Prusa Research, renowned for its commitment to upgradeability, has launched the latest iteration of its popular 3D printer, the MK4S. This new model promises increased print speeds and enhanced structural components, while also addressing concerns regarding its open source commitment.
Existing owners of the Prusa MK4 can upgrade to the MK4S for a fee of £79, with the upgrade kit expected to be available by the end of August. For newcomers to the "Team Orange and Black", the MK4S is available in both kit (£635) and assembled (£870) forms, priced identically to the previous MK4.
The key headline improvement with the MK4S is its enhanced speed. A redesigned cooling system and a new high-flow nozzle allow for significantly faster print times. The iconic "little boat" benchmark print can now be completed in as little as 8 minutes, though a slight reduction in print quality might be noticeable at this speed.
Beyond the speed boost, the MK4S boasts structural improvements. Parts previously manufactured using PETG have been upgraded to carbon fibre-infused polycarbonate for increased durability. Furthermore, some components, including the front panel, now utilise injection moulding, enhancing the overall quality and finish.
Prusa's commitment to open source has been a topic of much discussion in recent months, with the company initially hinting at a shift away from its traditional open hardware and software approach. However, the recent MK4S announcement has provided some clarity on Prusa's future direction. The company has published a chart outlining its open source plans for each of its printers, including a timeline for when design files will be made available.
While the MK4S is not yet featured on this chart, Prusa has stated that the design files for the MK4 PCBs will be available until the end of its lifecycle. This suggests that the MK4S will maintain a level of openness comparable to its predecessor, the MK3. While the time-limited release of design files may be a point of contention for some, it remains a more transparent approach than that offered by the majority of 3D printer manufacturers.
In addition to the MK4S, Prusa has also announced a new "Hackerboard" accessory that will be available from September. This £12 board connects to an expansion port on the MK4 or MK4S and offers eight GPIO pins that can be controlled through G-code commands. These pins can be utilised for various automation tasks, including controlling lights and fans in a print enclosure or triggering a camera shutter. Full details regarding the Hackerboard are yet to be released, but it promises to be a valuable addition for tinkerers and enthusiasts looking to expand the capabilities of their Prusa printers.
The Prusa MK4S, with its impressive speed improvements, continued commitment to open source, and exciting new accessories, is set to further solidify Prusa's position as a leader in the desktop 3D printing market.
