Prusa MK4S — All Specs, Features, and Variants in Detail
The Prusa MK4S is the latest model in the renowned line of Prusa 3D printers, specifically designed for the year 2025. As an FDM printer (Fused Deposition Modeling), it offers an ideal solution for makers and 3D printing enthusiasts who value reliability, quality, and user-friendliness. The price for the MK4S ranges from 719 to 999 EUR, depending on the chosen variant. This price range allows both beginners and advanced users to access a high-quality printer that has been developed and built in the EU.
The MK4S is available in two variants: as a pre-assembled model and as a kit known as the Prusa CORE One. Both variants offer different advantages. While the pre-assembled model is ready to use straight out of the box, the kit provides the benefit of allowing you to assemble the printer yourself, gaining a deeper understanding of how it works in the process. Prusa's top-notch assembly instructions support this process, making it accessible even for less experienced users.
A standout feature of the MK4S is its new, powerful 360-degree cooling system, which ensures even and efficient cooling during the printing process. This is particularly important for minimizing warping and other printing errors that can arise from uneven cooling. Additionally, the printer comes standard with a high-quality high-flow nozzle that enables higher printing speeds without compromising quality. This is a significant advantage for users looking to complete large or complex projects in a shorter amount of time.
Another plus is the native Prusa app for iOS, which allows for easy and user-friendly control of the printer via mobile devices. This app not only offers convenience but also adds an extra layer of control and monitoring, making the printing process even more efficient and enjoyable.
Overall, the Prusa MK4S targets a broad audience, from hobbyists to professional users, who are in search of a reliable, high-performance, and versatile 3D printer.
Design and Technology
The Original Prusa MK4S is an evolution of the popular MK4 model, offering a range of features that make 3D printing attractive for both hobbyists and professional users. One of the standout features of the MK4S is its ability to deliver fast and precise printing results without compromising quality. This reliability and precision are made possible through a combination of advanced technology and thoughtful design.A key component of the MK4S is the 360° cooling, which ensures even and efficient cooling of the printed material. This is especially important for complex models, where uniform cooling is crucial to avoid warping and other printing errors. Together with the high-flow nozzle, which allows for faster material flow, makers can complete their projects in less time and with higher detail accuracy. Firmware optimizations further contribute to maximizing the efficiency and quality of the prints.
The open design of the MK4S, as a so-called "Bed-Slinger" system, offers a clear advantage in terms of maintenance and customization of the printer. For makers, this means that they won't face a complex disassembly process when it comes to maintenance or upgrades. All parts are easily accessible and modular, allowing for repairs and adjustments to be made with minimal effort. This reduces downtime and increases the lifespan of the printer, which is particularly beneficial for makers who use the printer regularly.
The Nextruder of the MK4S, along with the 32-bit embedded platform, represents another innovation that enhances print quality and performance. The Nextruder is the next generation of extruders, providing more precise control over material flow, leading to more consistent printing results. This is especially important when realizing projects with high demands for detail accuracy and material properties.
Another highlight of the MK4S is the ability to expand with the Multi-Material Upgrade 3 (MMU3). This upgrade allows for the use of up to five different materials or colors simultaneously. For makers, this opens up entirely new creative possibilities, as complex multi-material prints can be realized without interrupting the printing process. The MMU3 features efficient filament management, drastically reducing material waste and thereby lowering operating costs.
In summary, the Prusa MK4S offers a combination of speed, precision, ease of maintenance, and expandability, making it an excellent choice for makers seeking a reliable and high-performance 3D printer. Whether for personal use or in a professional environment, the thoughtful features of the MK4S address many of the typical problems that can arise in 3D printing and enable the expansion of creative boundaries.
Technical Specifications in Detail
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | |
| Build Volume | 250 x 210 x 220 mm | 9.84 x 8.3 x 8.6 in |
| Filament Diameter | 1.75 mm |
| Layer Height | 0.05-0.30 mm |
| Printer Dimensions (without spool) | 7 kg, 500×550×400 mm; 19.6×21.6×15.7 in (X×Y×Z) |
| Electronics | |
| Mainboard | Custom 32-bit xBuddy electronics with STM32 |
| Stepper Motor Drivers | Trinamic 2130 |
| Stepper Motors | Precise 0.9° X,Y stepper motors (prevents VFA) |
| Extruder | |
| Extruder | Nextruder, Direct Drive, E3D V6 compatible (with an adapter) |
| Extruder Electronics | Custom breakout board for connecting fans, thermistors, and other components. |
| Filament Path | Aluminum heat sink, all-metal hotend |
| Drive System | Nextruder planetary gear system, 10:1 gear ratio |
| Cooling Fan | High-performance turbine, 360° cooling system |
| Nozzle | High-flow Prusa nozzle brass CHT - 0.4 mm |
| Max Operating Temperature | |
| Max Nozzle Temperature | 290 °C / 554 °F |
| Max Heated Bed Temperature | 120 °C / 248 °F |
| Control | |
| LCD Screen | 3.5″ graphic 65k color display |
| Connectivity | NFC receiver, optional ESP Wi-Fi module (included with the printer) |
| Printing Medium | USB stick / LAN / Internet via Prusa Connect |
| Sensors | |
| Advanced Sensors | Filament sensor, scale |
Material Compatibility — What Can the Prusa MK4S Print?
