Prusa MK4
by Prusa research
The Prusa MK4 represents the latest evolution of Prusa Research's flagship 3D printer, integrating cutting-edge features for an enhanced user experience. Boasting a Loadcell sensor, it ensures a consistently flawless initial layer without the need for manual adjustments. With high-speed performance facilitated by Input Shaper support, the MK4 introduces advancements like a next-gen extruder (Nextruder), 32-bit connected platform, and convenient features such as remote printing and quick-swap nozzles. The customizable UI with a one-click printing option adds further user convenience. Included in the package is a Smooth PEI print sheet, emphasizing adhesion excellence. The Prusa MK4 is designed to deliver reliability, safety, and innovation in 3D printing.
| price : | 1200 € |
| release date : | 03/2023 (2 years ago) |
Specifications
| weight | 7kg |
| build volume | 250mm x 210mm x 220mm |
| connectivity | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB |
| machine size | width: 550mm x depth:500mm x height: 400mm |
| has heated bed | true |
| max print speed | unknownmm/s |
| extrusion system | simple |
| filament feeding | direct |
| layer resolution | from:50µm - to: 300µm |
| filament diameter | 1.75mm |
| supported materials | standard, hight_temperature, composite |
| max extruder temperature | 290°C |
| max print bed temperature | 120°C |
Reviews
Overview of the Prusa Mk4 3D Printer
The Prusa Mk4 has attracted attention within the 3D printing community for both its innovative features and the continuation of Prusa’s reputation for quality. One of the most anticipated advancements in the Mk4 is the introduction of input shaping technology, designed to improve print speed and quality by reducing vibrations. The Mk4 also incorporates a load cell for auto bed leveling, a feature aiming to streamline the printing process and enhance print adherence and uniformity.
Design and Build Quality
Built upon the legacy of its predecessors, the Mk4 maintains a familiar design ethos while introducing several noteworthy upgrades. These include a full-color graphic display, modernized electronics powered by an STM32 microprocessor, and WiFi capabilities for easier machine interfacing. The printer features an all-new direct drive extruder system purported to offer improved filament handling and a proprietary hotend designed by E3D, promising compatibility with a wide range of materials.
Usability and User Interface
The transition to a full-color screen and the option for a touch interface marks a significant update in terms of user interaction. Although it retains a functional design, the interface benefits from its simplicity and directness, catering well to new and experienced users alike. The inclusion of WiFi, though criticized for its setup process, is seen as a step towards modernizing the user experience, despite the noted transfer speed limitations.
Printing Performance and Quality
Initial feedback on print quality is highly positive, with users noting the Mk4's capability to produce prints that match or surpass the high expectations set by Prusa's earlier models. The printer’s architecture appears to keep the hallmark precision and detail, with new technological introductions aiming to mitigate issues such as vibration-induced artifacts. However, the effectiveness of input shaping technology in its current implementation has drawn mixed reviews, indicating room for refinement.
Software and Ecosystem
Prusa's commitment to open-source software continues with the Mk4, relying on the mature and robust PrusaSlicer for slicing tasks. The ecosystem includes Prusa Connect and Prusa Link, offering cloud and local networking options for managing print jobs. Despite the apparent overlap with features available in competing solutions, the slicer's integration and the hardware-software synergy are cited as positive aspects of the overall Prusa experience.
Value and Market Position
Considerations regarding the Mk4’s value proposition are nuanced, addressing both its upfront cost and the long-term benefits of owning a Prusa printer. The Mk4 enters a competitive market with compelling offerings from rivals, necessitating a closer look at what distinguishes it beyond its brand reputation. Enthusiasts and hobbyists, in particular, might weigh the Mk4 against alternatives, pondering whether its features and potential for future updates justify the investment.
Conclusion
In sum, the Prusa Mk4 demonstrates evolutionary advancements on a well-regarded platform, aiming to enhance user experience, print quality, and operational efficiency. While its debut has garnered positive initial impressions, reflections on its price point, competing technologies, and the promise of future capabilities like improved input shaping suggest a mixed yet optimistic outlook. The Mk4’s success will likely hinge on its ability to continue evolving and addressing user feedback, a challenge Prusa has navigated successfully in the past.