【3D Printing News】Prusa's Latest Product, Original MK4, is Here!
Czech-based 3D printer manufacturer Prusa Research announced their latest desktop 3D printer, the Original Prusa MK4. This new machine is another success following the MK3. In the past five years, the MK3 has sold over 350,000 units worldwide and received the "Best 3D Printer of the Year Award" four times in a row between 2019 and 2022.
While the Original Prusa MK4 builds upon the MK3, Prusa emphasizes that the product incorporates various improvements. Josef Prusa, founder and CEO of Prusa Research, stated: "At first glance, the MK4 might seem similar, but in fact, we have adjusted and improved, or even directly replaced, 90% of the parts. The most crucial goal for the MK4 is to improve the user experience, with various new features primarily aimed at making the printing process faster, easier, and more intuitive, offering a wider range of printing possibilities. The MK4 makes 3D printing technology more accessible to general users who are not interested in adjusting and tinkering with printers, they just want to print."
While the Original Prusa MK4 builds upon the MK3, Prusa emphasizes that the product incorporates various improvements. Josef Prusa, founder and CEO of Prusa Research, stated: "At first glance, the MK4 might seem similar, but in fact, we have adjusted and improved, or even directly replaced, 90% of the parts. The most crucial goal for the MK4 is to improve the user experience, with various new features primarily aimed at making the printing process faster, easier, and more intuitive, offering a wider range of printing possibilities. The MK4 makes 3D printing technology more accessible to general users who are not interested in adjusting and tinkering with printers, they just want to print."
MK4 Key Features
The MK4 features Prusa's new xBuddy board, a 32-bit STM32 driven motherboard, replacing the older EINSY RAMBo board used in the MK3. The new motherboard, referred to as the cornerstone of the MK4, was designed, manufactured, and tested internally by Prusa.
The xBuddy is designed to maximize safety and reliability, offering multiple new features compared to its predecessor. For example, the board integrates dual voltage measurement on the 24V branch, heater current measurement, and total input current measurement. Additionally, to maximize printer safety, the motherboard automatically disconnects the hotend heater if the current exceeds 2.8A, and also disconnects power to the heater and heatbed when the total current exceeds 15A. The motherboard also supports power panic resume printing and includes four thermistors (hotend, heatbreak, heatbed, and ambient).
It also uses TMC2130-LA drivers and is equipped with numerous ports, including an ESP-01 Wi-Fi port, Ethernet port, service USB-C port, I2C port, accelerometer port (unpopulated), multi-material upgrade 3 (MMU3) port, and Nextruder port.
The xBuddy is designed to maximize safety and reliability, offering multiple new features compared to its predecessor. For example, the board integrates dual voltage measurement on the 24V branch, heater current measurement, and total input current measurement. Additionally, to maximize printer safety, the motherboard automatically disconnects the hotend heater if the current exceeds 2.8A, and also disconnects power to the heater and heatbed when the total current exceeds 15A. The motherboard also supports power panic resume printing and includes four thermistors (hotend, heatbreak, heatbed, and ambient).
It also uses TMC2130-LA drivers and is equipped with numerous ports, including an ESP-01 Wi-Fi port, Ethernet port, service USB-C port, I2C port, accelerometer port (unpopulated), multi-material upgrade 3 (MMU3) port, and Nextruder port.
Prusa's next-generation extruder, the Nextruder, is another significant update for the MK4. A smaller, lighter version of the Nextruder has already been used on the Original Prusa XL, and the MK4's Nextruder features a larger load cell sensor. This sensor accurately sets the distance between the nozzle and the print bed sheet by measuring the tension inside the extruder. This process allows the MK4 to automatically print a perfect first layer without the need for constant Z-axis adjustments or any manual nozzle tuning.
The Nextruder port on the motherboard also offers greater convenience for users. Previously, older models directly connected extruder components to the motherboard, making it a complex and time-consuming process to replace certain extruder components. However, the MK4 incorporates a new connector breakout board, the LoveBoard, which directly connects all extruder components inside the Nextruder, significantly speeding up the process of replacing extruder parts.
The MK4's design for quick nozzle changes is also intended to save users time when performing hotend modifications. Thumbscrews added to both sides of the Nextruder allow for the entire hotend to be quickly and easily removed and replaced once loosened. After modifications, the load cell sensor rapidly and automatically calibrates at the start of the next print. The Nextruder-V6 adapter is compatible with V6 nozzles, including hardened and high-flow models, all of which can be used with the MK4. Prusa has also released a range of nozzles (from 0.25 to 0.8), with more models expected in the future.
