The new features of the Prusa MK4 modernize the gold-standard FDM printer.
The main improvements include resonance compensation, pressure advance, load cell (strain gauge) automatic first layer calibration, improved stepper motors, and the Nextruder.
The resonance compensation and pressure advance allow the MK4 to maintain quality at higher print speeds. This print speed will be similar to that of the Bambu printers.
Given that the MK4 kit is only $150 more than the MK3S+ kit, we recommend most people to go for the MK4.
Prusa MK4
$799/1,099
Assembly: Kit or Fully
Extruder: Direct Drive
Auto-Leveling: Yes
Max Nozzle Temp: 300°C
Max Bed Temp: 120°C
Print Volume: 210mm (L) 250mm (W) 220mm (H)
Prusa MK4 vs MK3S+
Prusa MK3S+
$649/899
Assembly: Kit or Fully
Extruder: Direct Drive
Auto-Leveling: Yes
Max Nozzle Temp: 300°C
Max Bed Temp: 120°C
Print Volume: 210mm (L) 250mm (W) 210mm (H)
Prusa Mini vs MK3S vs XL
Photo credits: (c) Prusa Research - prusa3d.com
Prusa MK4 and MK3S+
- What filaments can they print up to 300°C? They can print most materials, including nylons, flexibles, polycarbonate, and carbon fiber blends.
- Both printers come with magnetic PEI steel sheets for the print surface.
- Both printers come with automatic mesh bed leveling.
- Prusa has a fantastic track record for customer service and quality - any issues you have should be solved by their 24/7 support + their warranty + the community.
Prusa MK4
- The MK4 comes with a build volume of 250 x 210 x 220 mm, which is 10 mm extra build height over the MK3S.
- The MK4 has a custom 32-bit xBuddy electronics board with STM32, which includes a USB-C service port, ethernet, and Wi-Fi.
- The new 0.9° X,Y stepper motors offer improved print quality over regular 1.8° X,Y stepper motors.
- The first layer on all MK4 prints will be picture perfect with the automatic calibration provided by the load cell (strain gauge).
- The MK4 kit comes with a permanent 5% discount on filament, whereas the assembled variant has a 10% discount on filament and future MK4 printers.
Prusa MK4 Specifications
- Release Year: 2023
- Assembly: Kit or Assembled
- Build Volume: 250 x 210 x 220 mm
- Extruder: Direct
- PTFE-Lined: No
- Max Nozzle Temp: 300°C
- Max Bed Temp: 120°C
- Bed Material: PEI Spring Steel Sheet
- Auto-Leveling: Yes - Strain Gauge
- Z-Axis: Double
- Connections: SD, USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi
Prusa MK3S+
- The Prusa MK3S+ is the printer for you if you want reliability but desire to save a bit of money.
- The MK3S+ will have less connectivity options, no color screen, the 8-bit electronics board, and 10 mm less build height.
- The MK3S+ will require manual first layer calibration, but the SuperPINDA induction probe still allows for mesh bed leveling.
Prusa MK3S+ Specifications
- Release Year: 2020
- Assembly: Kit or Assembled
- Build Volume: 250 x 210 x 210 mm
- Extruder: Direct
- PTFE-Lined: No
- Max Nozzle Temp: 300°C
- Max Bed Temp: 120°C
- Bed Material: PEI Spring Steel Sheet
- Auto-Leveling: Yes - Induction
- Z-Axis: Dual
- Connections: SD & USB Type B
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