Prusa Research has released its highly anticipated Original Prusa MK3 4D printer, which promises to deliver high-speed printing with ease.
The company claims that the MK4 is more than just an upgraded version of the popular MK3 (despite its similar appearance), as the machine is 90% brand new with a number of features and improvements.
According to Prusa, this makes it sound like it's probably one of the fastest and most reliable 3D printers on the market today.
Original Prusa MK4
On a call with Josef Průša, I asked him why the company decided to keep the iconic design of the original PRUSA that came before it.
The answer was simple: Original Prusa's customer base is loyal, and stopping development for those existing users is no longer an option, especially when the MK4's performance can compete with the latest Core XY machines when it comes to speed. and speed reliability. . A clear upgrade path must be part of the PRUSA model, while ensuring that the open source community is maintained.
Although the new MK4 machine may look familiar, the upgrades improve almost every aspect of the build and technology. In particular, the MK3's metal frame that was machined from sheet metal has been replaced with an all-new injection-molded aluminum composite frame, offering increased rigidity.
Features
Build volume: 250 x 210 x 220mm | 9,84 x 8,3 x 8,6 inches
Filament diameter: > 1,75mm
Layer height: 0,05-0,30mm
Baseboard: 32-bit xBuddy custom electronics with STM32
Stepper Drivers: Trinamic 2130
Stepper Motors: X, Y stepper motors with an accuracy of 0,9° (avoids VFA)
Extruder: Nextruder, Direct Drive, E3D V6 compatible (with adapter)
Transmission system: Nextruder planetary gear system, 10:1 gearbox ratio
Nozzle diameter: 0,4mm (default) / other nozzle diameters are supported
Max Nozzle Temperature: 300°C / 572°F
Maximum heated bed temperature: 120°C / 248°F
LCD display: 3.5″ 65k color graphic display
Connectivity: LAN, optional ESP Wi-Fi module (delivered with the printer)
Printing medium: USB stick / LAN / Internet via Prusa Connect
Advanced sensors: filament sensor, load cell sensor, power supply panic, 4 high precision thermistors (Semitec originals) + fan motor speed monitoring
Print surface: Heated magnetic bed with removable PEI spring steel sheets
Bed calibration: automatic leveling of the mesh bed (only in the printing area)
Supported materials: PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, Flex, HIPS, PA, PVA, PC, PP, CPE, PVB, NGEN, composites, etc.
Printer dimensions (without reel): 7 kg, 500×550×400 mm; 19,6 × 21,6 × 15,7 inches (X × Y × Z)
Power consumption PLA settings: 80W / ABS settings: 120W
Other notable improvements include the new high-speed extruder, which allows for faster print speeds while maintaining high-quality prints. This extruder is compatible with many filaments, including PLA, ABS, PETG, etc.
This new print head has been developed by PRUSA Research and is based on the Nextruder we first saw on the XL, and now the smaller version of this new printer features quick change nozzles again.
For many, the most revolutionary feature is the new fully automatic calibration of the first layer, thanks to a load cell sensor. This means that even if you change the default nozzle to any standard E3D V6 (with an adapter), the probe will still automatically set the first layer height accurately. That means the need for Z-axis fine tuning should be a thing of the past.
Another feature that will appeal to many users is the improved connection options with Ethernet and Wi-Fi, meaning you no longer have to go back and forth to the machine to upload or update files in production iterations.
A new print bed features an improved surface texture, providing better adhesion and eliminating the need for adhesives or other surface treatments. Regarding the standard materials, there is a wide compatibility and specialized nozzles can be equipped with the quick change system. In addition, the MK4 features a new filament sensor that detects when the filament runs out and automatically stops printing, allowing users to easily replace filament without restarting the print job.
Prusa Research also upgraded the printer's firmware to the next generation and took full advantage of the 32-XBuddy control board, which now includes advanced thermal runaway protection and automatic tilt axis calibration. This ensures that the printer operates safely and efficiently, requiring minimal manual intervention.
But perhaps the most important aspect of MK4 is its commitment to open source principles. Prusa Research has a strong heritage in the open source community and is committed to keeping its printers and software open and accessible to all.
open source support
In a recent blog post (opens in a new tab), Prusa discussed the importance of open source in the world of 3D printing and expressed concern about the current state of open source development.
“We stand by our roots in open source and will continue to do so,” he wrote. "Our desktop 3D printers will always be open source. We plan to continue releasing plastic parts and firmware source codes."
Prusa Research's commitment to open source is evident in the MK4, which has models of all the plastic parts and firmware sources available for download. Although the electronic blueprints have yet to be released, the company has indicated that it plans to release them under a new license that fixes some issues with open source development.
Overall, the Original Prusa MK4 is an impressive 3D printer that builds on the success of its predecessor and introduces a host of new features and improvements. With its commitment to open source principles, it's a printer that will appeal to manufacturers, hobbyists, and professionals alike.