LISLE, IL, May 13, 2025 – Prusa Research, based in Prague, continues to expand with partners like Molex, reflecting growth in the 3D printing industry. With over 1,000 employees across three continents, the company supports global customers. Prusa focuses on developing adaptable 3D printing solutions aimed at meeting the varying needs of its user base across different applications.
Prusa Research follows a model that supports open-source development, sustainability, and user engagement. Its 3D printers are available either as assembled or as DIY kits, allowing users to choose based on their experience and needs. The company also emphasizes long-term usability by allowing upgrades through hardware mods, software updates, and add-ons. This approach supports gradual upgrades and customization rather than full system replacements.
“Prusa Research needed connectivity systems with the right balance of functionality and simplicity without compromising quality,” said Brian Hauge, SVP and president, consumer and commercial solutions, Molex. “With support from Arrow Electronics, we provide a full portfolio of connectors that are robust yet easy to use. Molex also stays in lockstep with Arrow and Prusa engineers to align emerging printer designs with new innovative connector solutions to ease new product introductions and upgrades.”
Rapid Growth Trajectory
Prusa Research processed over 300,000 3D printing orders last year and expanded its U.S. operations by opening Printed Solid in Delaware to manufacture desktop 3D printers and filaments for the North American market.
“In 2024, Prusa grew 25% year over year, and we are excited for this year, which will be even bigger,” said Josef Prusa, CEO of Prusa Research. “We populated over one million parts using Molex CLIK-Mate connectors last year and they all have performed very well. We now have more than 20 printer designs, and they all use Molex connectors. Looking ahead, we will continue to work with Arrow and Molex to drive our further expansion in Europe while building out manufacturing capabilities in the U.S.”
To drive sustained growth, Prusa deployed Molex CLIK-Mate wire-to-board connectors, which align well with the company’s standards for performance and operation. These wire-to-board connectors use a tuning-fork terminal design to reduce insertion force while maintaining secure contact, making them suitable for applications requiring high signal density in limited space.
Prusa particularly appreciates the audible “click” sound offering immediate confirmation of secure contact, as well as easy automatic board placement and simplified set-up for at-home customers. CLIK-Mate connectors are designed to prevent incorrect orientation during installation and support efficient SMT line assembly in Prusa’s production process.
Compact Molex Micro-Fit Connectors, which blend power and flexibility without impacting space or reliability, also are deployed by Prusa. In addition, Molex ultra-microcoaxial RF connectors are used to link Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectors, along with other Molex solutions for supporting RF microwave technology.
Prusa uses up to 16 types of CLIK-Mate connectors to support printer assembly. Molex connectors are integrated across Prusa’s product line, including the new CORE One printer. The company is also evaluating additional Molex solutions, such as Easy-On FFC/FPC connectors and custom configurations, to support both current and future printer models.
Source: Molex Inc.
About Molex
Molex, established in 1938 and headquartered in Lisle, Illinois, is a global leader in electronic, electrical, and fiber optic connectivity systems. The company offers over 100,000 products, including electrical connectors, optical fiber connectors, and switches, serving industries such as data communications, medical, industrial, automotive, and consumer electronics. Molex pioneered the widely adopted Molex connector in personal computing. As of 2023, Molex reported annual revenues of $3.6 billion and employed approximately 45,000 people worldwide.
About Prusa Research
Prusa Research, founded in 2012 by Josef Průša, is a Czech company specializing in the development and manufacturing of desktop 3D printers. Headquartered in Prague, the company has grown to employ over 900 people and ships more than 10,000 printers monthly worldwide. Prusa’s product lineup includes models like the Prusa MK4S, Prusa XL, Prusa MINI+, and the Prusa CORE One, catering to both hobbyists and professionals. In addition to hardware, Prusa develops software tools such as PrusaSlicer and Prusa Connect, and operates Printables.com, a platform for sharing 3D models. The company serves industries including education, engineering, and manufacturing, and has expanded into industrial 3D printing through the acquisition of Trilab. As of 2025, Prusa Research reports an annual revenue of approximately $750 million.