Prusa announces MK4
Prusa Research has announced the next generation 3D printer: the Prusa MK4. Described as “an open-source 3D printing workhorse with long-term support“, MK4 boasts numerous improvements over its predecessor, MK3.
MK4 is based on a 32-bit card, called “ xBuddy”, powered by STM32, providing Ethernet connectivity and new features such as Input Shaper and Pressure Advance. The Input Shaper allows fine control of the speed of the moving system, while the Pressure Advance manages the increase of the filament when the nozzle accelerates and the retraction when it slows down.
The MK4 Nextruder uses replacement nozzles Quick to change the diameter of the aperture, allowing for faster prints. The 10:1 planetary extruder, into which the 1.75 mm diameter filament is fed, is designed to reduce slippage thanks to a large contact area. The Nextruder extruder is also equipped with a sensor to detect running out of filament.
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Photo Credit: Prusa
Photo Credit: Prusa --> MK4 is faster than MK3 thanks to the Input Shaper and Pressure Advance, which offer faster print times, similar to those of Klipper. Prusa has developed its own version of these features adapted to its printers, rather than integrating Klipper into the MK4, making prototyping even more efficient. MK4 guarantees a perfect first layer thanks to the automation of the automatic leveling process, during which the nozzle touches the bottom and a sensor precisely detects the contact. This eliminates the need for time-consuming manual interventions for nozzle and print sheet replacement.
The chassis of the MK4 is made of injection-molded aluminum, offering strength and durability. At the base of the chassis is a 3.5″ color LCD touchscreen, along with various buttons for the various controls. Compared to the MK3 line, which has sold around 350,000 units worldwide, the MK4 improves on the MK3S+ by upgrading around 90% of the components.
The Prusa MK4 is available in limited quantities directly from Prusa Research at the price of $1,099 as an assembled unit, while upgrade kits will be available for $799 in the future.
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