Original Prusa MK4S Review: The Ultimate 3D Printing Workhorse?

The world of 3D printing is more competitive than ever, with new machines hitting the market every day. However, one name consistently stands out for its reliability and quality: Prusa Research. The Original Prusa MK4S, an evolution of their popular MK4 model, promises to be the go-to desktop printer for enthusiasts and professionals alike. In this in-depth review, we'll explore the pros and cons to help you decide if this 3D printer is the right choice for your needs. The Prusa MK4S is more than just an incremental upgrade; it's a refined machine built on years of open-source development. Here are the key advantages that make it a standout choice.

Pros: prusa mk4, mk4s, prusa filament, original prusa, prusa i3 mk4, prusa kit

• Exceptional Print Quality: Prusa printers are legendary for their print quality, and the MK4S is no exception. It delivers near-perfect dimensional accuracy and smooth surface finishes, even at impressive speeds. This is largely thanks to the new 360° cooling fan and a high-flow nozzle that ensures optimal filament adhesion and flawless overhangs up to 75∘ without supports.
• High-Speed Printing: While some competitors claim higher numbers, the MK4S achieves remarkable speeds without sacrificing quality. Its custom-designed high-flow CHT nozzle, developed with Bondtech, allows for a significant increase in volumetric flow. This means you get fast prints that are also durable and structurally sound, making it a true workhorse for any project.
• Unmatched Reliability and Ease of Use: The MK4S is designed to be an "appliance," not a project. It features a genuinely hands-off automatic bed leveling system with a load cell sensor, guaranteeing a perfect first layer every time. The printer is also known for its robust, open-source design, which makes maintenance and future upgrades straightforward.

• Future-Proof Upgradability: Prusa's commitment to upgradability is a major selling point. If you have an MK4, you can upgrade to the "S" version with a simple and affordable kit. You can also add the optional MMU3 multi-material upgrade for multicolor printing or the official enclosure for printing with advanced materials like ABS.
• Outstanding Customer Support: Prusa is famous for its 24/7 customer support and extensive knowledge base. Users often report that the company sends replacement parts with no questions asked, ensuring you are never left stranded.

Cons: prusa slicer online, prusa 3d filament, 3d printer filament prusa 

• High Initial Cost: The Prusa MK4S is a premium machine with a premium price tag. While its long-term reliability and performance justify the investment for many, it is more expensive than some of the newer, consumer-focused printers from competitors like Bambu Lab or Creality.
• Moving Bed Design: The MK4S uses a traditional "bed-slinger" design, where the print bed moves back and forth. This can limit speed and introduce some vibrations on very tall or thin prints, an area where CoreXY-style printers often have an advantage.
• No Integrated Camera: At its price point, some users feel a built-in camera for remote monitoring should be a standard feature, rather than an optional add-on.

User Reviews: 3d printer original prusa, amazon prusament, best filament for prusa, diy prusa

Based on positive reviews, users are overwhelmingly positive about the Prusa MK4 3D printer, especially the kit version. They praise its high-quality prints and durability. Although assembly can be challenging, many novices found it a valuable learning experience, enhancing their understanding of the printer's mechanics. Users appreciate the detailed instructions, often supplemented by community comments, and the free PrusaSlicer software, which is powerful but has a steep learning curve. Excellent customer support and the availability of upgrade kits for extending the printer's lifespan are also major selling points. 

Conversely, critical reviews highlight significant frustrations with the Prusa MK4, primarily due to quality control issues and defective components. Many users reported critical failures right out of the box, including missing parts, overheating errors, and dead LCD screens within days. Some noted further problems like buggy firmware and cheap bearings. This disappointing experience, combined with the high price, led many to feel the product was not worth the investment. Several reviewers felt that the printer's quality had declined compared to previous models and criticized the customer service, cautioning others against making a similar "big mistake."

Click here to read about the product on Amazon.

Click here to upgrade the printer for Multicolor.

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FAQ:

Q: Prusa MK4S assembly vs pre-assembled ?
A: The main difference between the Prusa MK4S assembly kit and the pre-assembled printer lies in time, cost, and experience. The kit is more affordable but requires 10 to 14 hours to build, providing a rewarding hands-on understanding of the printer's components, which is valuable for maintenance and upgrades. Prusa's clear online instructions, enhanced by user comments, help navigate the assembly process, though some users report missing parts or setup issues. In contrast, the pre-assembled version is pricier and offers a quick setup, allowing users to start printing immediately. It's ideal for those prioritizing convenience over savings or the hands-on learning experience. Ultimately, both versions deliver identical quality; the choice hinges on whether you prefer the educational aspect of building or the ease of a ready-to-use printer.

Q: What is the difference between the Prusa MK4 and the MK4S?

A: The Prusa MK4S is an enhanced version of the MK4, featuring improved print quality and speed. Key upgrades include a new 360° cooling fan and a custom-designed high-flow nozzle from Bondtech, allowing for better handling of steep overhangs (up to 75° without supports) and faster printing without sacrificing quality. Additionally, Prusa has upgraded the printer’s components with durable materials like PC Blend Carbon Fiber. MK4 owners can easily upgrade to MK4S with an affordable kit, thanks to the company's focus on upgradability.

Q: What is the best filament to use with the MK4S?

A: The Prusa MK4S is a versatile 3D printer that excels with various filaments. The most user-friendly option is PLA (Polylactic Acid), which benefits from the MK4S's reliable bed leveling and cooling system, ensuring high-quality prints. Prusa even includes a spool of their premium Prusament PLA with the printer.

For more durable and heat-resistant parts, PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) is ideal. The MK4S handles PETG well, making it suitable for functional prototypes. If you want to use advanced materials like ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) or ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate), you'll need a filament designed to reduce warping, and a heated enclosure is recommended for the best results. Ultimately, choose PLA for general models and PETG for functional parts. The MK4S is open-source, allowing compatibility with various third-party filaments for more experimentation.