Prusa MK4 Full Review: An awesome 3D printer, but is it competitively enough in today's market?
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00:00 Intro
03:53 Setup
05:07 First print
06:12 WiFi Setup
06:55 PLA 3D Benchy speed test, 1-hour, 27-mintues and 12 mintues 3D Benchy comparison with input shaper and pressure advance enabled
11:25 Print quality comparison between MK3S+ and MK4
13:56 How print quality decreases when printing at high speed at 200mm/s
17:07 Functional parts test print: 2000mm/s High speed drawer tower printing test
18:14 More tests on PETG, ABS, TPU and Polycarbonate
21:19 First layer test on MK3S+, MK4 and BambuLab P1P
22:26 Pros and Cons
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3D Models:
Drawer Tower w/honeycomb pattern:
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Print in Place Jeep:
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Mesh crate:
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Robo Alpaka:
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Prusa filament guide:
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Maybe the best review of the MK4 I've seen. Their firmware, especially their networking performance have really hurt them. It is not even close to the standard in today's offerings. The "fast" benchies have really cut corners in terms of infill and layer height and shows that Prusa is willing to 'bend' the rules to get a fast number they can market. I think a solid printer for a bedslinger and anyone will generally be happy with its performance.. (except for the lack of better network connectivity).. but I'm surprised they didn't stop at the MK3S+ and create a new form size like this with a 4 post frame core xy that can easily be enclosed and so they can finally get some experience with this kinematic model. . I've worked with the X1C for about a month and the local network (wireless) features are just light-years ahead of the ESP-based Prusa design.
"bedslinger" lmao i'm using that term from now on
@@bartybum Yeah, i need a shirt with that.
Next time they will claim a 8 minute benchi. With .6 layer height, 1% infill and .5 wall! 😂😂😂 Wait for it in the xl with .6 nossle 😂😂😂
Agree. The upgrade to the mk3.5 or 3.9 is so expensive it makes me believe they don’t really want ppl to use the upgrade path….but also wanted to stay in line with their upgrade philosophy. Possibly due to any issues that may arise due to how the input shaping works (no accelerometer. Just calibrated for the printer) and the fact that the hardware isn’t exactly the same as the mk4. The motor, frame, thicker Z axis rods, steel mb box, and all the other differences in structure with the plastic make a difference in printer resonance frequencies. I bought a MK4 kit…but mostly bc I wanted a 2nd Prusa followed by the new hot end (easy swap nozzles/heating elements, all metal tubing),and easy maintenance (love board breakout mb). Also, if I wanted to sell my MK3s I’d end up spending less money than an upgrade to the 3.9 which doesn’t even have the motors for the price…..and I’d have a full legit MK4 (exact same frame). I don’t really care about the speed thing. It’s mostly about reliability for me with these printer….but that’s not to say I wouldn’t want more speed. It’s just 4th in my list of priorities behind reliability, safe to use while developing patented designs (no cloud bs as the primary feature), largely open source parts. It’s my mini-van printer. Plan on building a 350 Voron in the future to be my drag race toy. That’s probably when I’ll sell the MK3S+ after I’ve printed all the ABS/ASA and got it dialed in. PS. Wondering if Ethernet connection helps fix the network issues. If not, I hope it’s just a software issue that will be fixed. Otherwise I’m sure ppl will be fabricating rpi octoprint upgrades in the future. Just really don’t wanna go that route. Haven’t even done it to my MK3s+
I bought a Pi4 when I got my MK3s+ kit and used OctoPrint from the start. It is amazing. Much better than the networking in the MK4, from what I read. Would never be without it now.. Was hoping the MK4 networking was better than it is. @@DD-sw1dd
This was not just another fantastic review from you two, this was a very courageous review. The fact that you bought the printer tells me that you are keen to know. And that counts for a lot. And how you handled walking on thin ice, telling the truth without destroying, very good. Thank you Aurora and Helios, great job. *****
Indeed, especially given the large number of Prusa fanatics.
