One of the things you’re paying for when you buy a Prusa Research 3D printer is essentially your next 3D printer. This is because Prusa machines are designed to be upgraded and modified over time. An upgrade kit is always released to allow each older printer to be converted into its successor, and while there has sometimes been some debate about whether or not this is the most cost-effective option, at least He is The choice is yours as an owner.
If you have a Prusa MK4, you’ll soon be able to make that decision yourself. Earlier today, the new MK4S was announced, offering some of the same features as the Prusa MK4. Notable changes over last year’s printer. The $99 upgrade is scheduled to be available by the end of the month for current owners, but if you’re on the fence about joining the Orange and Black team, you can buy the MK4S now in both versions. several and Combined The models are available for the same price ($799 and $1,099, respectively) as the previous MK4.
So what’s new with the MK4S? With speed increasingly a hot topic in the 3D printing community, it should come as no surprise that this new machine is faster than its predecessor. A redesigned cooling system and a new high-flow nozzle mean that Prusa’s latest model can turn out everyone’s favorite little boat in 14 minutes – or just 8 minutes if you don’t mind a slight drop in print quality.
The announcement also points to improvements to the machine’s printed structural components. Parts that were previously made using PETG are now printed using carbon fiber-infused polycarbonate. Some parts, such as the front panel, have also been converted to an injection molding process.
While describing the changes made to the MK4s, the blog post also clarified Prusa’s stance on open sourcing its printers. There was considerable concern in March 2023 when the company announced announced that it is reconsidering The company has traditionally been committed to making its hardware and software as open source as possible in light of increasing commercial competition. But now, the company has become The company published a plan. On their website they explain not only what is being shared for each of their printers, but also a timeline of when we can expect it.
While it hasn’t been updated for the 4S yet, the overview shows that the company plans to keep the design files for the MK4’s PCBs until the end of the product’s life. Otherwise, its current flagship printer appears to be just as open as its predecessor, the MK3. While the limited-time source release is likely to upset some, the reality is that this is more than you’d get with any other 3D printer maker.
The ad also briefly talks about what’s new. GPIO “Hackerboard” The company will begin shipping the board in September. The $15 board plugs into an expansion connector on the MK4 or MK4S printer’s PCB, and provides eight pins that can be toggled via G-Code sent to the printer. These pins can be used for all sorts of automation tasks, like turning on lights and fans inside the case or triggering a camera shutter. There aren’t many details on this specific addition yet, but it’s definitely something we’ll be keeping a close eye on.