We’re now launching the orders for the MMU3 compatible with the Prusa CORE One. We have two official “flavors” and one special community version. And conversion kits, too! There’s definitely a lot of ground to cover – as always. 🙂
However, before we get to that, I’d like to give you an explanation of why this news came a bit later than originally planned. Our initial goal was to have the MMU3 ready by the end of April, but we needed a couple of additional weeks. During development and testing, we looked at more solutions (not just a 1:1 conversion of the MMU3 from the MK4S), and as a result, we can now bring you several different packages, and we also made important steps towards a next-gen multi-spool system.
Printing with colors on the CORE One
Just in case the CORE One is your first Prusa 3D printer, here’s a quick recap: the MMU3 is our solution for printing with up to 5 colors (filaments) at the same time. This optional add-on allows you to create beautiful, colorful objects quickly, easily, and with a minimum amount of waste. In fact, the MMU3 is an incredibly material-efficient solution, surpassed only by the multi-tool Prusa XL. The MMU3 for CORE One comes with a 0.4mm brass nozzle to replace the high-flow nozzle in the Nextruder for even better material efficiency.
We have developed a highly optimized and fast filament switching process in which only a very small amount of leftover filament needs to be purged into a mostly hollow “wipe tower” – a compact block at the edge of the print bed. With this solution, you don’t have to worry about hills of wasted plastic piling up next to your printer. Another great benefit of the MMU3’s setup with the spoolholders next to the printer is the fact that you can use spools of any size to achieve even longer and more complex prints.
PrusaSlicer and the brand new EasyPrint are fully equipped with many tools not only for slicing colorful objects, but also for turning single-color objects into multi-colored ones. With virtual brushes and smart fill tools, you’ll turn any grey object into a colorful print in no time. We also ported material interlocking into our slicer, so the resulting objects are sturdy and solid, and they won’t fall apart in your hands after a while.
You can find many examples of the MMU3’s power and reliability on Reddit and other social media sites, where users often share large, beautiful prints finished without any interventions.
- 156 hour MMU3 print without a single intervention
- I’m having so much fun with the MMU3
- Over 700 filament changes with no errors right after assembly
- First big print on MMU3 with zero interventions
- I have achieved multi-material greatness – PLA+TPU on MMU3
- MMU3 PETG Stress Test – 1000+ material changes
So, let’s take a look at the options for the CORE One!
MMU3 Lite Conversion Kit – As streamlined as possible
First of all, we finished a lightweight version of the MMU3 for the CORE One called MMU3 Lite. It’s the MMU3 mounted on top of the Prusa CORE One with the top panel removed.
With the top panel removed, the CORE One is no longer a fully enclosed printer – which still works great with PLA and PETG. Plus, it’s totally possible to design and print a custom cover, so we imagine that there will be community-made top panels available pretty soon. And the price is definitely an advantage.
The Lite version is an upgrade (a conversion), so it does not include the MMU3 unit itself. It is essentially a small pack of additional parts that allows you to quickly move the MMU3 to the CORE One from your MK4/S with as little hassle as possible. This version is for those who already have the CORE One at home, but also the MK4/S with the MMU3. Please note that you will need to disassemble the Nextruder on the MK4S to salvage MMU3-specific parts and move them to the CORE One.
So, if you’re looking for a way to transfer your existing MMU3 setup to the CORE One, the Lite Conversion Kit is a very cost-efficient solution.
MMU3 for the CORE One – Enclosed version
One of the major benefits of the CORE One is its enclosed chamber, and we wanted to keep it that way. And with the MMU3 unit battle-tested and fully compatible with the Nextruder (used in the MK3.9/MK4/MK4S and the CORE One), it didn’t make much sense to reinvent the wheel.
We researched ways to integrate the MMU3 with the CORE One while keeping the enclosed chamber, and the MMU3 Enclosed Version is the result. I mentioned it in a recent video: it’s a simple, functional, and easy-to-install solution, and it retains the sliding grille on top of the printer that allows printing of PLA and PETG with the front door completely closed.
This version will become available in early June. The orders are already live, and you can see the store page on our website right here. We consider this version of the MMU3 the default version, which most users will choose. If you already have the MMU3, you can also get this version as an upgrade kit, containing only the parts necessary for the conversion from MK4/S – the upgrade kit includes the new top cover.
Enclosed versions list:
MMU3 Enclosed for the CORE One – Conversion Kit (does not include the MMU3 unit)
MMU3 Enclosed for the CORE One – Full Assembly Kit (includes MMU3, requires assembly)
MMU3 Enclosed for the CORE One – Assembled (includes assembled MMU3 unit) – coming soon
If you have a CORE One and want to expand it with the MMU3, get either the Full Assembly Kit or the Assembled version.