Brilliant review! This was so thorough and well done, glad you printed lots of different models using different materials instead of concentration on the high speed benchy. A proper test is what this, and any new printer, needs and you certainly did that. 👍😁
Your reviews are among the best I've seen, very detailed, comprehensive and unbiased.
You guys are awesome! I am genuinely surprised by the level of quality made by yall! Keep up the good work, I found myself down a rabbithole of your videos, one of my favorite tech channels in relation to 3d printers now. You've got a sub from me!
One of the best reviews I have seen, pros/cons and comparison in a concise flow of information.
your reviews are so good - especially in the comparison when you give side by side finish results . thank you for the great job
Thank you for the clear and straightforward review without any unnecessary tangents and or rambles. It's very much appreciated!
Thank you Aurora, best detailed review I have seen so far !!! Keep up the good work.
Great walk-through of the possibilities of the printer Thanks for sharing your expirence with all of us 👍 😀
Thank You - nice review, I liked the comparing remarks with the bambu lab printer.
Your TBD video was impressive and I always enjoy your channel's reviews on 3D printers. I am really just beginning to learn about 3D printing and have just started to print and blow up prints until I get a better understanding of this hobby. None the less I greatly appreciate your time and work and the detailed research you guys do. Thanks !
The pros and cons section was so helpful. Loved this review. Subbed 🎉
First honest review I've seen on the MK4. Good job!
Possibly the best reviews on KZhead. Great job, and thank you.
you say that, but i find even smaller youtubers with no sponsorships or free goodies from companies the better ones as they get the full raw experience you would get as the consumer. one had such a warped bed that his bed mesh showed a 0.6mm difference in the bed showing how bad the quality control can truly be, and keep in mind that the bed over time also warps meaning it will be worse than 0.6 after 6 months of decent use. this was either a sv06 or neptune 3 that instantly had klipper slapped onto it day 1. i forgot which channel/video it was tho as it's been a few months since i watched it, but such reviews did push me over the fence to just buy a voron printer.
@@CodeBroRob I don't trust any test not only for printers, and especially with Chinese manufacturers. There is too much money in the game.
@@herr_rossi69 exactly
Thank you for high quality videos. Keep it up!
I was waiting for your review, I knew it was going to be the most detailed review. I was not disappointed.
Now this is how you make a review! Awesome content
Great job as always! Thank you for your honest perspective!
Wow! Now that’s what I call a proper review! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Fantastic video, you have provided extremely insightful commentary, my new favorite 3d printing channel!!
Great review. Thanks for your time and sharing this.
I love your reviews- I would love to see more resin printed related stuff here too.
Thanks I was looking to buy a Prusa MK4 and now I know all about it thanks
Thanks for the great quality review! I can't wait to see your Creality K1 review.
Best MK4 review I have seen so far. Thanks you for your great work.
As a very technical professional, I appreciate your in depth candor so much! Glad to see your take on this one
Thank you Aurora and Helios, for the best, most complete and unbiased review of the MK4 on KZhead. ( and yes, I've also watched the German reviewers). Looking forward to your next reviews.
Nice video! Well done! Keep on the good work!
Thanks for the thorough and unbiased review. 🙏
Wow, what a thorough review.
LETS GO!!!!! YOU GUYS GOT A SPONSER CONGRATS
This is the best review I have seen this printer.
Flexispot E7 is really stable as a workbench for 3D printing enthusiasts。
wow great review! I've seen several that feel unfinished. This is very detailed and thorough. Exactly what I was looking for. It makes me excited to get my kit (day one order so hopefully by the end of the month). My only complaint is the MMU3 for it is being delayed until august. Meaning the MK3 will be my main printer for a while longer yet. In the mean time I'll run some interesting experiments with the MK4. I've never used TPU or anything like that before. Should be interesting to mess with.
Well done. I did decide to get a MK4 to replace my MK3 to support the open source approach and continuous software development, but probably the last time I will unless they improve their competitiveness.
