Prusa Research is one of the brands that shaped desktop 3D printing, and its flagship range continues to evolve in small steps with the Original Prusa MK4S, presented by Prusa in August 2024 from around $799 as a kit, or around $1,099 assembled. It is not a revolution, but a deliberate MK4 evolution with a new high-flow extrusion system and redesigned cooling. On paper, it aims to combine the brand’s reliability with higher speeds and quality.
Prusa’s philosophy remains unchanged: an open-frame, bed-slinger machine that is documented, repairable and upgradeable, supported by a strong software ecosystem. The MK4S retains all that while strengthening the hot end and airflow, where much of fast-print quality is decided.
A focused MK4 evolution
The core update is the high-flow nozzle developed with CHT, integrated into the all-in-one nozzle and heatbreak assembly. Prusa claims flow up to 26 mm³/s, for faster printing without sacrificing extrusion consistency. The other major change is a 360° wraparound cooling shroud which blows air around the nozzle from all sides for more even part cooling. These are discreet changes, but they directly affect the final result.
Announced technical specifications
CHT high-flow nozzle, up to 26 mm³/s: integrated in the all-in-one assembly, it targets faster printing without quality loss.
360° cooling: the wraparound airflow improves overhang performance and detail sharpness, especially in PLA and PETG.
Nozzle up to 290 °C and bed up to 120 °C: enough to cover a broad material range, from PLA to more demanding technical materials.
Loadcell sensor and Input Shaper: first-layer levelling uses a precise force sensor, while Input Shaper helps limit vibrations at high speed.
Wi-Fi and Ethernet: remote control through Prusa Connect and PrusaLink to launch and monitor prints without relying on an SD card.
Specification sheet
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Technology | FDM, fused filament deposition |
| Structure | Open frame, bed-slinger |
| Build volume | 250 x 210 x 220 mm |
| Maximum flow | Up to 26 mm³/s, CHT high-flow nozzle |
| Nozzle temperature | Up to 290 °C |
| Bed temperature | Up to 120 °C |
| Cooling | 360° wraparound shroud |
| Sensor | Loadcell, first-layer levelling |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, Prusa Connect |
| Filaments | 1.75 mm, open-material approach |
| Slicer | PrusaSlicer, 180+ tested profiles |
| Origin | Designed and made in the EU |
Price and options
The MK4S is offered from around $799 as a self-assembly kit and around $1,099 factory assembled, with regular promotions on Prusa’s official store. Prusa also offers an upgrade kit to transform a MK4 into a MK4S, plus extras such as the Original Prusa Enclosure for technical materials. It is up to you to choose the enjoyment and saving of assembly or ready-to-print simplicity.
Software and ecosystem
Prusa’s historical strength is its ecosystem. The MK4S uses PrusaSlicer, one of the most complete and best documented slicers, with more than 180 tested material profiles. Prusa Connect handles remote print management and notifications, while the optional camera lets users monitor the printer. The brand also retains its reputation for reliability and repairability, with extensive documentation and an active community.
So, is this Prusa MK4S interesting?
On paper, the MK4S does exactly what is expected from a Prusa evolution: improve the good points without breaking what works. Its high-flow nozzle, 360° cooling and software ecosystem make it a versatile and reassuring machine for anyone who values reliability, upgradeability and durability rather than the specification race. It still needs to prove fast-print quality, long-term consistency and how it compares with recent enclosed CoreXY printers in use. In the meantime, Prusa retains a well-updated safe choice.
