Summary Reader Response Draft 4

In the article, "Introducing the Original Prusa MK4 - Prusa Research's Newest Desktop 3D Printer" (Killioglu, 2023), the MK4 emerges as a groundbreaking addition to Prusa Research's lineup of desktop 3D printers, introducing cutting-edge features that redefine the capabilities of 3D printing technology. The MK4 distinguishes itself with a significantly expanded build volume, a revamped extruder and heat bed, and the integration of wireless capabilities, all contributing to a more efficient and versatile printing experience. What sets the MK4 is its state-of-the-art features, user-friendly design, and competitive pricing make it an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced users alike (Killioglu, 2023). While the product details for the Original Prusa MK4 (Prusa3D, n.d.a.) highlight the technical aspects, the MK4 boasts an advanced 32-bit xBuddy Mainboard, a direct drive extruder equipped with a Nextruder Planetary Gear System. The MK4 also has a full-colour touch screen display with built in wifi and ethernet capabilities (Killioglu, 2023). It also features quick-swap nozzles, and customizable UI with a one-click printing, a perfect smooth first layer thanks to the Loadcell sensor that adjusts the bed level automatically (Prusa3D, n.d.a.). 

 

With its upgraded heat bed and bed levelling, wireless capabilities, and better extruder design called the Nextruder, the Prusa MK4 not only outperforms its predecessor, the Prusa MK3, but also establishes a standard in desktop 3D printing allowing the MK4 to become a new baseline for improving the effectiveness and quality of 3D printing processes for a wide range of users. 

 

One of the features that outperforms the Prusa MK3 is the upgraded heated bed and automatic bed levelling. With the new auto bed leveling, the first layer of a print starts perfectly smooth as the nozzle “gently taps against the surface to find the bed” (Prusa 3D Forum, n.d.b.), which in turn removes the need to manually adjust the Z-Axis. This also removes magnetic interference that the PINDA Probe had from the old model MK3. This ensures that any filament ooze is removed from the nozzle allowing the user to ensure minimal amount of stringing occurs (Prusa3D, n.d.a.). As a result, this updated functionality streamlines printing setup while also improving print quality, providing customers with a more efficient and effective 3D printing experience than its predecessor, the Prusa MK3.

 

Another feature that stands out with the Prusa MK4 is the full-colour touch screen and wireless capabilities that it possesses. The touchscreen display supports G-code thumbnails  QR codes allowing a print to be that much easier. The menu is redesigned adding a customisable footer panel and under the LCD, there is a RGB status bar to show the current status of the printer (Prusa3D, n.d.a.). According to Prusa 3D (Prusa3D, n.d.a.), the Prusa Connect allows the user to access your printers or printing farm remotely from wherever you are, even allowing you to control the printing process, printing queue and tracking your statistics and diagnostics in real-time.

 

The third feature that sets the Prusa MK4 aside from its competitors is the new extruder system. According to Prusa3D (Prusa3D, n.d.a.), the "Original Prusa MK4 is built around our new 32-bit connected architecture and the next-generation extruder (Nextruder)", which features a creating a Perfect First Layer thanks to the precise Loadcell sensor which regulates material flow using a dual-gear system. With thermoplastic polyurethane or TPU, the incredibly flexible fiber used in phone cases, this is extremely useful. Additionally, the nozzle can be changed using a simple hand-tight screw mechanism. This allows the user to utilize a bigger nozzle for structural sections and smaller nozzles for details when switching between prints (Bricknell, 2023). As a result, the Prusa MK4's sophisticated extruder system not only ensures excellent print quality, but also provides customers with greater flexibility and convenience of use than competitors, distinguishing it in the 3D printing market.

 

One of the few challenges that the Prusa MK4 encountered is the wireless capabilities, with the device experiencing slow connectivity and uploading issues. According to the Prusa3D website (n.d.), the 3D Printer does not include 5GHz Wi-Fi system and it is limited by its 2.4G connection causing the transfer speeds to be as slow as 100kb/s. Even with wired ethernet connection, the transfer speed will be as slow as 300kb/s. However, despite the slow Wi-Fi issues, the availability of alternative transfer methods such as USB storage media devices, next the LCD screen, mitigates this issue to some extent, to transfer the necessary files required for the print onto the MK4.

 

In conclusion, the Original Prusa MK4 from Prusa Research represents a significant leap forward in desktop 3D printing technology. With its expanded build volume, revamped extruder and heated bed, and wireless capabilities, the MK4 sets a new standard for efficiency and versatility in 3D printing. Its user-friendly design caters to both beginners and experienced enthusiasts, making it a valuable tool for creators and professionals alike. Despite encountering challenges such as slow wireless connectivity, the MK4's advanced features, including automatic bed leveling, LCD full-colour touch screen and the Nextruder extruder system, establish it as a game-changer in the industry. Prusa Research's dedication to innovation and quality shines through in the MK4, reaffirming their position as leaders in the 3D printing realm.

 

 

 

References

Bricknell, J. (2023, November 1). Prusa MK4 3D printer review: Plenty of improvements in search of something greater. CNET. 

https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/prusa-mk4-3d-printer-review-plenty-of-improvements-in-search-of-something-greater/ 

 

Killioglu, A. (2023, July 23). Original Prusa mk4 review: Unveiling the best 3D printer for 2023. howto3Dprint.net. 

https://howto3dprint.net/introducing-the-original-prusa-mk4-prusa-researchs-newest-desktop-3d-printer/ 

Prusa3D. (n.d.a). Original Prusa MK4 3D printer: Original Prusa 3D printers directly from Josef Prusa. Prusa3D by Josef Prusa. 

https://www.prusa3d.com/product/original-prusa-mk4-2/ 

Prusa3D Forum. (n.d.b). Mk4 review - quick thoughts after 2 weeks. Original Prusa 3D Printers. 

https://forum.prusa3d.com/forum/english-forum-original-prusa-i3-mk4-general-discussion-announcements-and-releases/mk4-review-quick-thoughts-after-2-weeks/ 

 

Prusa3D Forum. (n.d.b). Slow WIFI. Original Prusa 3D Printers.

https://forum.prusa3d.com/forum/english-forum-original-prusa-i3-mk4-hardware-firmware-and-software-help/slow-wifi/