3D Printing Legend Josef Prusa Takes Emergency Command of Printed…

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Quick Answer

Who is taking over Printed Solid? Josef Prusa, founder and CEO of Prusa Research, has stepped in as interim leader following David Randolph’s departure after nearly nine years as CEO.

When did the change happen? Effective January 1, 2026.

What’s the goal? To expand US-based manufacturing of Prusa 3D printers and earn the “MADE in the USA” designation for MK4S and Core One printers.

A Decade of Growth

After nearly nine years at the helm, David Randolph has stepped down as CEO of Delaware-based Printed Solid. The move, announced on X and effective as of January 1st, marks a new chapter for the company that has evolved from a small 3D printing supplier into a key manufacturing hub for Prusa’s European-designed hardware.

Randolph will remain as a consultant during the transition period while a permanent successor is being sought. During his tenure, Printed Solid grew from a three-person operation to a significant manufacturing partner capable of producing components for Prusa’s latest 3D printer models.

Josef Prusa Steps Up

Josef Prusa, the visionary behind the iconic Prusa 3D printer line, is now overseeing what could be a new phase of North American expansion. Under Randolph’s leadership, Printed Solid grew from three employees to a significant operation with a small Prusa print farm churning out parts for MK4S and Core One 3D printers that are assembled in Delaware.

Work is currently underway to source sufficient American-made parts to earn the printers the coveted “MADE in the USA” stamp. Josef Prusa has previously stated that he wants his team to become the largest 3D printer and filament manufacturer in the U.S.

This strategic move aligns with broader trends in the 3D printing industry, where manufacturers are increasingly looking to localize production to reduce supply chain dependencies and better serve regional markets.

Printed Solid: From Humble Beginnings to Manufacturing Partner

Printed Solid’s journey began as a niche supplier of 3D printing materials and accessories. Under Randolph’s guidance, the company transformed into a critical component of Prusa’s global manufacturing network. The company’s Delaware facility now houses assembly lines and quality control processes that mirror the standards established at Prusa’s Czech Republic headquarters.

Before entering the 3D printing industry, Randolph worked as a broadcast engineer for the Discovery Channel and G4TV. His love of retro tech led to Printed Solid’s Beige 500 and Tan 64 PLA filaments, which perfectly match the cases of an AMIGA 500 and a Commodore 64. These unique filament colors became fan favorites among retro computing enthusiasts who wanted to create custom parts that blended seamlessly with vintage hardware.

Randolph also helped save a fan favorite silk filament, Polyalchemy Elixir, from extinction when the original manufacturer shut down, reengineering it to work on Printed Solid’s equipment. This demonstrated the company’s commitment to preserving beloved materials in the 3D printing community.

Business as Usual

Chief Sales Officer Chris Pelesky noted that operations remain “business as usual,” with the management team working closely with Prusa HQ to align the companies’ core missions.

“We are the same company we were in 2025, with the same goals of advancing sales and manufacturing of Prusa 3D printers here in the U.S. While we will certainly miss David, we will continue onward in the journey he started us on knowing we are in good hands with our Prusa parents.”

A Fond Farewell

Randolph reflected on his journey in a post on LinkedIn:

“It has been a wonderful journey. We started with three employees and have grown the staff beyond my wildest dreams. It has been truly a highlight of my life to grow Printed Solid as much as it has grown in almost nine years.”

Prusa Research: A Global 3D Printing Leader

Prusa Research, founded by Josef Prusa in 2012, has grown from a small open-source 3D printer project into one of the world’s leading manufacturers of desktop 3D printers. The company is renowned for its Prusa i3 series, which has become the gold standard for affordable, reliable 3D printing.

Prusa’s commitment to open-source principles has fostered a vibrant community of developers and enthusiasts who contribute improvements and modifications to the company’s designs. This community-driven approach has been a key factor in Prusa’s success and the widespread adoption of its printers.

The company’s product lineup includes the MK4S, Core One, and the original MK3S+, among other models. These printers are known for their ease of use, reliability, and continuous improvements based on community feedback. Prusa also manufactures its own line of 3D printing filaments, including PLA, PETG, ABS, and specialty materials like ASA and nylon.

