Upgrade paths to MK4
Hello,
I see that there are MK3S+ -> MK3.5 and MK3S+ -> MK3.9 kits, but I can't determine if there are MK3.5 -> MK3.9, MK3.5 ->MK4 or MK3.9 -> MK4 kits.
If I upgrade to 3.5 or 3.9 is upgrading to 4 later just a matter of buying the spare parts?
I'm also wondering what people are thinking about an MK3S+ -> MK4 upgrade when the MK3S+ started out as an MK3, and as such, has to add on the heated bed and power supply to the upgrade kit. For me to upgrade my MK3S+ to an MK4 it will cost US$680. To buy an MK4 kit it will cost US$800. I'm not sure if I should upgrade or buy new. If I upgrade, I spend less money, but if I buy new, I get a new printer, and I have a backup printer. It would be like buying a used MK3S+ for $120. They run US$400 to US$500 on eBay, so $120 is a steal, right? But I don't have a place to put a second printer, and I don't really have a need for two printers.
Thanks!
RE: Upgrade paths to MK4
I bought a full MK4 kit and had the MK3S+. After using the MK4 for a while, the MK3S+ had no appeal to me. It ended up being upgraded to MK3.9 for a family member.
Currently there are no upgrades for the MK3.5. MK3.9 can be a MK4.0 by upgrading the servo motors only. Servos are available in the store. An MK3.9 runs just as fast as the MK4, it is just the "smoothness" of some surfaces are affected by the lower resolution servo motors. If you can live with that, MK3.9 may be the best price/performance upgrade.
I have been in technology for 40 years. I don't hold on to old tech anymore, it just becomes clutter.
RE: Upgrade paths to MK4
That's interesting that you got the new one and lost interest in the old one. I think I'd be in the same boat. Maybe I'd occasionally go back to it to get multiple prints going at the same time, but I wouldn't need that often.
If you had it to do again, would you still buy the new printer, and then give the old one away, or would you just upgrade the old one?
RE:
Depends on your budget.
Upgrade to an MK3.9, IF you could be happy with the MK3s+ resolution finish. That makes the most economic sense. If later you want the better finish, just buy the servos when you have the money. The upgrades come with filament and require you print the parts before tear down of the old printer. I printed mine at 0.2mm layers and 3-4 profiles for strength if I remember correctly.
If a heatbed/power supply was needed or you want the new servos also, I would do the full MK4 kit. It comes with printed parts.
RE: Upgrade paths to MK4
If a heatbed/power supply was needed or you want the new servos also, I would do the full MK4 kit. It comes with printed parts.
That's the thing for me. I need both the heatbed and the power supply. UGH!
RE: Upgrade paths to MK4
Not sure if this is the right forum/thread to post this in...
What preset I need to slice in to print the upgrades on my MK3S, since the docs mention the "0.20mm STRUCTURAL" preset which is not applicable to the MK3?
Backstory...
In Dec 2020, I ordered an assembled Original Prusa i3 MK3S+ 3D printer with an MMU2S upgrade kit.
In Sept 2024, I decided to upgrade my MK3S/MMU2S to the MK4S/MMU3 so I ordered the following... "Original Prusa i3 MK3/S/+ to MK4S upgrade kit" with the black PSU and 2+3 screws configuration "Original Prusa MMU2S to MMU3 upgrade for MK4S/MK3.9S" "Original Prusa"
I realize I need to print the needed parts for both MK3S & MMU2S upgrades.
The files for the MMU3 https://www.printables.com/model/531604-mmu3-printable-parts has the code pre sliced, so I can just use those on my printer.
But, the files for the MK4S https://www.printables.com/model/451500-mk4smk39s-printable-parts only has STLs there that I will need to slice with recommended settings
Print settings: 0.20mm STRUCTURAL Filament: PETG (tested on Prusament) 15% Grid infill
No problem, I'll just open up my PrusaSlicer Version 2.8.0+MacOS-x64 and select the "0.20mm STRUCTURAL" preset.
Wait, there is no "0.20mm STRUCTURAL" preset for the MK3S only the MK3.5 and MK4?
So, what preset should I use on a MK3S to print the necessary upgrade?
RE: Upgrade paths to MK4
Got this reply from Prusa...
The presets/recommendations for printing the parts for the upgrade kit are not yet available on our Printables page but you can use the same recommendations we provide for other Prusa parts, including the MK4 parts:
- Print settings: 0.20mm QUALITY
- Filament: PETG (tested on Prusament)
- 15% Grid infill
See here -> https://www.printables.com/model/451501-mk4mk39-printable-parts
RE: Upgrade paths to MK4
I know this is a little late to the party, but I have a similar question (here; but synopsis below).
when upgrading my Mk3S, should I go for the S+ (SuperPINDA) first before going to either 3.5/3.9/4?
RE: Upgrade paths to MK4
Super Pinda... Depends on the upgrade. MK3.9(S) or MK4(S) no longer use the Super Pinda for Z setting. They can go from MK3S. to MK3.4 or MK4 directly. The MK3.5 still uses the MK3S Extruder and Z setting.
See my MK4 notes to show the changes made with the MK3.9/MK4 upgrade.
RE: Upgrade paths to MK4
Awesome, thank you so much!