The Coven Maker Space

Prusa MK4

Prusa MK4 3D Printers

The Coven houses multiple Prusa MK4 3D printers for member use in our cosplay and additive manufacturing focus area.

Printer Specifications

  • Model: Prusa MK4
  • Technology: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
  • Build Volume: 250 x 210 x 220 mm
  • Layer Resolution: 0.05 mm (50 microns) minimum
  • Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm
  • Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm (standard, interchangeable)
  • Heated Bed: Yes, up to 120°C
  • Extruder Temperature: Up to 300°C
  • Connectivity: Ethernet (preferred), USB
  • Features:
    • Automatic bed leveling
    • Filament sensor
    • Power loss recovery
    • PrusaLink network interface

Available Filaments

Members are expected to bring their own filament (bring-your-own system initially). Commonly used filaments include:

  • PLA (Polylactic Acid) - Beginner-friendly, biodegradable
  • PETG - Durable, good for functional parts
  • TPU - Flexible, rubber-like
  • ABS - Strong, requires enclosure for best results
  • Specialty filaments (wood fill, metal fill, etc.) with appropriate nozzle considerations

Usage Guidelines

  1. Orientation Required: All members must complete printer orientation before use
  2. Founder Approval: Members need founder approval to bring personal printers or equipment
  3. Clean Up: Members must clean the print bed and surrounding area after each use
  4. Filament Management: Remove filament when not in use to prevent moisture absorption
  5. Issue Reporting: Report any printer issues immediately to founders via the access log or direct contact
  6. Time Limits: During busy periods, prints may be subject to time limits to ensure fair access

Maintenance

  • Regular maintenance is performed by founders and designated members
  • Nozzle cleaning and replacement as needed
  • Bed surface maintenance (cleaning, PEI sheet replacement when worn)
  • Firmware updates performed periodically
  • Calibration checks before major print jobs

Safety Considerations

  • Hot ends reach temperatures up to 300°C - avoid touching during operation
  • Moving parts can cause injury - keep hands clear during printing
  • Some materials (ABS, nylon) produce fumes - ensure adequate ventilation
  • Electrical equipment - keep liquids away from printers
  • Fire safety: Never leave prints unattended for extended periods

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Print not sticking: Clean bed, adjust first layer height, use adhesion aids if needed
  • Stringing: Adjust retraction settings, check nozzle temperature
  • Layer shifting: Check belt tension, ensure pulleys are secure
  • Under-extrusion: Check for clogs, ensure filament is dry and feeding properly
  • Over-extrusion: Adjust flow rate, check filament diameter consistency

Our Prusa MK4 printers are network-enabled via PrusaLink, allowing:

  • Remote monitoring of print status
  • Temperature and progress tracking
  • Print job queuing and management
  • Webcam integration for visual monitoring (when available)
  • Access via our internal network systems

Community Resources

Members are encouraged to:

  • Share successful print profiles and settings in our documentation
  • Report effective filament brands and types for our climate
  • Collaborate on multi-print projects requiring coordination
  • Assist others with printer orientation and troubleshooting