The last martir died 2000 years ago. If they didn't make anything new why you will support mediocrity?
@@JoseAguiloworkshops because without their slicer, the others would not be as good. I want to support the company that is helping everybody not just themselves. Without the open source spirit, all we would have is crappy software on crappy clones.
@@spinnetti do you really think so? Those gummy bears have something...
Great review, looking forward to the Creality K1 video.
Awesome informative video buddy, good luck next year as a freshman you will do great 👍
The quality of this review is exactly what I was looking for.
Excellent and honest review. Thank you.
wow! Impressive review. Subscribed.
Great information.Thank you !
This is an awesome channel!!
The name of this video should be "Aurora Schools Prusa" Great video !!!!
Excited to see a K1 review since you referenced it!
congrats for 50k subs
I own Prusa Minis, MK3S+, Bambu P1P and Bambu X1C, I was expecting SO MUCH MORE from Prusa for the MK4, for the price I would just buy another X1C or Two P1Ps. Love the REAL REVIEW.
You make toys.
@0:13, @2:42 such emphasis on the word "finally", and it's well deserved. the whole industry has been lazy for years until bambu slapped them hard. unfortunately the extreme price is hard to justify for a bedslinger with such a small print volume.
We started using some Eryone (Black) PLA, and it's shockingly good, thanks for the recommendation!
Great review!
watched your grad speech and was very impressed. i come here to get the good bad and the ugly on three d printers
Great video Aurora! As a MK3+ owner and Prusa fan I hope Josef and his mates take your advice and change their business model or else they may end up just like Nokia as you mentioned in the vid.
Awesome review. Thanks.
Excellent summary.
The best 3D printer reviewer on KZhead and it’s not even close.
As always very good, detailed, and well explained videos, you are awesome!!. Regarding the prusa Mk4 I think is a very well known quality 3d printer but I personally think is not keeping up with the new technologies.
Excelent objective review!
Supper awsome work.
Very good and objective review. I'd like to see an update because a lot of have updated since. Most reviews are from the beginning. The software is in overall much better condition now.
Thanks for the video
Thanks for the in depth review! Prusa doesnt seem to dissapoint.
Great review. Unfortunately for Prusa, they are going to continue falling behind in the logistics and price categories. Two things that are extremely important to those of us with businesses to run these days. If I am going to spend that much, it will be for an X1 Carbon at $1500. I'll get way more bang for my buck.
I think Prusa should start manufacturing in Mexico to cover North and South American market
@@thomasnox1141 As a mexican i would really love that, maybe that will end with the reign of the Ender 3, because the Ender 3 has a big cult following, maybe two of the first 10 mexicans you meet are not people but Ender 3's. In my opinion the best place for Prusa to manufacture on México will be the state of Tamaulipas, that state is the neighbourh of Nuevo Leon (the state where Tesla is going to install) and has the biggest conection with the north american border and Texas, it also has a great industrial port for shipping and exportation. The reason why i choose Tamaulipas and not Nuevo León or Baja California is because Nuevo León is already infested with a lot of manufacturers and companies that are fighting to be on that state meanwhile Baja California is "China 2", not joking, for the same reason chinese say that the best chinese food outside China is on México. Tamaulipas will be a cheap and good option for Prusa, there are not really big companies there, the main drawback for that state is their bad fame, between 2006 and 2018 Tamaulipas was one of the most dangerous states (not as dangerous as Chihuahua but it was still dangerous) due to the narco wars, probably Tamaulipas is the reason why Texans have the idea that Mexicans are walking raging machineguns. However that is a thing of the past (with this i'm not saying that Tamaulipas is now heaven but now you don't need to stay in your house before 6:00 pm in order to be safe, is not like Oaxaca or Chiapas, those two are literally condemned).
@@thomasnox1141 what they should really do is stop 3d printing parts for their printers. With their production number it is just inefficient and wastefull and one of the reasons why their printers are overpiced.
That comparison of the llama prints was really impressive.
