Prusa · 2023
Print cost on the Prusa MK4
The MK4 is Prusa's evolution of the proven cartesian platform, now with a high-flow Nextruder, loadcell-driven first layer and a 32-bit mainboard. The Swiss-army-knife of 3D printers: easy to repair, easy to upgrade, generous spare-part availability.
Specs
- Average power
- 120 W
- Useful life
- 25,000 h
- Build volume
- 250 × 210 × 220 mm
- Best for
- Professionals
When this printer makes sense
The MK4 (2023, without the S) is the direct predecessor of the MK4S. Same bedslinger CoreXZ platform, original Nextruder hotend, Load Cell automatic calibration. The MK4S in 2024 brought upgrades to the hotend (better cooling, faster nozzle swap) and speed. Prusa still sells the MK4 kit at $799 USD. Makes sense if you find a MK4 kit with significant discount over the MK4S, or if you already have MK4 parts from an upgrade.
Strengths and limitations
Strengths
Same open-source philosophy as the MK4S and Mini+ — replacement parts guaranteed 5+ years. PrusaSlicer is the industry reference. Load Cell auto-calibration works well. Robust official Prusa Research support. Modular for MMU3.
Limitations
The MK4S resolved small issues from the MK4 (hotend cooling, nozzle swapping). The difference in 2026 between MK4 and MK4S is small but real. Direct import has the drawbacks cited for other Prusas (customs, international warranty, 2-6 week wait). Bedslinger caps effective speed.
Typical print cost
An 80 g functional PETG part on the MK4 costs $1.10-1.40 per unit in a 10-batch — nearly identical to the MK4S. The difference Prusa MK4 vs MK4S is qualitative (hotend improvements) more than quantitative (cost per unit). If you find a MK4 kit with a $200+ discount over the MK4S, the savings are worth it; otherwise, prefer the MK4S.
Example calculation
For a 50 g part in PLA, 6 h print time and 8% failure rate. Currency follows your selection at the top.
- Filament$1.10
- Energy$0.13
- Amortization$0.19
- Failures (8%)$0.11
- Unit Cost$1.54
- Final Consumer Price (3× / 6% / 2%)$6.67
Filaments that print well on the Prusa MK4
Every material the Prusa MK4 handles reliably, grouped by what makes it compatible. Click any to open the calculator with that filament selected.
Standard filaments
Everyday materials — the Prusa MK4 prints them stock without tuning or hardware mods.
Flexible filaments (direct drive)
Direct-drive extrusion on the Prusa MK4 gives flexible materials the control Bowden setups can't.
Compare the Prusa MK4 with...
Prusa MK4
Prusa · 2023
- Build volume
- 250 × 210 × 220 mm
- Average power
- 120 W
- Useful life
- 25,000 h
- Max hotend temp
- 290 °C
- Frame
- Open
- Mechanism
- Bedslinger
- Release year
- 2023
- Reference price
- $799