MMU3 – Community Version
And last but not least, we have something for everyone who is up for an awesome weekend project. During the development of the MMU3, we made several prototypes. And one particular design was really close to something our users often discussed online – all five spools neatly seated on top of the printer, everything nice and tidy. However, we have ultimately decided not to go this way; it’s a completely different kind of setup, and it makes more sense for us to pursue a similar concept in a next-gen solution.
Also, this version does not use the buffer – each of the spoolholders has space for retracted filament. This leads to a slightly decreased reliability, which is something we did not want to sacrifice in a commercial product. Last, but not least, printing this version will consume 4-5 spools of filament. You’ve been warned. 🙂
If you want to give it a try, you can download the files at Printables.com. Please keep in mind that you will need a special, longer cable to connect the MMU3 with the printer’s mainboard – you can order the cable in our e-shop. We expect to stock and start shipping it up by the end of June.
As I said, we really like this design and it would feel like a missed opportunity not to share it with you. This is why we decided to make these files public – so, this solution is endorsed by us (and comes from our office), but it’s not officially supported, mainly because it’s not polished to 100%. We’ve probably got it to a good 80-90% or so, and I’m betting our amazing community will quickly bridge that gap with their own clever tweaks – and probably take it even further!
Next Gen “MMU” in the Works
Now, I talked about it in the recent video, and I want to repeat it here, too, because I think it’s only fair to inform you about our future plans. We already have a new solution for printing with multiple filaments in the works. It will be something completely different, a complete re-imagination of the concept, which also means that the upgrade path from the MMU3 will be broken (so it’s not going to be an MMU4).
We’re in the early stages right now, so it’s safe to say that you won’t hear about the new thing for some time. We will, of course, inform you once there is anything to share.
Happy printing!
I like the idea and did cancel my MMU3 order a few weeks ago and will wait for the newest version whenever that maybe.
I have a MMU3 and use it with my MK3S+ and may upgrade to a Core One soon. What is my upgrade path, if I have one?
Hello, you would have to upgrade to MK4s first and then to Core One. You will also need a conversion kit for the MMU and probably a new wire for the new board. You can contact our customer support. They will help you with the order.
Jakub – Prusa Research
Sorry, I should have been more specific. I will be buying a Core One kit and keeping/selling my MK3s+. I'd want to add my MMU3 to my Core One either way.
You'll likely want either the https://www.prusa3d.com/en/product/original-prusa-mmu3-lite-for-core-one-conversion-kit/ or the https://www.prusa3d.com/product/original-prusa-mmu3-enclosed-for-core-one-conversion-kit/
These two conversion kits appear to be for someone who already has an MMU3 that they want to add to an existing CORE One.
Then you will need just the conversion kit for the MMU and also one cable to connect the MMU to the new board. It has a different connector than MK3s+ board.
https://www.prusa3d.com/product/mmu3-printer-cable-550mm/
I recommend checking with our customer support to make sure you are not missing anything
I don't think it makes sense to upgrade a mk3s+ to mk4s and then to core one, all in one go, just to get a mmu3 from a mk3s to work on a core one. If you get a Core One machine, as opposed to upgrading the mk3 machine, there should only be a few parts needed to purchase and print to make that mmu3 compatible with the Core one, specifically, the nextruder mods that are needed for mk4 or core one.
I am doing the same. It is not much you need.
The following link helped me out a lot: https://help.prusa3d.com/article/list-of-parts-for-mmu2s-to-mmu3-upgrades_887521
what part of the MK4S Nextruder need to be salvaged?
Hello,
You will need to upgrade the extruder idler and filament sensor parts to the MMU version. It is the same procedure as for the MK4s printer.
Jakub – Prusa Research
@○Jakub: thanks for the answer. Could you please make the kit 3 Euros more expensive and include the needed parts again? I think it's a bit unreasonable to disassemble a working printer and waste at least one hour of time just to recover those minor parts.
(or sell it as a separate pack in the webshop)
This would also be useful for customers like the customer (above) who wants to move their MMU3 from a MK3 to a new CORE One. They obviously don't have a MMUified Nextruder to scavenge parts from.
If you order the full MMU, you will get the necessary parts in the box. If you order the conversion kit, you should already have them installed.
