ABS Settings for Prusa MK4

Temperature Settings

Start with the nozzle at 255°C and the bed at 100°C. If you see poor layer adhesion, increase the nozzle temperature by 5°C increments. If you experience stringing, decrease the nozzle temperature by 5°C. For the first layer, you can increase the bed temperature by 5°C for better adhesion, then let it drop back to 100°C for subsequent layers.

The ABS filament has a recommended nozzle temperature range of 230-260°C and a bed temperature range of 95-110°C. The Prusa MK4 supports nozzle temperatures up to 300°C and bed temperatures up to 120°C, which fully covers the recommended range for this filament.

Speed & Quality

For the Prusa MK4, a print speed of 30-60 mm/s works well with ABS. The first layer should be printed at 15-25 mm/s for solid bed adhesion. Outer walls at 70-80% of the main speed produce cleaner surface finishes.

For quality-critical prints like miniatures or display pieces, reduce the speed to 30 mm/s and use a 0.12-0.16mm layer height. For draft or rapid prototyping, you can push the speed to 60 mm/s with a 0.24-0.28mm layer height. The standard 0.2mm layer height at 45 mm/s provides the best balance of speed and quality for most prints.

Bed Adhesion

ABS requires high bed temperatures (95-110°C). Use PEI sheets or apply ABS slurry (ABS scraps dissolved in acetone) for excellent adhesion. A brim is strongly recommended for medium and large parts. Kapton tape is another classic option.

Common Issues with ABS on Prusa MK4

Here are the most common problems you may encounter when printing ABS on the Prusa MK4, along with proven solutions:

• Warping: Use an enclosure, increase bed temp to 100-110°C, add a brim, and set fan to 0%
• Layer splitting/cracking: Increase nozzle temperature and ensure the enclosure is sealed
• Strong fumes: Print in a ventilated area or use a fume extractor with activated carbon filter
• Stringing: Reduce temperature slightly and tune retraction settings

Tips for Best Results

Follow these expert tips to get the best possible prints with ABS on your Prusa MK4:

• An enclosure is non-negotiable for reliable ABS prints -- even small drafts cause warping
• Preheat the bed to full temperature and let it soak for 5-10 minutes before printing
• ABS slurry (dissolved ABS in acetone) is the best adhesion method for ABS
• You can acetone-smooth ABS prints for a glossy, professional finish
• Consider ASA as an alternative if you need UV resistance -- ABS yellows in sunlight

Support Settings

For prints requiring supports with ABS, use tree supports for easier removal and less scarring. Set a 0.15-0.2mm Z-distance between support and model. If you have a dual-extruder setup, consider PVA (for PLA/PETG) or HIPS (for ABS) as dedicated water/solvent-soluble support material.

ABS at a Glance

Prusa MK4 Specifications

The Prusa MK4 features a 250 x 210 x 220 mm build volume with a maximum print speed of 200 mm/s. It uses a direct drive extruder system, which provides better control over flexible and specialty filaments. The hotend can reach 300°C and the heated bed supports temperatures up to 120°C.