The Nextruder port on the motherboard also offers greater convenience for users. Previously, older models directly connected extruder components to the motherboard, making it a complex and time-consuming process to replace certain extruder components. However, the MK4 incorporates a new connector breakout board, the LoveBoard, which directly connects all extruder components inside the Nextruder, significantly speeding up the process of replacing extruder parts.
The MK4's design for quick nozzle changes is also intended to save users time when performing hotend modifications. Thumbscrews added to both sides of the Nextruder allow for the entire hotend to be quickly and easily removed and replaced once loosened. After modifications, the load cell sensor rapidly and automatically calibrates at the start of the next print. The Nextruder-V6 adapter is compatible with V6 nozzles, including hardened and high-flow models, all of which can be used with the MK4. Prusa has also released a range of nozzles (from 0.25 to 0.8), with more models expected in the future.
Another major feature of the high-speed MK4 is its use of input shaping and pressure advance technologies, which can reduce print times by 75% while maintaining excellent print quality. For example, as demonstrated in the video below, a sample print that took 80 minutes on the MK3 can now be completed in under 20 minutes.
The new MK4 also includes a new graphical LCD interface, replacing the older segmented LCD. The color screen supports G-code thumbnails, long text, graphics, and QR codes. Additionally, an RGB status bar has been added below the LCD screen, a set of programmable RGB LEDs that use various colors to display the printer's current status. A USB-A port has also been added next to the display screen for storing G-code on USB devices.
Alongside the release of the MK4, Prusa also announced the new MMU3, which is compatible with both the MK3S+ and MK4 models. This optional add-on allows single-extruder printers to print with up to 5 colors at once, with the MMU3 offering improved reliability and easier control compared to previous versions.
Alongside the release of the MK4, Prusa also announced the new MMU3, which is compatible with both the MK3S+ and MK4 models. This optional add-on allows single-extruder printers to print with up to 5 colors at once, with the MMU3 offering improved reliability and easier control compared to previous versions.
Technical Specifications
Did you enjoy this sharing? 3DMart offers more than just 3D printing, immediately contact us to learn more about the Original Prusa MK4 3D Printer.
| Build Volume | 250 x 210 x 220 mm | 9.84 x 8.3 x 8.6 in |
| Filament Diameter | 1.75 mm |
| Layer Height | 0.05-0.30mm |
| Motherboard | Custom 32-bit xBuddy electronics with STM32 |
| Stepper Drivers | Trinamic 2130 |
| Stepper Motors | Precise 0.9° X, Y stepper motors (prevents VFA) |
| Extruder | Nextruder extruder, direct drive, compatible with E3D V6 (with adapter) |
| Extruder Electronics | Custom breakout board for fans, thermistors, and other components. |
| Filament Path | Aluminum heatsink, all-metal hotend, no PTFE tube |
| Drive System | Nextruder planetary gear system, 10:1 gearbox ratio |
| Nozzle Diameter | 0.4mm nozzle diameter (default) / supports other nozzle diameters |
| Max Nozzle Temperature | 300 °C |
| Max Heatbed Temperature | 120 °C |
| LCD Screen | 3.5-inch graphical 65k color screen |
| Connectivity | LAN, optional ESP Wi-Fi module (provided with device). |
| File Transfer | USB / LAN / Prusa Connect online |
| Advanced Sensors | Filament sensor, Load cell sensor, Power panic, 4 high-precision thermistors (genuine Semitec) + fan motor RPM monitoring |
| Print Platform | Magnetic heatbed with removable PEI spring steel sheet |
| Print Bed Calibration | Automatic mesh bed leveling (print area only) |
| Supported Filaments | PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, Flex, HIPS, PA, PVA, PC, PP, CPE, PVB, NGEN Composites, etc. |
| Device Dimensions (without spool) | 7 kg, 500×550×400mm; 19.6×21.6×15.7 inches (X×Y×Z). |
| Power Supply | 240W, custom by Delta, with Power Panic HW |
| Power Consumption | PLA setup: 80W ABS setup: 120W |
Did you enjoy this sharing? 3DMart offers more than just 3D printing, immediately contact us to learn more about the Original Prusa MK4 3D Printer.
Follow our fan page, don't miss out on new information:https://www.facebook.com/3dmart.com.tw/
https://www.instagram.com/3dmart/
References