Prusa Research Teases MK5: What We Know About the Next-Gen Printer

Prusa Research has been dropping hints about their next-generation printer, the MK5, and the 3D printing community is buzzing. While official details are still scarce, enough information has leaked through Prusa’s blog posts, shareholder updates, and community sightings to paint a picture.

What We Know

Faster Print Speeds: Josef Prusa has confirmed the MK5 will be “significantly faster” than the MK4. Early testers report speeds approaching 200mm/s for standard profiles — a major jump from the MK4’s typical 60-100mm/s range.

Nextruder Improvements: The Nextruder, first introduced on the MK4 and XL, will see a second-generation upgrade. Reports suggest better heatbreak cooling for higher-temperature materials and improved filament sensor reliability.

Built-in Camera: For the first time in a stock Prusa printer, the MK5 is expected to include an integrated camera for print monitoring and time-lapse creation. This brings it closer to competition from Bambu Lab.

New Bed Leveling: Prusa’s mesh bed leveling will reportedly be replaced with a new load-cell-based system that eliminates the need for a separate probe entirely, using the nozzle itself to measure the bed surface.

Pricing and Release

Prusa typically prices the MK series in the €800-1,200 range. Given inflation and new components, expect the MK5 kit to land around €999 with the assembled version closer to €1,299. Release is rumored for Q4 2026.

Why It Matters

Prusa remains the gold standard for open-source, repairable 3D printers. A faster, smarter MK5 would reassert their position against closed-source competitors like Bambu Lab, whose speed and ease-of-use have been eating into Prusa’s market share.