The Unique PRUSA MK4S is the newest iteration of the enduring 3D printer and as soon as once more sticks with the usual Cartesian design. PRUSA Analysis has retained this design, which suggests there’s a straightforward improve path from the earlier model to this newest one. The truth is, it is nice to see PRUSA providing an improve equipment from the MK4 to the MK4S at an especially low value of $99.
The upgrades from the MK4 to the MK4S give attention to boosting, overhangs, bettering floor high quality, filament color consistency, sharp print edges, and, after all, the pace and dimensional accuracy of prints.
These most important enhancements give attention to print high quality, and far of that is because of the new 360° cooling system, which blasts cool air when wanted from all instructions across the nozzle, which helps to enhance the angle of the overhangs that may be printed earlier than helps are required and due to this fact boosts the complexity of fashions that may be printed. The largest problem for PRUSA is competing with the pace of CoreXY printers, however once more, they’ve maximized the pace of their tried-and-tested design and added a customized high-flow hotend that has been designed in home and developed with Bondtech.
The MK4S additionally encompasses a native Wi-Fi setup by way of an NFC chip, making the connection course of extra built-in and user-friendly. The printer retains the basic PRUSA design however now consists of new supplies and manufacturing methods within the building, corresponding to PC blends with carbon fibre for some 3D-printed components and an injection-moulded LCD cowl. So, whereas there’s nonetheless the distinctive maker look to the printer, it’s turning into more and more refined.
A brand new non-compulsory GPIO board allows makers to develop their equipment and enhancements. There’s additionally an choice so as to add an accelerometer, though customers’ necessities for this shall be fairly area of interest. Though upgrades from the MK4 to the MK4S could seem slight, they considerably enhance efficiency and pace. PRUSA’s problem is conveying this message to potential patrons: The MK4S is the machine they want, even with superb cheaper rivals accessible.
Primarily, the Unique PRUSA MK4S is among the greatest 3D printers we have reviewed that, for the value, presents one of the crucial full options available on the market. It is one of the crucial correct, and the pace is now on par with quicker COREXY machines, however it’s costly. Nevertheless, it also needs to be seen as a long-term funding, so when you’ve had a less expensive machine and wish to improve, then it is a nice answer; when you want a machine for enterprise or training, then truly, that is far cheaper, even with the non-compulsory enclosure than the likes of the Ultimaker and is a much more serviceable machine.
Unique PRUSA MK4S: Design
The Unique PRUSA MK4S is immediately recognizable, not simply due to its signature orange accent colors but additionally due to its constant design evolution. Regardless of steady enhancements, the machine’s general look and styling have remained reassuringly related.
The MK4S strictly follows the Cartesian mattress slinger design, which means the construct plate strikes backwards and forwards beneath the print head. The machine continues to make use of lead screws and rails as a substitute of belts, sustaining its strong and dependable construction that is simple to keep up and repair, though if the MK4 is something to go by, fixing is one thing your unlikely to want to do. Our MK4 has been working persistently for over a yr and is used as a benchmark by which all different machines are measured; and over that point it has required little, if any, consideration.
The structure of the machine stays acquainted, with filament spools suspended above the machine and a brand new filament information to direct the filament into the print head. The principle upright construction, lead screws, and related mechanisms stay largely unchanged from the MK4. Nevertheless, the actual developments are seen within the print head, the place the brand new 360° cooling system has been developed. This method encompasses a high-pressure fan, which operates more often than not to keep up optimum cooling. Regardless of the elevated prominence of the cooling system, the noise ranges stay as little as with the very quiet MK4.
Efficient cooling is essential in 3D printing, because it considerably impacts print high quality. The brand new 360° cooling system, mixed with the high-flow nozzle, is a serious improve, even when it appears small. The high-flow nozzle permits the printer to deal with the elevated print speeds with the usual high-flow 0.4mm nozzle put in. In contrast with the MK4, you’ll be able to anticipate a 50% enhance in print pace when printing PLA, with related pace enhancements for PETG, ASA, and PC.
