On the earth of client 3D printers, no firm has a greater fame than Prusa Analysis. Josef Prusa’s authentic RepRap i3 design is, indubitably, the most-copied 3D printer in historical past. However the Unique Prusa i3 line remains to be the gold commonplace because of its legendary reliability and efficiency. For a few years, Prusa has launched updates to the Unique Prusa i3 MK3 line. However now the brand new Unique Prusa i3 MK4 is lastly out there!
That is large information, as a result of Prusa does not simply launch a brand new mannequin on a whim. Whereas the brand new MK4 appears so much like its predecessor, it comes with quite a few upgrades over even the later variations of the MK3. In line with Prusa, greater than 90% of the MK3S+’s elements have been modified and improved to create the MK4. Even the body is totally different, with the MK4 getting a die-cast aluminum body rather than the previous body minimize from aluminum plate. The heated mattress and energy provide are the identical, however virtually every part else is new.
There are far too many enhancements for us to supply a complete listing right here, however there are some that stand out. The primary is the brand new 32-bit controller, which helps enter shaping and stress advance. Each of these require real-time processing by the controller and supply a dramatic profit when printing at very excessive speeds. That controller additionally permits for distant printing options, the connection of webcams, and helps the brand new shade touchscreen interface.
The Unique Prusa MK4 additionally will get absolutely computerized leveling and first-layer calibration, which implies that customers can get an ideal first layer each time with out the necessity for fussy guide leveling or Z-height adjustment. That may be a excellent complement for the Nextruder, which helps fast nozzle modifications. Mixed with the automated first-layer calibration, you now not have a motive to dread nozzle swaps.
Construct quantity is sort of equivalent to the previous MK3, however the brand new MK4 does offer you a further 10mm within the Z axis. We must always see a big efficiency enhance on account of the brand new 32-bit controller with its enter shaping and stress advance assist, in addition to new “no-VFA” (Vertical High quality Artifact) motors.
Alongside the Unique Prusa MK4, Prusa can be releasing the brand new MMU3 (Multi-Materials Improve 3). That’s an add-on module that lets the printer swap between totally different spools of filament throughout a job for multi-color and/or multi-material printing. Older variations of the MMU have been plagued with reliability points, so it will likely be attention-grabbing to see how properly the brand new MMU3 works.
If you wish to get your palms on the brand new Unique Prusa i3 MK4, you then’re in luck: it’s at present in inventory at a value of $1,099. There are additionally improve kits coming quickly in case you already personal an MK3 and wish to convert it into an MK4.
