The Prusa i3 MK4 is the latest 3D printer from Czech manufacturer Prusa Research. As the successor to the popular Original Prusa i3 MK3S, the MK4 brings several key upgrades and improvements while retaining the familiar Prusa design.
In this in-depth comparison, we’ll examine how the Prusa MK4 differs from the MK3S and help you decide if it’s worth upgrading or buying the new model.
Overview of the Prusa MK4
The Prusa i3 MK4 made its debut in early 2023 after several years of incremental updates to the MK3 line. It retains the open frame design and many familiar components while incorporating modern features and boosting print quality.
Key features and specs of the MK4 include:
- 0.4mm nozzle (also compatible with 0.25mm and 0.8mm nozzles)
- Direct drive extruder with Bondtech gears
- Next generation E3D hotend with removable nozzle
- Silent TMC2209 stepper drivers
- 7-point bed leveling with automatic mesh bed leveling
- New quiet fans and optimized airflow
- 32-bit quad-core processor
- Color mini display for easier bed leveling
- Improved print cooling with redesigned parts cooling duct
The MK4 kit starts at $749 while the pre-assembled version is $999. Upgrades over the MK3S justify the slightly higher price tag.
MK4 vs MK3S Upgrades and Improvements
While the MK4 retains the same overall design and mechanics as previous Prusa i3 printers, it’s what’s inside that counts. Here’s an overview of the key upgrades compared to the MK3S:
Revamped Hotend
The E3D hotend gets a complete redesign on the MK4. It now features a removable 0.4mm nozzle, allowing easy cleaning and replacement. The redesigned cooling aims to reduce stringing and oozing for cleaner prints.
Direct Drive Extruder
Switching from a Bowden tube setup, the MK4 now uses a direct drive extruder with Bondtech gears. This improves flexible filament printing while also allowing faster print speeds overall.
Quieter Stepper Drivers
TMC2209 drivers replace the old Trinamic 2130 drivers for quieter operation. The near-silent stealth mode greatly reduces noise compared to the MK3S.
Next-Gen Processor
The upgraded 32-bit processor boosts communication speeds, enables quieter drivers, and improves support for future firmware upgrades.
Improved Cooling System
Redesigned system cooling ducts, fans, and parts help optimize airflow and cooling. This improves overhangs, bridges, and fine details.
Easier Bed Leveling
A new color display plus seven point leveling probe improves bed leveling. The process is now guided onscreen for a simpler, frustration-free experience.
Miscellaneous Upgrades
Smaller upgrades like the onboard EEPROM chip, quieter fans, internal LED lighting, and a double Y axis help streamline operation. The frame uses more rigid 2020 extrusion for accuracy.
How Does MK4 Print Quality Compare to MK3S?
Since release, the MK3S gained a reputation for outstanding print quality. But the MK4 aims to take things even further with its revamped hotend, cooling, and mechanics.
Fine Details
The improved cooling really helps with fine details, overhangs, bridges, and small features. No more drooping skinny posts or losing tiny decorations to stringing.
Dimensional Accuracy
Rigid construction and the 7-point mesh bed leveling provides excellent first layer adhesion across the full build plate. This leads to precise dimensions and sharp corners throughout prints.
Surface Quality
The MK4 produces glossy, smooth surface quality on larger prints. Optimized cooling minimizes layer lines and enables stunningly detailed miniatures or busts printed at high resolutions.
Flexible Filaments
With its direct drive extruder, the MK4 excels at flexible materials like TPU and TPE. Clean material feeds prevent grinding or stripping and allow consistent extrusions.
Speed vs Quality
While not as fast as dedicated speed printers, the MK4 provides a versatile balance of speed and quality. Quality won’t suffer much at 60-80mm/s thanks to the capable hotend and cooling.
Should You Upgrade from the Original Prusa i3 MK3S?
For owners of the MK3S, the MK4 provides very compelling upgrades. But is it absolutely necessary to upgrade? Let’s dig into the key considerations.
If You Print Flexibles
The direct drive extruder unlocks the MK4’s ability to print flexibles like a champ. No more fiddly Bowden tube adjustments. Smooth, consistent flexibles with far less risk of stripping filament.
If You Need Quieter Operation
The TMC2209 stepper drivers cut noise levels way down in StealthChop mode. If shop noise is an issue, the MK4 can run whisper quiet.
For Max Print Quality
To eke out every bit of print quality possible, the MK4 is worth the upgrade. Cooling, calibration, and hotend improvements take MK3S quality to the next level.
Large Scale Printing
For printing large, intricate models approaching the full build volume, the MK4 will provide better overall success and detail.
If You Regularly Print Minis
Thanks to sharper details and accuracy, painters will love printing detailed miniatures on the MK4. The resolution boost is noticeable on itty bitty designs.
For casual users or those on a budget, the MK3S still prints fantastically. But the MK4 certainly tempts with its quality of life and print quality improvements.
Is the Prusa i3 MK4 Worth Buying Over the MK3S?
If you don’t own a Prusa yet, is the MK4 worth the extra cost over the MK3S kit? In short, yes – for a few key reasons.
Quieter Printing
The MK4 prints much quieter, enabling printing overnight or in close quarters without driving you crazy.
Easier Setup and Calibration
Setup and bed leveling are simpler on the MK4 thanks to the guided color LCD interface. No more guessing about live-adjust Z height.
Future Proofing
Prusa consistently supports their printers with firmware updates down the road. The MK4 gives you more headroom there.
Print Quality
If getting the absolute best detail and dialing in high quality materials like flexibles appeal to you, the MK4 is the obvious pick.
Direct Drive
For tinkering with exotic filaments or finely tuned flexibles, direct drive on the MK4 removes Bowden tube issues plaguing the MK3S.
Resale Value
Should you choose to sell later, the MK4 will retain its value better than the now discontinued MK3S.
The MK3S remains an excellent printer, especially for the price. But if budget permits, the MK4 is the clear next-evolution choice.
Verdict: A Worthy Successor with Noticeable Upgrades
While evolutionary rather than revolutionary, the Prusa i3 MK4 improves on the MK3S in nearly every way. The thoughtful upgrades like direct drive and a quieter cooling system result in a 3D printer that’s easier to live with and capable of outstanding print quality.
Reliability and consistent performance remain Prusa’s strong suits. But now filament flexibility expands, prints run quieter, and it’s easier than ever to achieve first-rate results. For newcomers and MK3S owners alike, the MK4 hits a sweet spot of print quality, reliability, and usability.
It retains the Prusa i3’s repairable, hackable open design while benefiting from years of community feedback. For those seeking the pinnacle of accessible consumer 3D printing, the MK4 represents an exciting milestone.