Considering how long this has been in development it’s a bit of a let down. Although if Bambu Lab never formed and the P1P or X1C never existed, it would actually be THE printer to beat. Unfortunately for Prusa they did and they do.
i mean they are both great and think its still a solid printer for any Prusa fan.
If it hadn't been for Bambu, we'd still be waiting for the MK4. The fact that it still isn't finished is proof of that.
@@kneel1 I think you’re completely right. It’s a solid printer for a Prusa *fan*. Someone who will only buy Prusa will get a great printer because it’s an upgrade. For others who don’t care or don’t know about Prusa will see what you get vs the price and I could easily see it not being worth it for them. If Prusa knows their fan base will buy anything it almost seems like they’re taking advantage of them. Prusa isn’t making it super easy to defend them against Bambu in my opinion.
I was looking for a machine for a long time that checks all the boxes the X1 does, so I bought one and it's simply a fantastic printer. I did heavily consider the MK3 given its reputation but I just couldn't justify the price, that and I have always been put off Prusa machines due to his ragging ego, he plasters his face all over his products and I see in this review even the software interface isn't spared this time. With my X1 I don't have to be constantly reminded of persons name and face while actually using the machine, and I also don't get a pack of gummy bears in the box that make me feel like a five-year-old, the X1 is a more professional machine that doesn't patronize its customers with gummy sweets and constant name and face bombing , and for that I'm very glad.
@@seanblake4291 i dont understand that weird Prusa-hate from everyone. Who cares if his face is on things the printers are awesome. Its so weird how people cannot control their own hate, and have no ability to ignore what doesnt apply to them. I own both Prusas and Carbon X1 - Bambu gets alot of hate too for stealing technology. It seems people pick one side. Just enjoy printing and it doesnt have to always be an "us vs them" mentality.. This was the case with Apple vs Microsoft many years ago and while everyone fought about it , I used both and still to this day use both OSX and Windows daily for different things. The people who locked themsleves into only one side, missed out on quite a bit of learning and opportunities
I have the Anycubic Kobra and it has been a dependable machine. I'm really impressed!
Finally a detailed and honest review of this printer and Prusa business in general. I found the comparison to Nokia on the mark.
People just getting into printing now have so many great options. Though not revolutionary, certainly better than prior generations of the i3 for newbies.
Great review, thank you. Very honest. You could have added another criterion: my preference for Prusa is also driven by its open source foundation, which helps drive innovation. It's also a European firm and, even here in the UK on the edge of Europe, lowers shipping costs and makes a welcome change from the usual "design anywhere, build in China" model.
Ended up canceling my Mk4 kit order that still hasn’t shipped, for the now $599 P1P from Bambu Labs. Thank you for your detailed reviews.
Looking forward to your creality K1 review
Competitive in today's market? Hmm, I think Prusa are aiming at the print farm market and know the product is rock solid. Business's know they can defray costs through tax breaks so a bit dear but a whole lot more reliable with parts that can be readily sources at reasonable prices and easily installed. I own a Prusa and know why I bought it and know how good (read reliable) it is. I've recently bought a used one that I will upgrade and plan is to buy a third. There's my mini farm right there. They are a great printer and as everyone says, they just work. For me the question isn't are they competitive; it's are they worth the extra money. Yes, for me they are a no brainer.
I like the use of the same music Dankpods uses in his headphones comparison videos.
This is a really helpful review. I have the MK3+ and was considering an upgrade. I'll be holding out for the PrusaXL or maybe just abandon my preorder and look at Bamboo Labs.
Aurora the wise! When will you do a voron build series? I promise to follow such a series religiously ❤
I'm shopping for my first 3D printer. A friend of mine, who owns several 3D printers commented. "I know several people who bought a Prusa printer. I don't know anyone who bought a second Prusa. I'm not sure of the accuracy of his comment but this evaluation seems to support it.
Damn! You nailed it.
very nice video. Among 3D printers up to now, which one has the best accuracy in X-Y printing?
