Original Prusa MK4S 3D Printer kit, Removable Print Sheets, Beginner-Friendly 3D Printer DYI Kit, Fun to Assemble, Automatic Calibration, Filament Sample Included, Print Size 9.84 x 8.3 x 8.6 in

Works great and buying this printer as a kit did save some money but note that I found it a challenging assembly. I have built quite a few computers but this was more difficult. At the end I wondered whether the saving was worth the frustration. Getting the tension right on drive belts takes much more fussing around than just screwing in a board or a drive. In several places some assembly required awkward reaching around the printer. The step by step directions were good and the comments inserted into the guide by other users were sometimes essential - when the wording in the online guide was not as clear as it could be. Clever idea to include such comments. I added my own when I thought I could contribute. I also used their online 24/7 chat to get help a couple of times when I could not figure out why I could not get the printer to pass a calibration test. It turned out that i had not noticed that one of bearings had slipped out of position.Only thing negative I can think of is that the power cord did not fit very well and could become loose - which would turn the printer off! Fortunately, I had a compatible cord from an old computer and it fits perfectly. I guess I could have tried filing their plug down so it would fit better but easier to just swap cables.I have now printed a number of things starting with the easy to use PLA filament. My first try with the TPU (FLEX) filament was not so good but they do warn you of possible difficulties with that kind of filament.

When it comes to 3d printing I'm at most a hobbyist. This Prusa MK4 is my first 3d printing experience of any kind, and the last few months have been a learning curve.I don't expect to add much to the slew of enthusiasts who will critically analyze the performance characteristics of the printer, so these remarks will be limited to only what I think might be helpful for someone of a similar perspective.Kit vs. assembled?- Kit all the way!- This is more than just "some assembly required". Every wire, every screw, every reducible part, must be put together. It took hours spread across three or four sessions to get it fully together.- If I hadn't put it together myself, I would have far less understanding of how it works. If anything ever needs to be repaired, or if I ever want to upgrade or accessorize, having a good foundational knowledge from assembly will be helpful.- As a novice, seeing the parts, many of which are 3d printed, and how they fit together gave me insights that are helpful in designing my own 3d models.Thoughts on the kit:- It is impressively well coordinated and documented. Hundreds of parts, and every one was present in the right bag, with the right quantity.- It takes attention to detail. All the stuff is there, but it's up to you to make sure it ends up square, appropriately tight, everything completed.The printer itself:- Works well once assembled. Easy to learn. No issues with leveling.- A bit noisy if you're sharing space with it, but not obnoxiously so.- I've successfully printed a few dozen things in PLA, PLA+, and PETG. I prioritize quality over speed. I've been happy with the results in most cases.The software:- The main program you'll be using is called "PrusaSlicer".- PrusaSlicer has a fairly steep learning curve, though many of the more complex configurations are hidden behind mode settings "Beginner", "Normal", and "Expert". You'll want to dig into the advanced modes, because much of what's needed to get good quality prints, like seam settings, painted supports, and so on, are only available in the more advance modes.- The help links don't always point to the right webpage, but it's usually possible to find what you're looking for with a little searching.Thoughts on 3D printing in retrospect:- Expect limitations. I very quickly discovered that 3D printing is not precisely the ability to easily make plastic parts and shapes. You're dipping your toe into a space that has spawned entire industries and branches of science. It doesn't "just work".- 3D printing one method (out of many) of making plastic shapes, and a method that comes with significant limitations. It's not food safe. It's not watertight. It's fairly heat sensitive. As a rule, everything you print will be solid colors.- If you do end up wanting to print something really specific and can't find a pre-existing model, you'll need to learn 3D modeling software, and that is its own whole can of worms.- Check out Tinkercad, move on to Autodesk Fusion. Take tutorials.Strategies:- Dive in and learn stuff. You will need Expert mode. You will need to learn 3D modeling.- It's not all about the plastic. Filament will only get you so far. Eventually you need to think about screws and anchors, motors, bearings, magnets, and epoxy. Your printer isn't made only from plastic parts, and if you want to do serious and interesting things with it, you'll need to think bigger as well.- The world doesn't need more cutesy plastic animals and phone stands. It needs more people capable of genuine creativity.In the end, I'm glad I bought this Prusa MK4. I've accomplished some interesting things with it. The quality is excellent. More important is the philosophy of something you build yourself from different types of components, expecting that it can be repaired and modified. This sort of thinking is underappreciated in modern culture.

An absolute good buy. Took about two weeks to assemble in my spare time. Directions are great! Machine works very well, would buy again in a heartbeat. I cannot say enough positive things about the machine. Fun to assemble, fun to use and make different things for the grandkids. Also make odd ball parts for everyday living. Fun machine.

This is a great product. I would suggest to be very patient and carefully read assembly instructions if you get the kit. The belt tuning (tension) app didn't work for me, but it's not necessary.

This is simply the best open designn 3D printer available. When purchased as a kit it gives you the opportunity to understand how the system is designed and how to best tune and adjust it over time. There are lower cost 3D printers, but their accuracy and consistency will not match this printer.If you do not take your time and you rush through the assembly of the kit, you would probably be better off buying the fully assembled printer. The more careful and meticulous you are in the assembly, the better the performance of the finished printer will be.There is a wonderful set of videos available online in addition to the printed instructions. I would strongly recommend using the videos to complement the printed instructions. The printer is packaged securely in it's shipping box and has everything that you will need in the box, including Prusa's inclusion of a bag of gummy bears, to serve as your reward for completing the assembly.If build quality and accuracy of printing matter to you, this is the 3D printer to choose.