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!