Prusa Analysis has launched its much-anticipated Authentic Prusa MK4 3D printer, which guarantees to ship high-speed printing with ease.
The corporate says the MK4 is extra than simply an upgraded model of the favored MK3 (regardless of the same appears) with 90% of the machine being all-new and providing a number of options and enhancements.
Prusa says this makes it look prone to be one of many quickest and most dependable 3D printers available on the market at this time.
Authentic Prusa MK4
In a name with Josef Průša, I requested why the corporate had determined to stay with the enduring design of the Authentic PRUSA’s that had come earlier than.
The reply was simple – the Authentic Prusa buyer base is loyal, and to chop off the event for these present customers now isn’t an choice, particularly when the efficiency of the MK4 can greater than compete with the most recent Core XY machines relating to pace and pace reliability. A transparent improve path should be a part of the PRUSA mannequin, as does be sure that the open-source group is maintained.
Whereas the brand new MK4 machine could look acquainted, the upgrades improve nearly each side of the construct and know-how. Most noticeably, the steel body of the MK3 that was machined from sheet steel is changed by an all-new aluminum composite injection molded body, which supplies higher rigidity.
Specs
Construct Quantity: 250 x 210 x 220 mm | 9.84 x 8.3 x 8.6 in
Filament diameter: > 1.75 mm
Layer peak: 0.05-0.30 mm
Mainboard: Customized 32-bit xBuddy electronics with STM32
Stepper Drivers: Trinamic 2130
Stepper motors: Exact 0.9° X, Y stepper motors (prevents VFA)
Extruder: Nextruder, Direct Drive, E3D V6 suitable (with adapter)
Drive system: Nextruder Planetary Gear System, 10:1 gearbox ratio
Nozzle diameter: 0.4mm (default) / different nozzle diameters supported
Max nozzle temperature: 300 °C / 572 °F
Max heatbed temperature: 120 °C / 248 °F
LCD display screen: 3.5″ graphic 65k color display screen
Connectivity: LAN, Elective ESP wifi module (delivered with the printer)
Print medium: USB drive / LAN / web by way of Prusa Join
Superior sensors: Filament sensor, Loadcell sensor, Energy panic, 4 high-precision thermistors (real Semitec) + fan motors RPM monitoring
Print floor: Magnetic heatbed with detachable PEI spring metal sheets
Mattress calibration: Computerized, Mesh Mattress Leveling (solely on print space)
Supported supplies: PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, Flex, HIPS, PA, PVA, PC, PP, CPE, PVB, NGEN, composites, and extra
Printer dimensions (with out spool): 7 kg, 500×550×400 mm; 19.6×21.6×15.7 in (X×Y×Z)
Energy consumption PLA settings: 80W / ABS settings: 120W
Among the many different most notable upgrades is the brand new high-speed extruder, which permits for quicker printing speeds whereas sustaining high-quality prints. This extruder is suitable with many filaments, together with PLA, ABS, PETG, and many others.
This new print head has been developed by PRUSA Analysis and primarily based on the Nextruder that we first noticed on the XL, and now the smaller model that options on this new printer once more options fast swap nozzles.
For a lot of, essentially the most groundbreaking characteristic is the brand new totally computerized first layer calibration, because of a Load Cell sensor. Which means that even should you swap out the default nozzle for any normal E3D V6 (with an adapter), the probe will nonetheless mechanically set the primary layer peak precisely. Which means that the necessity for wonderful Z-axis adjustment ought to be historical past.
One other characteristic that may enchantment to many customers is the upgraded connection choices with ethernet and wifi. This implies there might be no extra toing and froing from the machine to load or replace information by manufacturing iterations.
A brand new print mattress options an improved floor texture, offering higher adhesion and eliminating the necessity for adhesives or different floor remedies. Concerning supplies as normal, there’s large compatibility, and specialist nozzles could be fitted with the fast swap system. As well as, the MK4 has a brand new filament sensor that detects when the filament runs out and mechanically pauses the print, permitting customers to simply swap out filaments with out beginning the print job once more.
Prusa Analysis has additionally enhanced the printer’s firmware to the subsequent technology and totally used the 32-XBuddy management board, which now contains superior thermal runaway safety and computerized skew axis calibration. This ensures the printer operates safely and effectively, requiring minimal guide intervention.
However maybe essentially the most vital side of the MK4 is its dedication to open-source ideas. Prusa Analysis has a powerful heritage within the open-source group and is devoted to retaining its printers and software program open and accessible to everybody.
Open supply backing
In a recent blog post (opens in new tab), Prusa mentioned the significance of open supply within the 3D printing world and expressed his considerations concerning the present state of open supply growth.
“We stand by our roots in open-source and can proceed to take action,” he wrote. “Our desktop 3D printers will all the time be open supply. We intend to proceed publishing plastic components and firmware supply codes.”
Prusa Analysis’s dedication to open supply is clear within the MK4, which has fashions of all plastic components and firmware sources accessible for obtain. Whereas the electronics plans haven’t been launched but, the corporate has indicated that it plans to launch them underneath a brand new license that addresses some points dealing with open-source growth.
General, the Authentic Prusa MK4 is a powerful 3D printer that builds on the success of its predecessor whereas introducing a number of latest options and enhancements. With its dedication to open-source ideas, it is a printer that may enchantment to makers, hobbyists, and professionals alike.