每次心有触动的时候，便思绪万千，就总有想法要写一篇正式一些的文章。但总是因为太多事情而耽搁了。没多少人真正了解MX RESEARCH。
The earliest encounter with 3D printing was in 2005, merely a casual conversation with a friend, but the timing didn’t seem right. I almost forgot about it until the latter half of 2018 when our company’s medical business involved 3D printing-related products, which had seen significant improvements but still lacked maturity. Without much deliberation, after four months, on May 6, 2019, we introduced the first domestically cloned Prusa MK3 on Taobao.
what about now？😄
在这4年的时间里，出现过很多竞争对手，看着他们一个个来，一个个走，心里有庆幸，因为MX还在继续；也有少许悲哀，因为没有可以尊敬的对手。我们以飞快的速度在成长。
However, the greatest reward was getting to know many friends, some of whom traveled from afar, while others were previously unknown, all engaging in sincere technical discussions. We operated without tricks or deceit, focusing on honest product creation and after-sales service. While few suppliers could accompany MX throughout its growth journey, most were solely interested in immediate profits. Nonetheless, we remain grateful and hopeful for a shared future goal and progress.
Furthermore, we gained a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the open-source community, leading us to adjust our strategies and directions in the latter half of 2022. Over the years, while MX received significant assistance from foreign open-source communities, secondary development remained non-public to avoid commercial competition. One significant reason was the lack of standardized markets, with deeper issues related to personnel, which I won’t delve into here.
In April, we launched the second version of our official website. On Taobao, many newcomers couldn’t distinguish which clone to purchase. The MK3 series, renowned for its MMU multi-color printing, excelled in both single and multi-color printing, offering unparalleled DIY freedom worthy of the title of “machine emperor.” However, many clones couldn’t achieve multi-color printing or struggled with smooth multi-color printing, with sellers unable to even operate them, let alone provide technical support. In the foreseeable future, we will reduce technical support and responses in QQ groups, encouraging users to transition gradually from after-sales groups to the official website. Taobao stores will gradually phase out and close at an appropriate time. Relevant technical documents, models, and other materials will also transition gradually to the official website. We aim to create a larger space for everyone, allowing more enthusiasts to benefit from it.
Everyone should respect the spirit of open source and adhere to its principles. Beyond the realm of 3D printers, we are also consumers and detest closed commercial environments and being exploited. When you think you’ve bought a bargain and assembled a machine, are you sure it’s not a trap set by someone? Haha, those who understand will naturally get it.
Finally, thanks to everyone’s support, let’s embark on a different and exciting journey in 2023!