Comparison: Prusa Manufacturing Locations

Feature European Manufacturing (Czech Republic) US Manufacturing (Delaware)
Status Primary facility (fully operational) Growing facility (expanding)
Models Produced All Prusa models (MK4S, Core One, MK3S+, etc.) MK4S, Core One (assembly focus)
“MADE in USA” Certification N/A (European facility) In progress (sourcing US-made parts)
Regional Focus European market, global exports North American market
Filament Production Full range (PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, specialty) Limited (expanding)

Comparison: Printed Solid Before vs. After Leadership Change

Aspect Before (David Randolph Era) After (Josef Prusa Interim)
Leadership David Randolph (CEO, ~9 years) Josef Prusa (Interim leader)
Relationship with Prusa Manufacturing partner Direct Prusa oversight
Growth Strategy Organic growth, niche products Accelerated US expansion, “MADE in USA” focus
Staff Size 3 to significant team (exact number not disclosed) Expected expansion (business as usual then growth)
Operations Independent decision-making Aligned with Prusa HQ strategy

What This Means for the Industry

This leadership change highlights the continued consolidation and maturation of the 3D printing industry. With Prusa Research taking a more hands-on approach to its North American operations, we can expect to see:

  • Increased focus on US-based manufacturing: The push for “MADE in the USA” certification reflects a broader trend toward localization of manufacturing to reduce supply chain vulnerabilities and meet regional content requirements.
  • Potential expansion of the Prusa ecosystem in North America: Direct oversight by Prusa may lead to faster product rollouts, better customer support, and more localized marketing efforts in the US market.
  • Continued innovation in both hardware and materials: Prusa’s reputation for continuous improvement suggests that Printed Solid’s operations will benefit from the latest advancements in 3D printing technology.
  • Greater competition for domestic 3D printer manufacturers: A stronger Prusa presence in the US market could pressure domestic manufacturers to innovate and improve their offerings.
  • More job opportunities in US 3D printing: Expansion of manufacturing operations in Delaware could create new jobs in assembly, quality control, and customer support.

The Future of 3D Printing in North America

The consolidation of 3D printing manufacturing capabilities in North America is part of a larger trend toward regionalization of production. As supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the risks of over-reliance on distant manufacturing hubs, many companies are rethinking their global strategies.

For Prusa Research, having a stronger foothold in the US market offers several advantages. It allows the company to respond more quickly to customer needs in North America, reduce shipping times and costs, and potentially navigate trade barriers more effectively. It also positions Prusa to take advantage of government incentives and programs that support domestic manufacturing.

For consumers, this development could mean more accessible pricing, faster delivery times, and better customer support. It may also lead to more product customization options tailored to the preferences of North American users.

David Randolph’s Legacy

David Randolph’s departure from Printed Solid marks the end of an era for the company. His leadership transformed Printed Solid from a small specialty supplier into a key player in the 3D printing ecosystem. Under his guidance, the company developed unique products like the retro-themed Beige 500 and Tan 64 filaments, which continue to be popular among enthusiasts.

Randolph’s background in broadcasting engineering brought a unique perspective to the 3D printing industry. See also: Prusa Research Mini+ vs Prusa MK4: Full Specs Comp…. His technical expertise and passion for technology helped Printed Solid navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of additive manufacturing. His decision to save Polyalchemy Elixir from extinction demonstrated his commitment to preserving valuable resources for the 3D printing community.

As Randolph transitions to a consultant role, his institutional knowledge and experience will continue to benefit Printed Solid during this period of change. His departure creates an opportunity for new leadership to build on the strong foundation he established.

FAQ

Who is Josef Prusa?

Josef Prusa is the founder and CEO of Prusa Research, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of desktop 3D printers. He is a pioneering figure in the open-source 3D printing movement and created the Prusa i3 series, which has become one of the most popular 3D printer designs globally.

Why did David Randolph step down as CEO of Printed Solid?

While the specific reasons for David Randolph’s departure have not been publicly detailed, his announcement on X indicated that he stepped down after nearly nine years as CEO. Randolph will remain as a consultant during the transition period.

What is the “MADE in the USA” certification?

The “MADE in the USA” certification is a designation that indicates a product is substantially made in the United States. To qualify, Printed Solid and Prusa Research must source a sufficient percentage of components and materials from US suppliers and complete the manufacturing process in the US.

How will this change affect Printed Solid customers?

According to Chief Sales Officer Chris Pelesky, operations will remain “business as usual” during the transition. Customers should not experience any disruptions to service, and the company will continue its mission of advancing sales and manufacturing of Prusa 3D printers in the US.

What Prusa printers are being assembled in the US?

Currently, Printed Solid is assembling MK4S and Core One 3D printers at its Delaware facility. These models represent the latest generation of Prusa’s desktop 3D printer lineup.

Will this change impact Prusa printer prices?

There is no immediate indication that prices will change as a result of this leadership transition. However, increased US-based manufacturing could eventually lead to more competitive pricing in the North American market due to reduced shipping costs and tariffs.

What happens next for Printed Solid?

Under Josef Prusa’s interim leadership, Printed Solid will focus on expanding its manufacturing capabilities and working toward “MADE in the USA” certification for its printers. The company will also continue to search for a permanent CEO to lead the organization long-term.

How long has Printed Solid been in business?

Printed Solid has been operating for approximately nine years under David Randolph’s leadership. The company started as a small operation with three employees and has grown significantly during that time.

Sources

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