03-29-2023: Prusa Research presented the Original Prusa MK4
The very long-awaited successor to its flagship 3D printer
On March 29, 2023, Prusa Research announced the release of the Original Prusa MK4, a new version of its iconic 3D printer model. This was quite surprising, as until then, there had been no indication that a successor to the popular MK3 would ever be released. At that time, the primary marketing and sales focus was on the Prusa XL, which had only recently been introduced for open sale. Unfortunately, despite fantastic reviews and truly high quality, the MK4's success was overshadowed by last year’s launch of the Core ONE – Prusa's new flagship 3D printer.
The MK4 was based on a new 32-bit electronics architecture, featuring a next-generation extruder (Nextruder) known from the XL model, a Live Adjust Z system for achieving a perfectly smooth first layer, and support for high-speed 3D printing with Input Shaper and Pressure Advance functions. Many additional features were introduced to improve usability – quick-swap printing nozzles, WiFi connectivity, a built-in webcam, and much more. The printer was also made even quieter.
Although at first glance the new MK4 looked identical to its predecessor, Prusa claimed that 90% of its components had been replaced. The only parts that remained unchanged were the Y-axis profiles, a few bearings, the heated bed, and the power supply. The aluminum frame was completely redesigned and replaced with a new injection-molded version, using an aluminum-based alloy injected into a two-part mold.
The new filament feeding module – the Nextruder – was a modified version of the one used in the Prusa XL. It was significantly larger than typical extruders in 3D printers of this class, and thanks to its design, it significantly reduced filament slippage and allowed for smoother 3D printing. A demonstration video showed that a typical print job that would take ten hours on the MK3 could be completed in just 3.5 hours on the MK4.
An interesting feature was the Non-Vertical Feature Artifact reduction, which aimed to minimize artifacts on vertical surfaces. Another innovation was that bed leveling control before a 3D print could be performed only within the area that was actually being used.
The 3D printer received mixed reactions when entered the market. On one hand, it was praised for its high-quality performance and excellent print quality. On the other hand, some criticized its price – $799 / €889 for the assembly kit and $1,099 / €1,199 for the assembled version – which was significantly higher than what Chinese competitors were offering.
Additionally, in November 2024, at Formnext, Prusa unveiled a completely new generation of 3D printers – the Core ONE, which was intended to eventually replace the classic Prusa models. This had a significant impact on sales, and currently, despite its undeniable advantages, the MK4 is becoming an increasingly niche product...
Source: www.prusa3d.com
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