The Prusa MK4S is an FDM printer that stands out for its versatility in material compatibility. Thanks to the maximum nozzle temperature specified for the MK4S, you can use a variety of filaments. Typically, Prusa printers reach nozzle temperatures of up to 300°C, which means you can easily print with standard materials like PLA, PETG, and ABS. These materials have relatively low melting temperatures and are therefore well-suited for most FDM printing applications.Moreover, the high nozzle temperature also allows for the use of filaments with higher melting temperatures, such as nylon, polycarbonate (PC), and even some high-performance materials like polyetherimide (PEI) or polyetheretherketone (PEEK). However, these materials are more demanding to process and require the printer to have a heated bed capable of reaching temperatures of up to 120°C or more. This prevents the material from warping during printing and ensures better adhesion to the print surface.
Another advantage of the MK4S is the new 360° cooling system, which significantly improves print quality. Particularly with materials like PLA that require rapid cooling, the cooling system helps to quickly set the layers, resulting in better print results.
However, you should note that some materials, especially those capable of withstanding high temperatures, require special printing conditions. Nylon and PC, for example, are hygroscopic, meaning they attract moisture from the air. This moisture can significantly affect print quality, so it's important to keep the filament dry, for instance, by using a drying container.
In summary, the Prusa MK4S supports a wide range of materials, making it an extremely flexible tool for various applications. The choice of the right material, however, depends on the specific requirements of your project, and it's important to carefully consider the material properties and printing conditions to achieve optimal results.
Variants Comparison — Which Version is Right for You?
The Original Prusa MK4S is a popular 3D printer available in two variants: as a fully assembled printer for 999 EUR and as a kit for 719 EUR. Both variants offer the same core hardware and print quality, but they differ in some key aspects that might influence your decision on which version to choose.Firstly, the most obvious difference is the price. The assembled version is more expensive due to the additional work and time that Prusa invests in assembling and testing the printer before delivery. This variant is ideal for those who want to start printing immediately without dealing with the assembly and setup of the printer. It's a good choice for users who may not have the time or necessary technical know-how to assemble the printer themselves, or who simply prefer the convenience of a ready-to-use machine.
On the other hand, the kit offers a more cost-effective option aimed at those who want to gain a deeper understanding of how their printer works. Assembling the printer can be an educational experience that helps you better understand the mechanics and electronics of the device. This can be particularly useful when it comes to maintenance or repair work later on. The kit is therefore particularly suited for technically inclined users or makers who enjoy building and optimizing things themselves.
Both variants come with the same high-quality hardware and the same features that make Prusa printers so popular, including automatic calibration that ensures precise prints and versatile support for various filaments. Ultimately, the decision between the two depends on whether you value the convenience of an immediately usable printer or the challenge and learning that come with assembling a kit.
All Variants and Prices
| Variant | Price | Availability | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer | 999 EUR | ✓ Available (1-3 working days. Please note that other items in the order may affect the total delivery time.) | Go to Shop → |
| Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer Kit | 719 EUR | ✓ Available (1-3 working days. Please note that other items in the order may affect the total delivery time.) | Go to Shop → |
Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer Kit
Who is the Prusa MK4S Suitable For?
The Prusa MK4S is an FDM printer that is suited for a specific target audience due to its particular specifications and features. The build volume of the MK4S is 250 x 210 x 220 mm, which is sufficient for many projects but also comes with certain limitations. For makers who regularly want to print large objects, this volume may reach its limits. However, it offers enough space for most hobby applications and medium-sized projects to get creative.The price range of 719 to 999 Euro places the MK4S in the mid to upper price segment for FDM printers. This means it targets enthusiasts who are willing to invest in quality and reliability without venturing into the realm of professional 3D printers. The price difference within this range could be attributed to various configurations or optional features that offer additional functionalities.
Another important feature of the MK4S is its equipped with modern features that can significantly ease the printing process. These could include automatic calibration, user-friendly control, or advanced sensors that reduce printing errors. These features are particularly interesting for users who appreciate a comfortable and efficient printing experience and do not want to deal with the often complex fine-tuning of a 3D printing process.
In summary, the Prusa MK4S is suitable for advanced beginners and experienced makers looking for a reliable printer with a balanced price-performance ratio. It offers enough build volume for most projects and is equipped with features that optimize and simplify the printing process.