I just got my conversion kit to upgrade to the MK4S and was starting to consider the MMU3 before this came out. Love to see the transparency on the upgrade path of the MMU3 being broken going forward, will the new MMU unit be compatible with the MK4/S or is it only for the Core One?
Hello, it is too soon to say for sure right now. But I would say it will either be compatible with both or neither. It is because the MK4s and Core One use the same Nextruder and the same electronics.
Are you saying the new MMU version may NOT work with core one ? What will it work with then… ?
You mention using the old non-HF 0.4mm nozzle with the MMU. I presume it has to do with filament changes and getting a nice tip on the end. Folks that have already worked out your own MMU solution with Core One, have you found success using the HF nozzle (or 0.6 mm)? Like many others, I don't intend to do many multi-color prints, but rather love having 5 different filaments ready to go at once.
I don't have an MMU, so I don't know specifics. But from the peanut gallery I've seen conversations about just having to purge more to clear out the extra filament that stays in the smaller channels inside the nozzle.
I didn't pay enough attention to see how much more purging though. (A quick trip through the forums might be enlightening.)
It sounds like @djcody can just purge more filament manually for non-multi-color use cases then. Shouldn't be an issue.
Good evening
– I am wondering if there is an upgrade from MK4 to CoreOne (not MK4s).
– Is the ‘new MMU generation’ still planned for 2025?
Thank you for continuing 😉
Hello, you need to upgrade to MK4s first, and only then can you upgrade to Core One.
It is too soon to say about the Next Gen MMU. We will share more information when we can.
When will the MMU3 support more nozzler sizes?
Not that I have a place at the development table or anything, but I hope the Next-Gen MMU (or whatever it will be eventually called) uses the same tip-forming methodology that has already been developed to reduce the waste as much as possible. The AMS style cut and poop methodology seems to me to be unnecessarily wasteful and polluting to the printer's immediate environment.
That said, adding in some sort of RFID tag reader using an open RFID spool protocol would be a good idea. Maybe work with the OpenTag project? https://github.com/Bambu-Research-Group/RFID-Tag-Guide/blob/main/OpenTag.md
What if I have an MMU2S which haven't been upgraded to MMU3 yet?
I plan buying a Core One and would like to upgrade the MMU2S to the specific MMU3 configuration compatible with the CoreOne.
In the past I've noticed that the MMU2S to MMU3 upgrade was offered in 2 versions, one for MK3S+ and one for MK4S. I decided to wait for the Core One version, and now I see that all MMU2S upgrades are gone from the website?!
Currently have a Core One kit and MMU3 on order but waiting to ship til mid June according to the dates given. Will that MMU3 work with the Core One or do I need to cancel the MMU and order one of these new kits?
When will you start selling MMU3 (MK3S) -> MMU3 (MK4) upgrade parts?
Currently we can only order a new cable – new fasteners, magnets etc. need to be sourced on our own even when you have those parts in your warehouse (you include them in MMU2->3 upgrade kits)
I've upgraded my MK3S a month ago and still waiting to be able to use my MMU3
I asked this very question a few days ago in chat. The answer was pretty clear: Not.
So I started sourcing everything. I ordered the extruder plate and the cable from Prusa. The rest I am ordering elsewhere. Sadly those screws and magnets are only available in bulk. So I have 198 M3x22 and 198 M3x35 and 98 Magnets 3×1 spare…
(Great ressource to see what you need: https://help.prusa3d.com/article/list-of-parts-for-mmu2s-to-mmu3-upgrades_887521)
I'm a little bit confused, that I subscribed to the newsletter and NEVER received any information that this upgrade is now possible. Also I never received an update on my Core One Upgrade and the updated delivery date. I really love your products and will consider upgrading in future but you REALLY need to up your game regardings communications. This upgrade could be very relevant for many people and this should not be a PULL but more of a PUSH information.
Question, would the MMU3 – Community Version, work on the Original Prusa MK4/S Enclosure? Has anyone tried this?
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I bought an MMU3 kit before I received my Core One. Now I want to print the parts for the MMU3 to be able to install it on my Core One, but I can't seem to find the information needed to print the correct parts. Also, I've just built my Core One yesterday. Do I now need to strip the Nextruder down to integrate the MMU3? I've just put it together! This seems very counterintuitive to me, I thought that Core One was sold as being MMU3 compatible/ready?
Will the new MMU4 (or what ever the new name will be) be compatible with CoreOne. Im currenlty ready to upgrade my MK4s to CoreOne, but the next move would be multicolor. So i want to be sure i can uograde to MMU(?) in the future.
MMU3 Enclosed (for CORE One)
Which are the dimensions? how tall?