Prusa MK4 — Settings Guide
The Bambu Lab A1 is a fast, reliable direct drive FDM printer that handles most filaments with minimal tuning. Its all-metal hotend reaches 300°C, supporting everything from PLA to basic Nylon. The direct drive extruder means short retraction distances (0.5-1.5mm) and excellent performance with flexible filaments like TPU.
Key Things to Know
Speed: The MK4 supports input shaping for cleaner prints at higher speeds. Start at 60-80mm/s and increase once you're confident. The MK4S adds faster stepper drivers.
Open frame: The MK4 is open-frame, so ABS needs an enclosure. Prusa sells the official enclosure, or build one from an IKEA LACK table.
Retraction: Direct drive means very short retraction — typically 0.5-1.0mm. If you see stringing, increase by 0.2mm at a time. Don't go above 2mm or you risk heat creep and jams.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should I print PLA on the Prusa MK4?
Start at 210°C nozzle and 55°C bed. Start at 215°C nozzle and 60°C bed with PrusaSlicer's built-in PLA profile. The Nextruder runs well at slightly higher temperatures.
What retraction settings should I use on the MK4?
Start at 0.8mm retraction distance and 35mm/s speed. The Nextruder's direct drive path is very short, so minimal retraction works best. PrusaSlicer's defaults are well-tuned — only adjust if you see stringing.
Can the Prusa MK4 print ABS?
Yes, but you need an enclosure since the MK4 is open-frame. Use the official Prusa enclosure or a DIY solution. Set nozzle to 245°C, bed to 100°C, fan off. The MK4 handles ABS well once enclosed.
What slicer should I use with the Prusa MK4?
PrusaSlicer is the recommended slicer — it has the best built-in profiles for the MK4 and is actively maintained by Prusa. OrcaSlicer is a good alternative. Cura works but requires manual profile setup.
Can the MK4 print TPU / flexible filament?
Yes — the Nextruder handles TPU excellently. Print at 220-230°C, 50°C bed, 25-30mm/s speed, with minimal retraction (0.3-0.5mm). The MK4 is one of the best printers for flexible filaments.