One of many frequent points confronted with Unique PRUSA machines is connecting the PRUSA slicer wirelessly to the printer. Whereas many different corporations have streamlined this course of, PRUSA’s method beforehand could not have been extra complicated. The MK4S addresses this with a local app setup, making the connection course of simpler. An NFC chip on the again of the machine permits for a easy faucet to begin the set up and connection course of.
Aesthetically, the MK4S has few adjustments aside from slight variations within the fan design. Nevertheless, PRUSA has improved the standard of some components by choosing injection moulding the place it is smart, corresponding to across the management field. They’ve additionally changed some beforehand used supplies with PC blends and carbon fibre for added power and high quality whereas retaining different supplies the place the added expense of PC blends doesn’t justify the advantages.
Lastly, two further non-compulsory components could be added to the MK4S if required. The primary is a GPIO board, which is thrilling for makers because it permits them to experiment with the printer and create their electronics or features. The power so as to add an accelerometer will enchantment to some, however for almost all of customers, this characteristic shall be non-compulsory.
General, whereas the upgrades from the MK4 to the MK4S could seem incremental, they considerably improve efficiency and pace, reinforcing PRUSA Analysis as a producer recognized for producing dependable and high-quality 3D printers and, extra importantly, taking care of its intensive person base. The problem stays in conveying these advantages to potential patrons in a aggressive market.
One closing level so as to add is that in contrast to most different machines, the PRUSA is inbuilt Europe, and the components, together with the chips, sensors and boards, are all chosen with safety in thoughts and sourced from both Europe or the US. Whereas the machine is wifi and App enabled, it may possibly equally simply not be, so for anybody engaged on prototypes who’s conscious in regards to the safety of their designs, it is a main design characteristic that shall be of curiosity.
Unique PRUSA MK4S: Options
Specs
Print Expertise: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
Construct Space: 250 x 210 x 220 mm | 9.84 x 8.3 x 8.6 in
Minimal Layer Decision: 0.05 mm
Most Layer Decision: 0.30 mm
Dimensions: 500×550×400 mm; 19.6×21.6×15.7 in (X×Y×Z)
Weight: 7 kg
Mattress: Magnetic heatbed with detachable PEI spring metal sheets
Print Floor: Clean PEI print sheet
Software program: PrusaSlicer (open-source), PrusaControl, PrusaConnect
Supplies: PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, Flex, HIPS, PA, PVA, PC, PP, CPE, PVB, NGEN, composites and extra
Print Velocity: As much as TBC mm/s
Unique PRUSA MK4S: Efficiency
One of many nice issues in regards to the majority of 3D printers popping out in the mean time is that it solely takes a couple of minutes to assemble and begin printing. Not solely is the mechanical construct of the printers comparatively simple, however with all of the superior software program developments, most printers will run by means of the setup procedures for you, levelling the bottom and checking that every part is good. The Unique PRUSA MK4S takes this a step additional: you actually simply pull the machine out of the field, take away the packaging, plug it in, let it run by means of its checks, and it is able to print. Effectively nearly, simply load the filament, and also you’re good to go.
When organising the evaluate pattern, it actually arrived on the door, was unboxed on the desk, and was able to print inside 5 minutes. With regards to setup, this is among the quickest and best printers we have ever used. The USB stick included within the field contained an enormous number of check fashions to print, which saved us busy for 24 hours if no more. Every mannequin printed with out subject, and in contrast to many different printers that want a little bit of tweaking or cleansing up after each print, the PRUSA MK4S merely printed flawlessly. Eradicating prints from the versatile construct plate was simple, leaving the printer able to go for the following mannequin. The quantity of mess across the printer was minimal, with only a small check strip used to scrub the nozzle and verify movement on the entrance of the construct plate being wasted from each mannequin.
