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The 8 Best Ultimaker 3D Printer Models

The 8 Best Ultimaker 3D Printer Models

Ten years after releasing its first product, the Ultimaker brand is frequently mentioned in discussions about the best 3D printer manufacturers. Choosing the best Ultimaker 3D printer can be difficult because the brand has so many models capable of remarkable performances.

Ultimaker recently discontinued several models that can still be purchased from online retailers, which makes the search for the brand’s best model even more complicated. Besides, you can choose from large format and small format 3D printers depending on your printing needs.

So, in this guide, I’m going to take you through the features of the best Ultimaker 3D printers, and I’m going to help you find the model that matches your expectations.

Go through our guide to the best dual extruder 3D printers if you’re looking for a way to speed up your printing process.

At a Glance: The 8 Best Ultimaker 3D PrBinters

Model Best for  Material compatibility Build volume Additional information
Ultimaker S5 Pro Bundle Best overall More than 90 materials 13 x 9.4 x 11.8 inches More info
Ultimaker Original Plus Best for learning purposes PLA, ABS, CPE 8 x 8 x 7.8 inches More info
Ultimaker 2+ Connect Best for high-speed printing PP, PC, and other materials 8.7 x 8.6 x 8 inches More info
Ultimaker S3 Best for industrial settings More than 110 materials 9 x7.4 x 7.9 inches More info
Ultimaker S5 Best for versatility More than 200 materials 13 x 9.4 x 11.8 inches More info
Ultimaker S2 Extended + Best for DIY projects PLA, CPE, ABS 8.77 x 8.77 x 12 inches More info
Ultimaker Original Best for small scale 3D prints PLA, CPE, ABS 8.2 x 8.2 x 8 inches More info
Ultimaker 2 Go Best for novice 3D designers PLA 4.72 x 4.72 x 4.53 inches More info

Selection criteria

Currently, Ultimaker only offers a handful of 3D printers designed for both industrial settings and DIY projects. Hence, the task of choosing the brand’s best models wasn’t overly complicated, as each of the available 3D printers is capable of performing at a high level.

It is also worth adding that I included the brand’s discontinued models like the Ultimaker Original or Ultimaker 2 Go because they’re still available on the market. Let’s go through some of the parameters I used to select the Ultimaker 3D printers featured in this article.

Material compatibility:

I used this parameter to select models that fit the needs of different 3D printer users. A model that is compatible with just one material can be a good option for a novice 3D designer. In contrast, a 3D printer that can work with more than 200 materials best fits in professional settings.

Build volume:

3D printers manufactured by this brand can create vary in size. This article features models that can produce both small and large-scale prints.

Read our 3D printer price categories guide if you’re not sure how much you should spend on a desktop printer.

The advantages of Ultimaker 3D printers

This Netherlands-based 3D printer manufacturer enjoys the trust of brands like Siemens, Zeiss, Ford, or Volkswagen. But does this mean that you should choose an Ultimaker 3D brand over XYZprinting or Monoprice brands before learning more about what each brand has to offer?

Let’s take a look at the reasons that might help you decide if one of Ultimaker’s 3D printers is the right solution for you.

Multiple software options

You don’t have to spend a lot of money on software like SolidWorks to start printing with an Ultimaker 3D printer since you can download the Ultimaker Cura from the brand’s website for free.

This open-source software is stacked with features that allow you to create intent profiles or provide a high degree of granular control. Moreover, you can integrate Ultimaker Cura with CAD software products like Autodesk Inventor, Siemens NX, or SolidWorks.

Keep in mind that the functionalities of Ultimaker Cura can be limiting in some ways, and you must get the Cura Essentials if you want to have all of the software’s features at your disposal.

Browse through our CAD software guide to explore different software products you can use with an Ultimaker 3D printer.

Variety of filaments

Ultimaker produces a variety of printing materials, such as the Ultimaker PP or Ultimaker CPE Plus. Besides the materials developed by Ultimaker, you can also use more than forty materials produced by brands like Ensinger, BASF, or Arkema.

The scope of the 3D printing materials you can use depends on the model you select, since some Ultimaker’s 3D printers support more than 200 materials, while others are compatible with just one.

Go through our guide to the 3D printing materials to find out more about the properties of different 3D printing filaments.

Dual extrusion

Some of the brand’s models are equipped with two extruders and nozzles. This feature allows you to mix different colors and materials to create more visually engaging models.

Nearly all brands’ models offer the dual extrusion option, but in some cases, you’ll have to purchase a dual extrusion kit in order to mix colors and materials during the printing process. Check out our guide to the best dual extruder 3D printers if you’re looking for a way to combine 3D printing materials.

