Prusa MK 4s

Prusa MK 4s

The Prusa MK 4s is an entry level system that features a front facing USB port, a simple user interface, and auto-bed leveling. PrusaSlicer, a free open source slicer program, is used to convert 3D computer models into G-Code instruction for printing operation. 

The Fab Underground's Prusa MK 4s’are intended to support faculty who want to integrate 3D printing into their course.  Access to the Prusa MK 4s 3D printers is handled via our 3DP-TIPS service.  Unlike most 3D printing services, 3DP-TIPS provides students a hands on experience with 3D printing technology.  Students are required to earn their online certification via our online Canvas, sign up for time, and operate the Prusa MK 4s.

3D printing is not free so there is a recharge rate applied. For this reason, reserving the Prusa MK 4s 3D printers is limited to faculty, instructor, or student advisors

What is FFF

In a process known as Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)—also called Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)—the Prusa MK4s additively builds objects by extruding heated thermoplastic polymer in thin layers, typically around 100 microns thick. The printer deposits material from the build plate upward, forming the part layer by layer.

FFF Materials

Prusa 3D printers in the Fabrication Underground use PLA as the primary model material and PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) as a water‑soluble support material. PLA is a biodegradable plastic made from renewable resources such as cornstarch or sugarcane. Compared to ABS, PLA is not quite as strong, but it requires less energy to process, is less prone to warping, is safer to use, and has a lower environmental impact—making it an ideal material for 3D prototyping.

FFF Benefits

FFF 3D printers, such as the Prusa MK4s, offer an easy‑to‑use and cost‑effective entry point into additive manufacturing. Their relative simplicity keeps hardware costs low, and the technology is highly tunable: users can adjust infill, layer height, and other parameters to reduce print time and material usage. Low cost, flexibility, and broad material availability make FFF the most common 3D printing method.

FFF Disadvantages

Because objects are built from a thin bead of extruded material—typically around 0.4 mm in diameter—build times are measured in hours or even days. The extrusion process limits fine feature detail, reduces dimensional accuracy, and produces weaker bonding between layers along the Z‑axis. Overhanging geometries require support structures, which must be removed and can negatively affect surface quality.

Prusa MK 4s Specifications

• Technology - Fused Filament Fabrication

• Build Volume - 250 x 210 x 220 mm | 9.84 x 8.3 x 8.6 in

• Layer Height - 0.05-0.30 mm

• Power Consumption PLA settings - 80W

• Heated build plate with active leveling

Availability and Pricing

Prusa 3D printers are intended to be used for academic use at a cost of $0.54 per hour. Students may sign up for time to use the 3D printers Monday through Friday from 9:oo am to 6:oo pm. Payment is due in the form of a short code transaction so faculty approval is required. We do not accept any other form of payment for Prusa reservations.

Instructions for Faculty, Instructors and Student Advisors

Prusa MK 4s & Prusa XL 3D printer reservations are available to faculty, instructors, and student advisors to support coursework and student learning. To register your class within the system please complete the ‘3DP-TIPS Registration’ form. Afterward, you will have access to your dashboard where you can check your reservations, see who is using the 3D printers, and add additional time.

• Register Your Class (Faculty & Instructors)

• Access Your 3DP Dashboard (Faculty & Instructors)

Once your reservation has been confirmed you will receive an email confirmation. We ask that you share this email with your student(s) as it contains steps that the student will need to complete, see below. Students who complete their Prusa MK 4s certification will receive a ‘Certificate of Completion’ in PDF format.

For details refer to the 3DP-TIPS Faculty Portal

Instruction for Students:

Students are required to earn their Prusa MK 4s printer certification via the the Fab Underground Canvas course and sign up for print time in 3-hour blocks using the '3D Printing Sign-up Sheet for Students'. If your 3D print will exceed 3 hours, be sure to reserve enough consecutive 3-hour blocks of time required to complete your 3D print. You may only sign up for time reserved by your teacher for your class. 3D print jobs that conflict with other student schedules will be canceled.

For details refer to the 3DP-TIPS student portal

Learn How to 3D Print Using the Prusa MK 4s

To learn how to design for, safely operate, and earn your ‘Prusa MK 4s Certification’, please visit our online Canvas course. If you need assistance please talk to a consultant at the help desk.

Additional Learning Materials: 

• Prusa MK 4s Guide

• Magics Workshop (STL Inspection and Repair)

  • STL Files for Magics Workshop

• Steps to Remove Supports

• Advanced Post Processing