At a private event held in Prague, Prusa Research revealed a suite of new products that signal a bold step forward in desktop 3D printing. The company introduced two new 3D printers—the Original Prusa MK4.5 and the Original Prusa XL Connect—alongside open-source filament tags and a revolutionary printable silicone material. These announcements underscore Prusa’s commitment to innovation, open-source principles, and expanding the capabilities of additive manufacturing.
New Prusa 3D Printers: MK4.5 and XL Connect
The Original Prusa MK4.5 is a hybrid upgrade that bridges the gap between the MK3.9 and the MK4. Designed for users who want to enhance their MK3S+ without fully upgrading to the MK4, the MK4.5 includes the Nextruder, Loadcell sensor, and a new electronics board. However, it omits the MK4’s new stepper motors and frame, making it a cost-effective middle ground. The MK4.5 is priced at $499 as an upgrade kit or $799 as a full kit.
Meanwhile, the Original Prusa XL Connect is a new variant of the company’s large-format CoreXY printer. It features a single-toolhead configuration and includes a new touchscreen interface with Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity. The XL Connect is designed for users who don’t need multi-toolhead functionality but still want the benefits of the XL’s large build volume and advanced motion system. It’s priced at $1,999 and is expected to ship in Q3 2024.
Open Source Filament Tags: NFC for Material Management
Prusa also introduced open-source NFC filament tags, a new way to manage and identify filament spools. These tags can be attached to any spool and store information such as material type, color, manufacturer, and print settings. When used with compatible Prusa printers, the machine can automatically read the tag and adjust settings accordingly. This system is designed to reduce user error and streamline the printing process, especially in multi-material or professional environments.
The tags are based on the NTAG213 chip and are fully open-source, allowing other manufacturers and users to adopt and adapt the technology. Prusa plans to release a mobile app for writing data to the tags and will offer them for sale in packs later this year.
Printable Silicone: A New Frontier in 3D Printing Materials
Perhaps the most groundbreaking announcement was Prusa’s new printable silicone material. Developed in collaboration with a partner company, this silicone is a true thermoset elastomer that cures at room temperature. Unlike flexible filaments like TPU or TPE, this silicone offers the same properties as injection-molded silicone, including high heat resistance, chemical stability, and biocompatibility.
The silicone is extruded using a specialized print head and a two-part mixing system. It’s not yet available for consumer use, but Prusa demonstrated functional prints at the event, including gaskets, seals, and medical-grade components. This development opens the door to entirely new applications in healthcare, automotive, and industrial design.
Prusa’s Vision for the Future of 3D Printing
These announcements reflect Prusa’s broader strategy of making advanced 3D printing technologies more accessible while maintaining a strong commitment to open-source development. By offering upgrade paths like the MK4.5, the company ensures that existing users can benefit from new features without discarding their current machines. The XL Connect provides a more affordable entry point into large-format printing, and the open filament tags promote interoperability and ease of use.
The introduction of printable silicone is particularly significant, as it positions Prusa at the forefront of material innovation. While still in its early stages, this technology could eventually become a standard offering, much like PLA or PETG are today.
With these new products, Prusa continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in desktop 3D printing, reinforcing its role as a leader in the additive manufacturing community.
Source: Tom’s Hardware