Top 8 Ultimaker 3D printers

1. Ultimaker S5 Pro Bundle – The best overall Ultimaker 3D printer

Even a glance at the Ultimaker S5 Pro Bundle’s features is enough to understand why this model is the best Ultimaker 3D printer you can get. It has a 13 x 9.4 x 11.8-inch build volume, and its layer resolution spans from 20 to 60 microns, depending on the size of the nozzle you’re using.

The S5 Pro Bundle has six material bays, but it cannot print simultaneously with more than two materials. Moreover, the unit manages the spool changes automatically so that you don’t have to handle the filament manually.

The 3D printer is equipped with a geared feeder that prevents filament skipping in the extruder motor.

Pros

  • The EPA air filter traps 95% of particles
  • Wide operating temperature range
  • Compatible with more than 90 filaments
  • Works with 0.25mm, 0.4mm, 0.6mm and 0.8mm nozzles

Cons

  • More expensive than other Ultimaker 3D printers

2. Ultimaker Original Plus – The best Ultimaker 3D printer for education

You should consider getting the Ultimaker Original Plus if you’re still learning how to use a 3D printer. This model is easily expandable, so you won’t have too much trouble adjusting it to your printing needs.

The Ultimaker Original Plus arrives with an UltiController and all components you need to assemble the 3D printer. You’ll also get 26oz of the Ultimaker PLA filament and an SD card you can use to store or print your 3D models.

This 3D printer can’t print with two different materials simultaneously because of limitations imposed by its 24V power supply.

Pros

  • Affordable price
  • Highly customizable
  • Excellent learning tool
  • 20-micron print accuracy

Cons

  • The assembly process can take more than 20 hours

3. Ultimaker 2+ Connect – The best Ultimaker 3D printer for high-speed printing

The 24mm3/s build speed makes the Ultimaker 2+ Connect one of the brand’s fastest 3D printers. You can use 9 different filaments with this model, but you cannot combine two materials during a printing session.

You can print your files directly from cloud-based CAD applications or use Ultimaker’s Digital Factory software product to design and print models remotely. In addition, the printer supports integrations with SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, and Siemens NX.

The heated glass plate’s operating temperature ranges from 68F to 230F, while the assisted leveling feature ensures that the build plate is correctly calibrated.

Pros

  • Often used by auto industry brands
  • Supports a wide range of files
  • Utilizes fused filament fabrication technology
  • High print speed

Cons

  • No dual extrusion option

4. Ultimaker S3 – The best Ultimaker 3D printer for industrial settings

Swappable print cores, interactive touchscreen design, and a heated build plate are among the features that make the Ultimaker S3 one of the brand’s best 3D printers. This model is best suited for professional and industrial environments because it offers excellent print quality.

The S3 is compatible with more than 110 materials, and its abrasion-resistant wheels allow you to print with filaments such as metal, high-strength glass, or carbon fiber. However, the model’s build volume is limited compared to the build volume offered by the S5 or S5 Pro Bundle models.

This 3D printer utilizes a dual extrusion print head equipped with an auto-nozzle lifting system, and it’s compatible with 0.25mm, 0.4mm, 0.6mm, and 0.8mm nozzles. You can print G, GCODE, GCODE.gz, and UFP files on an Ultimaker S3 3D printer.

Read our Ultimaker S3 review for more information about this model.

Pros

  • Nozzles can operate at temperatures up to 536F
  • The build plate heats up in less than five minutes
  • Dual gear feeder is reinforced for composite materials
  • Compatible with Linux, macOS, and Windows operating systems

Cons

  • It doesn’t offer a large build volume

5. Ultimaker S5 – The most versatile Ultimaker 3D printer

The fact that you can use more than 200 printing materials with the Ultimaker S5 makes it the brand’s most versatile model. In addition, its nozzles are reinforced for composite materials, and the 3D printer supports dual extrusion printing.

The Ultimaker S5 comes with an AA print core that can be used for Nylon, PP, or ABS materials and a BB print core that enables you to work with PVA water-soluble materials. The print core for abrasive composite materials is sold separately.

Its large build volume allows for printing of up to 13 x 9.4 x 11.8 inches. Besides the Ultimaker Cura and Ultimaker Digital Factory print preparation and management software products, you can also use Blender or SolidWorks CAD software to design models you want to print.

Go through our Ultimaker S5 review to find out more about this 3D printer.

