Build Process
I am interested in a Mk4 but I haven't pulled the trigger yet because I would like to see the manual for assembling one of these before I buy one. I want to buy the kit and I found a video on YouTube of a guy assembling the Mk3s and it took him eight hours to do. Is that a reasonable estimate for someone that has never put one of these together before?
RE:
Yes - more with breaks etc.
It’s a really enjoyable experience though - the MK3S+ was the first Prusa I’ve built and everything went fine. The online instructions are great. Patience is key, as everything in the manual should be followed to the letter. But it’s rather straightforward no matter how daunting it may seem. Don’t rush, take your time, and you’ll get it right first go.
Have a read through the MK3S+ manual - the process for the majority of the MK4 will be the same.
--> MK4 - MK4S - MINI+ - MMU3 - Accelerometer Guide - BambuLab A1 Combo <--
RE: Build Process
Thanks. I looked at the Mk3 manually briefly but thought I would get the opinion of those that have done it before.
RE: Build Process
Hi Shane,
build time depends upon confidence, and experience.
A person attempting the Printer assembly as a first project, will probably take a longer than average time to assemble the printer, BUT they will probably assemble it correctly... because they check and re check what they are doing.
A person with previous electronic experience and mechanical confidence, may well build the printer more quickly. however they may be more likely to take short cuts or make errors...
Luckily Prusa have made great efforts to improve matters with their Assembly Guide
to the best of my knowledge the Mk4 Assembly guide has not yet been released.
Here is a link to the Mk3s+ assembly guide
https://help.prusa3d.com/guide/1-introduction_176529
when I built my first printer (Mk1 Prusa), I used prior knowlegde to connect the ribbon cables to the LCD Display...
In those days the LCD Did not have polarised connectors...
Being a 'S'mart Ass... I connected the LCD end of the cable with the ribbon cable stripe marked side, connected to the PIN1 on the display... AND it didn't work...
IF I HAD READ THE INSTRUCTIONS they clearly tell you to put the cables on the display back to front...
That took me a while to resolve...
Similarly, people often press the reset button, in error instead of the lcd control knob...
And On the mk1,2,3 series printers the X axis toothed drive wheel, should be installed with the Hub, towards the end of the motor shaft, Most people with previous mechanical experience, would normally expect the hub to go towards the Motor end of the motor shaft... installing this incorrectly, will cause issues during the setup process... I suspect the Mk4 will be similar...
Prusa have addressed the cable polarity, by using polarised connectors that prevent you connecting them in the wrong polarity. and on the Mk4 they have printed the word 'Reset' on the reset button, instead of the previous X.
when the time comes for the self assembly Mk4 to be released I expect that Prusa will provide a web accessible assembly guide.
I would recommend reading that through, before starting assembly. and then re reading the guide, as you actually build the printer.
I recently assembled a competitor's Core XY printer, and whilst the assembly guide was good, it was not as good as a Prusa guide. and the other supplier, didn't pack the components for each stage, in a bag, marked with full size pictures of the nuts screws washers and fastennings. which made the assembly take longer whilst you hunted out the individual fasteners...
the only 'Prusa' drop off, I am aware of, is that new printers come with a sample of filament as opposed to the 1Kg roll of filament that came with my previous printers
and the most common error on the assembled Mk4 printers i have noted is that the Extruder and Part fan connectors may be connected to the wrong sockets.
regards Joan
I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK
RE: Build Process
Yes, it was the same for me. About 3 years ago the MK3S Kit was my first Prusa. The assembly manual is very detailed and easy to understand even if you have no experience with 3D printers. Depending on your experience you will perhaps need a bit more time but you will get there. After you have completed the assembly of your kit, you know everything about your printer in a way that you never could with an assembled printer. Service, repairs, and eventual upgrades will be much easier also because you understand better how the components interact.
RE: MK4 Z axis bearing size
Good day
On the PRUSA MK4, are Z axis bearings LM10UU or LM10LUU. I can't seem to find the answer. I currently have a MK4 kit on order.
Thank you.
RE:
My first 3D Printer was a MK3 kit (the OG Mk3 in the spring of 2018) and taking my time it was about 10 hours. This included watching several Youtube clips of experienced builders assembling a MK3 and using some of their Tips and Tricks. I have since upgraded it, first to a MK3S, then a MK3S+ and then after having some thermister issues going to a REVO 6 Hot End (Which is awesome by the way!). According to Prusa the MK4 build should be even less challenging that a MK3S+ build, which is easier that a MKS3 build, which is easier than the Original MK3 build. Patience and attention to detail is all you'll need to succeed. Read through each step/section at least once before starting to assemble and you'll be fine.
RE: Build Process
Thanks for all of the replies! I have very little experience with 3D printers. I printed a few of the test prints on one of the printers at work but that is it. Since these are not mine I do not mess with them beyond doing those few prints. I want to put one together due to the knowledge I would gain from doing so. I have built computers and ran into issues with doing that and I had to stop and watch videos on how to fix. I imagine I will have to do that with this as well, which is fine. I am just trying to get an idea of what to expect in my research before I buy one.
RE: Build Process
Unless you get in there quick! The kit includes 1kg of Prusament PLA Galaxy Black at the moment - for all orders placed before 31st May 2023 only, after which it will be a sample piece....
the only 'Prusa' drop off, I am aware of, is that new printers come with a sample of filament as opposed to the 1Kg roll of filament that came with my previous printers
--> MK4 - MK4S - MINI+ - MMU3 - Accelerometer Guide - BambuLab A1 Combo <--
RE: Build Process
Good day
On the PRUSA MK4, are Z axis bearings LM10UU or LM10LUU. I can't seem to find the answer. I currently have a MK4 kit on order.
Thank you.
It's the long version LM10LUU.
RE: Build Process
The Biggest PITA with the MK3 was the extruder assembly, I also slowed myself down by being overly fastidious with all the cable routing.
As expected with the new extruder design that assembly seems much easier.
When someone asks you if you're a god, you say, "YES!"