Opinions? Mk3+ or MK4? Is the 4 worth it?
It seems like the MK3+ and the 4 are pretty similar, but does the 4 have that many more feature upgrades that it’s worth buying? Pros/ Cons
RE: Opinions? Mk3+ or MK4? Is the 4 worth it?
If you don't already have a Mk3+ then I would definitely recommend the Mk4. The perfect first layer is worth it alone in my opinion. Others will say once you have the first layer dialed in on the Mk3 then it can also be "forgotten" until you change sheets of course and while that's true not having to worry about the first layer is great. The Mk4 is also the future so any new developments will be for it and not the Mk3+.
If you already have a Mk3+ then it's a different question.
RE:
The Mk4 does feature clear improvements in print quality on two fronts. Nicer surface with less artifacts (Fine Vertical Artifacts seem to be mostly a thing of the past which are usually very present on Mk3 prints) and maybe most importantly the fully automated bed levelling is vastly superior and first layers are always just perfect across the entire bed.
The only disadvantage I have heard of is the that the Mk3 seems to be a bit more silent but the Mk4 is still a fairly silent printer, especially compared to the competition.
The biggest issue with the Mk4 is that it was launched without Input Shaper, so ghosting will be still a thing if you don't print very slow and printing much faster than the Mk3 is not really a reasonable option if you want a decent print quality. For that you need Input Shaper. But that is nothing where the Mk3 could score points as it doesn't have input shaper nor an easy upgrade path towards it. For me the Mk4 will be highly competitive in the market once a proper implementation of that feature exists.
If speed is not your main concern however the Mk4 is already now a great option, if you need a new printer. Personally I would not spend the money to upgrade an Mk3 (to get all of the print quality improvemetn you'd have to go all the way to full upgrade as the new motors play a role there too) or replace it with an Mk4 but if you need a new printer it is an option worth to consider.
Mk3s MMU2s, Voron 0.1, Voron 2.4
RE: Opinions? Mk3+ or MK4? Is the 4 worth it?
I was looking at upgrading my MK3S to the MK4, but I think I've got a better system right now. The network connectivity of the MK4 is very slow and my OctoPrint setup is a better user experience. You migbt get 10-20% speed improvement, and the auto Z calibration is really nice.. but it needs some aging yet.
RE: Opinions? Mk3+ or MK4? Is the 4 worth it?
Being able to change sheets and filaments and not worry about Z adjustment (which was a complete PITA for me), and just get going with a print is a big upgrade for me - and my main reason for upgrading. I managed to sell my MK3S+ for a good price as well, so am not paying too much more for the MK4 kit - currently printer-less until the MK4 arrives though.......
RE: Opinions? Mk3+ or MK4? Is the 4 worth it?
Network connectivity via wifi is slow, although what's the performance said to be like with ethernet?
I was looking at upgrading my MK3S to the MK4, but I think I've got a better system right now. The network connectivity of the MK4 is very slow and my OctoPrint setup is a better user experience. You migbt get 10-20% speed improvement, and the auto Z calibration is really nice.. but it needs some aging yet.
The difference in print quality is marginal. The original I3's were a big step up in quality but as we approach the limits of the technology the increments get smaller and smaller.
so ghosting will be still a thing
But for most people ghosting doesn't matter and may not even be noticed.
There is very little practical difference between the machines atm, we expect the Mk4 to be able to print significantly faster in due course but again, if you are mostly a designer and not producing commercially it is likely that the Mk3 will print faster than you can design...
The big difference in due course is likely to be in ease of use, especially for the beginner.
Cheerio,