A very detailed and very honest review. It’s impossible not to compare it with the competition and it really just doesn’t add up, unfortunately. I think the Nokia comparison is a real stinger - I think you’ve hit the nail on the head here, it really does ring on a company riding too strongly on a legacy and not continuing to innovate or adapt to the market.
How
Actually I am not so sure. While Klipper is a very powerfull firmware, for many users the functionality is overwhelming. Actual Marlin supports Input shaping (and Linear Advance was supported even on the mk3 without s and +). Yes, you have more options in Klipper. But what matters is not the options you have - but the result you get and how comfortable it is to get it. Esp. for persons getting into 3d-printing. As the Bambulab printers show, it does not matter, if you use Marlin, Klipper or reprap - they use neither but their own closed source firmware. Successfuly. I am quite happy, there are multiple firmwares - esp. the open source ones. Thei all have their own advantages - and ideas from one are transfered to the other. So comparing Marlin to Symbian does not realy fit.
@@oleurgast730 The Bamboo labs FW is open source.
@@atienne_navarre Really? Where can I download the source code. And I don't mean the slicer. They had to do it open source after came out that they used the Prusa Slicer.
@@atienne_navarre Bambu Labs own website sais: "4. Firmware and circuit board: This is closed source. For this part, we decided to keep these items as property of the company. The firmware is 100% developed in-house and we would like to keep it that way to be competitive on the market. We do have 100+ employees, and this number is growing. We want to make our business successful so that we can provide for each of our employees." You might have mixed up the firmware and the slicer (later one based on Prusa Slicer which is based un Slic3r)
I think of Prusa printers like I think of Simplify3D slicing software. Top of the heap in the past... but that was the past. There are WAY too many printers out there now giving Prusa performance at 1/3 the price. As for slicers, Simplify3D sat on their hands for literally years before updating and when they finally did update it was actually laughable. Really just pathetic when you see how far beyond Simplify3D all the FREE slicers are nowadays. Ironically, I now use PrusaSlicer as my go-to slicing software although none of my five printers are Prusa.
The slavish adherence to the Prusa brand among a certain number of people really perplexes me. I bought a Prusa Mini in 2020 because it seemed like a fair value, but then I discovered its shortcomings: namely, the extruder and hotend. Add to that the 3D printed parts, which on the hotend weren't holding up well until I reprinted them in ASA, and I come away feeling that Prusa makes mediocre products. The MK3S is probably better, but it doesn't justify its price anymore. I appreciate Prusa's commitment to open source, but the value proposition of their hardware just isn't there.
That Nokia example was funny 😂 But i can’t agree. While Klipper is now a synonym for speed if you ask a electrical engineer if he want a hardware(printer) to be controlled by a firmware running on specialized board or a python application running on a general purpose operating system talking to a microcontroller over usb(klipper) i bet he chose the former. I am not saying the klipper is bad i like it but the closed environment like on device running marlin has a lot of advantages over general purpose os. And marlin based printers are running slower only because they are running on budget cpus. We can’t know but bambu lab printer’s probably not running a general purpose os either.
This is a fantastic review of the MK4. After 8 weeks and not an email or text from Prusa I cancelled my order. By then I knew it wasn’t going to impress me like the X1 Carbon has. The MK4 was going to be my first Prusa. I have seen the price of their giant Prusa and have already decided I can do better with 2 grand. I love this review. You are very honest in a very professional way. My Kobra 2 arrives today thanks to your recommendation. Now I will congratulate you on completing the Eighth Grade. Are you entering MIT in Boston, or going to Stanford on a full-ride scholarship next fall?
wait what, 8th grade? Oh my lord, I'm starting to become insecure with my intelligence
@@Feibie Indeed, you're not alone in that feeling. But she is very kind about being so intelligent. Hence my comment about the two Mit's.
@@Feibie, you are not alone
Okay 2023 graduate! Another great review.
12:26 oh my goodness, that material is beautiful! Tronxy? Hmm, i may have to try this...