Pros

  • Straightforward printing process
  • Compatible with a broad spectrum of materials
  • Large build volume
  • Low noise level

Cons

  • Can’t handle materials automatically
  • Long printing times

6. Ultimaker S2 Extended + – The best Ultimaker 3D printer for DIY projects

Even though the Ultimaker S2 Extended 3D printer was recently discontinued, this model is still available in stores throughout the United States. Unfortunately, this printer is compatible with PLA, ABS, and CPE materials, and you cannot use it to print with two materials simultaneously.

Assembling the printer isn’t difficult, as you just have to attach the spool holder to the device’s backside, install the glass plate and connect the 3D printer to a power source. Its layer resolution spans from 20 to 200 microns, but you can only use nozzles that have 0.04mm diameters.

This Ultimaker’s model only supports SD card file transfer, and you can’t use WiFi or Ethernet to transfer the files you want to print to the 3D printer. Its moderate price and modest performance capabilities limit its range of applications to DIY projects.

Pros

  • 300mm/s printing speed
  • A high degree of print accuracy
  • 3D printer makes less than 49dB of noise
  • Nozzles can operate at high temperatures

Cons

  • Limited file transfer options

7. Ultimaker Original – The best Ultimaker 3D printer for small scale prints

As indicated by its name, the Ultimaker Original is the brand’s first 3D printer that was released just a few months after the company was founded. The model received the Make Magazine’s award for the fastest and most accurate printer on the market in 2012.

Like the Ultimaker Original Plus, this 3D printer is assembled by the user, which enables you to modify it in any way you see fit. The product was discontinued in October 2021, along with a dual extrusion pack, UniController kit, and heated bed accessories that were bundled with the 3D printer.

The company still produces spare parts for this 3D printer, so you won’t have to worry about replacing its dust filter or fan. However, finding a new Ultimaker Original 3D printer might be difficult.

Pros

  • Fast and accurate printing
  • Great for the printing of plastic models
  • Simple calibration process
  • Wide operating temperature range

Cons

  • High maintenance requirements

8. Ultimaker 2 Go – The best Ultimaker 3D printer for novice 3D designers

The Ultimaker 2 Go might be a great choice for you if you’re new to the world of 3D printing. The model arrives preassembled, and you don’t have to go through the trouble of putting its components together. Its build volume is just 4.72 x 4.72 x 4.53 inches, so you can’t use it to create large-scale prints.

Also, this model is only compatible with the PLA filament, and you can’t produce 3D prints made of glass, carbon fiber, or metal. The Ultimaker 2 Go is only compatible with STL and OBJ files, and you must use an SD card to transfer these files to the 3D printer.

The manufacturer discontinued this model, but you can still get it at an affordable price from different online retailers.

Pros

  • Less expensive than most Ultimaker’s 3D printers
  • Easy to use
  • Functions usually at temperatures between 60F and 90F
  • Fast printing times

Cons

  • Users might run into file compatibility issues

Frequently asked questions about Ultimaker 3D printers

Question: Do Ultimaker 3D printers have a warranty?

Answer: Yes, the manufacturer offers a one-year warranty for all 3D printer models. You’ll also get free lifetime support and access to learning resources if you purchase an Ultimaker 3D printer.

Question: How long does it take to print a model on an Ultimaker 3D printer?

Answer: The printing time of Ultimaker 3D printers varies from 30 minutes to more than 24 hours, depending on the settings you selected. Also, you should keep in mind that Ultimaker Cura doesn’t always display accurate printing time estimates.

Question: What is the maximum power output of Ultimaker 3D printers?

Answer: The maximum power output of Ultimaker 3D printers depends on the model, and it spans from 200W to 600W.

Question: Do Ultimaker 3D printers have high upkeep requirements?

Answer: You need to clean your Ultimaker 3D printer and remove material debris after approximately 1500 hours of printing. Do not attempt to clean a 3D printer after a printing session because its nozzle and bed are hot.

My verdict: How to know which Ultimaker 3D printer is the best?

An Ultimaker 3D printer can be equally effective in a classroom, car factory, or art project. All of the brand’s models are equipped with features that ensure a high level of print quality and accuracy.

In addition, most models support a wide range of materials, and they allow you to print models with two filaments. The size of the prints you can make with Ultimaker 3D printers varies from model to model.

So if you’re looking for a 3D printer that offers a lot of build volume, I recommend choosing the Ultimaker S5 or the Ultimaker S5 Pro Bundle models. On the other hand, opting for the Ultimaker 2+ Connect or the Ultimaker S3 might be a better option for you if you want to create medium-sized prints.

Which Ultimaker 3D printer are you going to choose? Let me know in the comments, or continue reading our Ultimaker S3 vs. S5 comparison if you want to find out more about the differences between these two 3D printers.