With regards to print pace, the MK4S is quick, although not noticeably so at first. The printer additionally runs extremely quietly, particularly when in comparison with what are primarily Tasmanian satan printers that make an unimaginable quantity of noise, and nearly soar round with pleasure as they print, the Creality K1C is doing that at current. The PRUSA MK4S is quiet and understated, producing immaculate high-quality prints with out the noise and fuss.
After exhausting all of the check prints, we moved on to some fashions of our personal utilizing the up to date profile for PRUSA Slicer. The standard of the prints was once more glorious. A number of the key properties that PRUSA highlighted with the prints included dimensional accuracy, overhang high quality, quick, sturdy prints at pace, easy surfaces, sharp edges, color stability for colored filaments and, after all, pace. In isolation, all of the check prints appear to verify these attributes. Nevertheless, it was solely compared towards the likes of the Creality K1C and Bambu P1P that you could actually see why this printer instructions the upper value, with the opposite two printers producing glorious high quality prints however scuffling with a number of the finer particulars and print high quality with overhangs. Whereas each printers have increased most print speeds, the mix of settings to get an honest print from all three printers confirmed that the MK4S persistently printed on the identical pace as the opposite two, if not quicker in lots of instances. The settings on every printer are balanced to be able to produce first rate prints, with every printer utilising completely different slicer software program – so the slicer settings of every are set to present a fair enjoying area with balanced high quality and pace, however all printed with a layer top of 0.2mm with a 0.4mm nozzle.
Trying on the following three fashions actually proved the purpose.
The Bowl, designed by Rudolf Krcmar, exhibits essentially the most marked variations within the print high quality between the three machines. The plain winner right here is the PRUSA, with the opposite two printers struggling to supply usable prints.
Time taken to print:
Unique PRUSA: 3 hours 29 minutes Creality K1C: 7 hours 5 minutes Bambu Labs P1P: 4 hours 41 minutes
Subsequent up is the massive nook bracket, and right here, all three printers did an ideal job, with the K1C and the PRUSA matching the standard of the print. There have been some slight overhang points for the Bambu, however it was nonetheless a really satisfactory end result.
Time taken to print:
Unique PRUSA: 3 hours 29 minutes Creality K1C: 5 hours 43 minutes Bambu Labs P1P: 4 hours 10 minutes
Lastly, the Autodesk Kickstarter check mannequin actually highlights the skills of every printer and the qualities that every is able to. The
Time taken to print:
Unique PRUSA: 1 hour 49 minutes Creality K1C: 2 hours 26 minutes Bambu Labs P1P: 1 hour 36 minutes
It’s value noting that the value level of the MK4S sits properly above the likes of the Creality K1 sequence and Bamboo Labs P1P sequence. Nevertheless, it is troublesome not to attract comparisons with these machines. When it got here to print pace, the PRUSA was typically on a par, with prints beginning quicker than the opposite two machines – all machines we’re adjusted for various print speeds for infill set at 15% and Perimeter settings set to the utmost for the printer. Checking over the standard of the prints, it was obvious simply how a lot increased the standard of the PRUSA prints was. Whereas the opposite two machines accomplished their fashions at the same charge, there was a marked distinction within the print high quality, with the PRUSA producing first rate surface-finished fashions and the opposite two displaying particular indicators of glitches and minor points.
Working all printers persistently with the identical fashions confirmed the place the PRUSA stands out: full reliability. With the PRUSA, you merely set the printer going, go away it, come again, take away the print, and begin the following. The opposite two machines, at one level or one other, paused throughout a print or had filament movement points that wanted resolving.
Within the final check, we put the Creality K1C and Bamboo Labs P1P up towards the Unique PRUSA MK4S in a 3D Benchy a number of print showdown. The PRUSA produced all ten prints of outstanding high quality, as did the K1C. The P1P, which is ageing, didn’t print on this event however is often fairly constant.