Wow I can't believe you talked me out of this product. Never owned a printer and seems to me that the p1p or k1 may be a better option.
Yeah Just like I thought. This model is great but Not quite worth it for me. I will be looking for the K1 review within the next few weeks. Please test that Extruder tension switch issue that keeps popping up online about it. Thanks and keep up the great work.
Another great review. I think the worst part of the MK4 is the file transfer speed. A number of people are using Octoprint to get around this poor network performance.
i manually added wireless adapter to my Mini+ and its ABYSMALLY slow. it was previously working great just really slow, but recently it often wont even finish transferring any .gcode over 5MB it just hangs
Great review as usual. Where did you find that hex drawer stl? I tried looking on printables and thingiverse but couldnt find it.
I made it years ago with Tinkercad, if you like it, I will share it on Thingiverse later.
@@AuroraTech That would be great. I see a lot of models on your videos that i like but couldnt find. What's your thingiverse link?
Will you be doing a revisiting/update video of this after the firmware updates for faster printing and input shaping and all that?
Im interested as well
Honestly I love the MK4 and the Bambulab equally. However, I will always refuse to print so fast on either of them. I have set them very low with print speed. Hopefully this will allow them to last a lot longer with less maintenance.
You nailed this review. Every point you made is dead on. I Love my prusa mk3s+ but for the money, the bambu is a far superior option to the mk4. Keep up the good work, Aurora and Helios! :)
Again a superb review, the mk4 is not a bad machine but is expensive and feels a little outdated. P.S. Which machine review is coming next week? The neptune 4 pro?
Coming soon: Magician X2 Creality K1 Sovol SV07 Hictop AL13-310 Creality 8k resin printer and washing station QiDi X-Max-3 ... and 2 laser engravers The Neptune 4 will be later in August or September, after all these machines.
@@AuroraTech really looking forward to the x-max-3 review. i find it hard to understand why qidi are still using manual bed leveling in 2023, seems so primitive now when the leaders have gone to nozzle probing. inductive sensors are bulky and heavy. nozzle probing lets you have a lighter extruder and faster printers. hope they didn't make the same engineering mistakes they made in the x-plus 3.
did they fix that issue where the mk4 was hitting the bed witht he nozzle when testing live z making dents?
good vid
I would buy something else after seeing this review. Thanks
A great video - The display has a touchscreen, but the firmware does not currently take advantage of it.
Which means it's not a touch screen. That etch-a-sketch dial is a crime in 2023.
@@hawtdayum I am neutral towards the wheel. It's quite obvious that Prusa released the printer so early only because of the competition. A lot of things have been left incomplete that would have definitely been ready for a planned release. For example, the touch function. However, I prefer to have an early access game over no game at all.
@@P1aenkl3r I respect your opinion. I can get behind the adage " dont let perfect be the enemy of good" I do however expect better of the industry leader.
Hello again, i was wondering what inspired you to be a maker. To be more specific 3d printing. Its crazy how many things you have been able to figure out. I built my first 3d printer in arond 2010. It was probably one of the most challenging projects i have ever done.
It does have a capacitive touchscreen, it is just not implemented in firmware yet (maybe it will, maybe it will not, but the hardware is there). edit: okay, nevermind. It gets mentioned at the end of the video.
thank you for your in depth review I ordered MK4 kit 2 weeks ago which is the first 3d printer for me unfortunately it'll be shipped at the beginning of August. I was hoping to buy Bambu lab X1C since it has a very good reputation but unfortunately they didn't ship it to my country so I just ordered MK4 even I know that I buy a close price to X1C However, beside Bambu lab I don't think there's any printer can compete with it.
use a reship company :)
@@isaackeller90 it's too expensive It's not worth it at all The cheapest I found is 350$+
@@BrbrRmrm oh I agree then sorry
I had to pay shipping on the x1c in Australia yet if i buy parts of filament its free shipping over $77au???
what is the mechanical advantage of doing 10 minute boat tho ?