[3D Printing News] Prusa's Latest Product, the Original MK4! Debuts with a Splash!
Prusa Research, a 3D printer manufacturer headquartered in the Czech Republic, announced their latest desktop 3D printer, the Original Prusa MK4. This new machine is another success following the MK3. Over the past five years, the MK3 has sold over 350,000 units globally and has been awarded the "Best 3D Printer of the Year" four times in a row between 2019-2022.
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, said: "At first glance, the MK4 might seem similar. In fact, we've adjusted, improved, and even directly replaced 90% of the components. The most critical goal for the MK4 is to enhance the user experience, with multiple new features primarily 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 aren't interested in tweaking and fiddling with their printer; 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, said: "At first glance, the MK4 might seem similar. In fact, we've adjusted, improved, and even directly replaced 90% of the components. The most critical goal for the MK4 is to enhance the user experience, with multiple new features primarily 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 aren't interested in tweaking and fiddling with their printer; they just want to print."
MK4 Key Features
The MK4 utilizes Prusa's new xBuddy board, a 32-bit STM32-driven motherboard, replacing the older EINSY RAMBo board used in the MK3. The new motherboard is referred to as the cornerstone of the MK4, designed, manufactured, and tested in-house by Prusa.
The xBuddy is designed to maximize safety and reliability, offering multiple new features compared to its predecessor. For instance, the board integrates dual voltage measurement, heater current measurement, and total input current measurement on the 24V branch. Additionally, to maximize printer safety, the motherboard automatically disconnects the hotend heater if the current exceeds 2.8A, and also disconnects the heater and heatbed power when the total current exceeds 15A. The motherboard also supports print recovery after power loss and includes four thermistors (hotend, heatsink, 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 instance, the board integrates dual voltage measurement, heater current measurement, and total input current measurement on the 24V branch. Additionally, to maximize printer safety, the motherboard automatically disconnects the hotend heater if the current exceeds 2.8A, and also disconnects the heater and heatbed power when the total current exceeds 15A. The motherboard also supports print recovery after power loss and includes four thermistors (hotend, heatsink, 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, Nextruder, is another significant update for the MK4. A smaller, lighter version of 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 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 adjustments.
The Nextruder port on the motherboard also provides users with greater convenience. Previously, older models connected extruder components directly to the motherboard, making the replacement of certain extruder components a complex and time-consuming process. However, the MK4 incorporates a new connector breakout board, the LoveBoard, which directly connects all extruder components inside the Nextruder, greatly speeding up the extruder part replacement process.
The MK4's design for quick nozzle changes is also intended to save users time when performing hotend modifications. Thumb screws have been added to both sides of the Nextruder; once loosened, the entire hotend can be quickly and easily removed and replaced. After modification, the load cell sensor will quickly and automatically calibrate at the start of the next print. The Nextruder-V6 adapter and V6-compatible nozzles, including hardened and high-flow models, can all be used with the MK4. Prusa has also released a series of nozzles (from 0.25 to 0.8), with more models expected to be released in the future.
The Nextruder port on the motherboard also provides users with greater convenience. Previously, older models connected extruder components directly to the motherboard, making the replacement of certain extruder components a complex and time-consuming process. However, the MK4 incorporates a new connector breakout board, the LoveBoard, which directly connects all extruder components inside the Nextruder, greatly speeding up the extruder part replacement process.
The MK4's design for quick nozzle changes is also intended to save users time when performing hotend modifications. Thumb screws have been added to both sides of the Nextruder; once loosened, the entire hotend can be quickly and easily removed and replaced. After modification, the load cell sensor will quickly and automatically calibrate at the start of the next print. The Nextruder-V6 adapter and V6-compatible nozzles, including hardened and high-flow models, can all be used with the MK4. Prusa has also released a series of nozzles (from 0.25 to 0.8), with more models expected to be released in the future.
Another major feature of the high-speed MK4 is its adoption of input shaping and pressure advance technologies, which can reduce printing time by 75% while maintaining excellent print quality. For example, as shown in the video below, a sample print that took 80 minutes on the MK3 can now be completed in 20 minutes.
The new MK4 also features 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, allowing G-code to be stored on USB devices.
Coinciding with 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 up to 5 colors at once, with the MMU3 offering improved reliability and easier control compared to previous versions.
Coinciding with 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 up to 5 colors at once, with the MMU3 offering improved reliability and easier control compared to previous versions.
Technical Specifications
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| Build Volume | 250 x 210 x 220 mm | 9.84 x 8.3 x 8.6 in |
| Filament Diameter | 1.75 |
| 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, direct drive, E3D V6 compatible (with adapter) |
| Extruder Electronics | Custom breakout board for connecting fans, thermistors, and other components. |
| Filament Path | Aluminum heatsink, all-metal hotend, no PTFE tube |
| Drive System | Nextruder planetary gear system, 10:1 gear ratio |
| Nozzle Diameter | 0.4mm (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 the device). |
| File Transfer | USB / LAN / Prusa Connect over the internet |
| Advanced Sensors | Filament sensor, Loadcell 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 (in 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 × 400 mm; 19.6 × 21.6 × 15.7 inches (W×D×H). |
| Power Supply | 240W, custom by Delta, with Power Panic HW |
| Power Consumption | PLA settings: 80W ABS settings: 120W |
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