The Unique PRUSA MK4S is significantly quicker than the MK4—over 50% quicker. That is stunning, on condition that it is primarily a really related machine with nearly the identical components. The development is because of the 360° cooling system and the high-flow nozzle, which give it a major enhance in efficiency.
By way of print high quality at these speeds, the MK4S is spectacular and markedly higher than the prints from the Creality and Bamboo Labs machines. Whereas these two machines produce prints in a short time, they require extra upkeep and care than the PRUSA, which merely powers alongside silently within the background.
General, the Unique PRUSA MK4S stands out when it comes to pace, high quality, and reliability, making it a best choice for each fanatics and professionals.
Unique PRUSA MK4S: Print high quality
Dimensional accuracy – rating of 5
Goal 25 = X: 24.89mm / 0.11mm Error | Y: 24.93mm / 0.07mm Error
Goal 20 = X: 19.89mm / 0.11mm Error | Y: 19.92mm / 0.08mm Error
Goal 15 = X: 14.97mm / 0.03mm Error | Y: 14.94mm / 0.06mm Error
Goal 10 = X: 9.87mm / 0.13mm Error | Y: 9.84mm / 0.16mm Error
Goal 5 = X: 4.92mm / 0.08mm Error | Y: 4.86mm / 0.14mm Error
X Error Common = 0.092
Y Error Common = 0.102
X&Y Error Common = 0.097
Wonderful Circulate Management – rating of 5
Wonderful Unfavorable Options – rating of 5
Overhangs – rating of 4
Bridging – rating of 5
XY resonance – rating of two.5
Z-axis alignment – rating of two.5
Including up the totals offers a closing rating of 29 out of 30.
Creality K1C: Remaining verdict
The Unique PRUSA MK4S is a substantial improve from the MK4, and the $99 improve equipment makes it a no brainer for current MK4 homeowners. The MK4S is a extremely refined 3D printer that guarantees years of dependable use and simply outlasts many cheaper alternate options. Its sturdiness, upgradability, and ease of restore make it a standout choice for critical customers.
Whereas there are numerous nice printers accessible for much less, the MK4S is the sort of machine you will possible improve to after gaining preliminary 3D printing expertise. It is significantly appropriate for companies needing a printer that will not allow them to down. The MK4S delivers constant, high-quality prints with out the trouble of frequent upkeep or sudden points.
On account of its value, the MK4S is perhaps out of attain for novices, however PRUSA presents the MINI, a extra reasonably priced entry-level printer. The MK4S, nonetheless, units itself aside with options that carry it in keeping with the newest market choices whereas sustaining unmatched reliability and robustness. If one thing goes improper, spare components and group help guarantee minimal downtime.
One essential consideration is that the MK4S, like earlier PRUSA fashions, is an open-frame machine. Whereas appropriate for a lot of supplies, an non-compulsory enclosure is really helpful for environments like colleges or workplaces to forestall unintended contact with the new nozzle and handle fumes from sure filaments.
PRUSA’s dedication to its person base, intensive group assets, and coaching, together with the flexibility to improve from one era to the following, make the MK4S a stable funding. It is adaptable for numerous makes use of, with enlargement alternatives by means of the GPIO board.
In essence, when you’re on the lookout for the very best in print high quality, reliability, and future-proofing, the Unique PRUSA MK4S is a best choice. If you’d like one thing fast and straightforward with out the choice for future upgrades, a less expensive machine would possibly go well with you higher till you determine to put money into a PRUSA.
Ought to You Purchase the Unique PRUSA MK4S?
| Row 0 – Cell 0 | Row 0 – Cell 1 | Row 0 – Cell 2 |
| Worth: | A premium funding for distinctive high quality and reliability. | 5 |
| Design: | Strong, user-friendly, and recognizable design. | 4.5 |
| Options: | Filled with superior, user-friendly options. | 5 |
| Efficiency: | Excessive-speed, high-quality prints with unmatched reliability. | 5 |
| Complete: | Your best option for critical customers and companies. | 5 |
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