assembly, which eases changing the nozzle of PTFE tubing without taking apart the entire assembly.
Besides, the manufacturers moved extruder nozzle closed the X-axis so that to reduce resonance as well as improve print quality. It also provides better Y-axis belt tensioning as well as improved cooling.
Efficient Filament Sensor: New filament sensors added for enhanced compatibility with specific filaments. To address issues of unreliability, an optical sensor has been incorporated, which is triggered by a simple mechanical lever. Because of this hybrid approach, the optical properties of the filaments do not deter the novel sensor.
P.I.N.D.A. 2 probe: The machine has two thermistors. While one checks the ambient temperature of the electronics and the novel P.I.N.D.A. 2 probe helps to adjust for temperature drift at the print level. That is how you can ensure that the first later is perfect.
Quiet and Fast Printing: Due to the incorporation of Trinamic2130 drivers and Noctua fan, the Prusa i3 MK3S is exceptionally quiet in the stealth mode. Manufacturers claim it to be quieter than 99% of the printers available in the market.
In the normal mode, it provides uniquely fast printing speed, up to 200 mm/s!
Inclusion of Prior Enhancements Included: Prior enhancements that were made for the Prusa i3 MK3 are also incorporated in the MK3S version. For example, textile sleeve in place of spiral wraps, gate belts, EINSY motherboard, an anti-rusting coat for PEI sheets, sturdy plastic components, etc.
Print Quality of Anycubic Kossel Vs. Prusa 13
Anycubic Kossel plus
Although most budget printers struggle to deliver fine quality prints, Anycubic Kossel plus is definitely an exception offering you decent quality prints.
It is able to print many complex designs including circles and bridges. While sometimes, removal of the printed objects may become difficult due to the superior adhesion resulted from the BuildTak surface, applying hairspray on the bed should resolve the issue.
Prusa i3 Mk3/S
Prusa has been renowned for providing outstanding print quality, however, the level of improvement in the Original Prusa i3 MK3S printer surpassed people’s expectations.
The precision and accuracy in printing simple, as well as complex models, are noteworthy. You can even print parts or components for later assembling or fixation. Hence this printer can provide you excellent reliability for its performance.
As it comes with pre-loaded models in the SD card, you can always test your own models. These preloaded models are quite simple and do not require extensive support
Cost and Type of Printing
Both Anycubic Kossel and Prusa i3 are based on the FDM process, where the printer heats up the extruder above the filament’s melting point and thus melts the filament. Then the nozzle deposits layers of melted filament on the build plate, one layer at a time.
There are fans that cool the layer and solidify it so that the next layer can set on the first one. In between, the build plate moves a little bit down, exactly as per the height of the next layer.
Although FDM contributes to the affordability, printing parts in the Anycubic Kossel plus are quite inexpensive. Furthermore, this printer mostly works with the PLA filament that is one of the cheapest materials. Besides, ABS, HIPS, and wood are also some of the supported printing materials.
On the contrary, Prusa i3 MK3/S integrates various parts with superior quality, along with upgraded Trinamic2130 drivers, Noctua fans, E3D V6 nozzles, and filament sensors. All these features contribute to superior print quality and cost.
While the Prusa i3 includes 1 kg silver PLA with the kit, the machine is such equipped that various materials can be printed with it. Other materials include ABS, PET, HIPS, Flex PP, Ninjaflex, Laywood, Bamboofill, Bronzefill, Laybrick, Nylon, ASA, T-Glase, Carbon-fibers enhanced filaments-Polycarbonates, etc.
Set Up and Assembly
For Anycubic Kossel Plus
For the Anycubic Kossel Plus flat-packed kit, Anycubic claims that 80% of the build and assembly such as bottom/top frame, extruder assembly, and the board comes already completed. That means the heated bed, rails, electronics, and print head with effector should also be pre-assembled.
Hence the assembly should not be too difficult if you can follow the instructions precisely. Although the manual is not printed, you will find it saved on the SD card that you receive along with the kit. In case you need more information, online resources, e.g., PDF files from the Anycubic will also come handy.
According to the company, basically, you need to put 7 modular parts together. As a result, the assembly time should take 2-4 hours, depending on your experience. Prior experience with 3D printers would be much convenient for this type of 3D printer.
Some users have reported that one may need to include a few T-nuts to secure the printer and ensure better stability. Besides, some attachments to tie the cables at the back of the device would also be helpful for additional fire safety.
Be careful to complete the entire the motherboard settings prior to turning the power on. This is important so as to avoid burning the bed, in case there is any missing connection.
For Prusa I3 (MK3S)
For the Original Prusa i3 MK3S kit, the setup can be a little bit tricky. However, this is not always a bad thing! Rather it provides you with a chance to learn about the build of the 3D printer, which will be useful later to solve possible problems and realize replacement requirements.
Following are the general steps to set up your Prusa i3 3D printer kit:
- Assembly of Y-Axis: This is the first and foremost for assembling the Prusa i3 kit. This involves the aluminum rails, aluminum front and back plates, where the base provides extra frame stability and reliability
- Assembly of X-Axis: This is one of the simplest, yet a delicate step. You would need to assemble the linear bearings, linear rods, and an X-axis motor.
- Assembly of Z-Axis: This step basically requires mounting the X-axis over the Z-axis. Here sides of frames, threaded rod and bearing, and fixing the X-axis at the frame top should be attended in chronological order.
- Assembly of E-Axis: This step needs special attention and hard work. Pay attention to instructions so that the parts are conjugated correctly and give you an idea of the approximate. shape
- Assembly of LCD: This simple step requires you to insert the circuit board into the plastic case. Subsequently, the button should be attached to the front.
- Assembly of the PSU and Heated Bed: This basically relies on the magnets packed underside of the bed. The power supply and heated bed should be fixed by managing the cables.
- Assembly of Electronics: This step is a little tedious and requires following the steps and directions accurately as per the manual.
- Calibration and Testing: While the assembly is completed, now you need to setup the software and screens. Verify and adjust everything as needed before powering the printer. Then check for the latest firmware and go for setup wizard.
If the machine works properly, it should prompt you to load filaments so that you can print your very first model!
If the assembly seems like a hassle to you, you can always go for an assembled version. However, you have to pay an extra cost for that.
Anycubic Kossel Vs. Prusa i3: Choosing the Best
I hope this article helped you to get an insight into the key differences between the Anycubic Vs. Prusa i3. You must have realized that the decision depends on your preference of budget, expectations and application. Pick your favorite one and enjoy the 3D printing game!
