Nozzle Hub Ultimaker S3 - Complete Guide

Published on Tue Jun 09 2020 12:34:01 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

The Ultimaker S3: A Workhorse for Reliable 3D Printing

The Ultimaker S3 is a well-regarded 3D printer known for its reliability, ease of use, and dual extrusion capabilities. It sits in a sweet spot, offering a balance between professional features and a manageable price point. This makes it a compelling option for small businesses, educational institutions, and serious hobbyists. Let’s dive into the details.

Detailed Specifications

Print Technology: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
Build Volume: 230 x 190 x 200 mm (9.1 x 7.5 x 7.9 inches)
Layer Resolution: 20 - 200 microns (0.02 - 0.2 mm)
Print Head: Dual Extrusion with swappable print cores
Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm (standard), compatible with other Ultimaker print cores
Print Speed: Up to 24 mm³/s
Build Plate: Heated Glass Build Plate
Filament Diameter: 2.85 mm
Supported Materials: PLA, Tough PLA, Nylon, ABS, CPE, CPE+, PC, TPU 95A, PP, PVA, Breakaway, and composite materials (with wear-resistant print cores)
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB
Operating System: Ultimaker Firmware
Software: Ultimaker Cura (free)
Power Requirements: 100-240 V AC, 50-60 Hz, 221W max
Dimensions: 394 x 489 x 580 mm (15.5 x 19.3 x 22.8 inches)
Weight: 14.4 kg (31.7 lbs)

Usage Tips and Best Practices

Getting the most out of your Ultimaker S3 requires understanding its strengths and quirks. Here are some tips to ensure successful prints:

Bed Leveling: The S3 features automatic bed leveling. Always run the bed leveling calibration procedure after moving the printer or if you suspect leveling issues. Ensure the nozzle is clean before calibration.
Print Core Selection: Choose the appropriate print core for your material. Use the AA cores for standard materials like PLA and ABS. The BB core is designed for water-soluble support material (PVA). For abrasive materials, invest in CC print cores.
Adhesion is Key: Clean the glass build plate with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) before each print. For materials like ABS, consider using a thin layer of glue stick for better adhesion. Brim and raft settings in Cura can also improve adhesion.
Material Storage: Keep your filaments in a dry environment. Moisture can significantly affect print quality, especially for materials like Nylon and PVA. Use airtight containers with desiccant packets.
Temperature Settings: Experiment with temperature settings within the recommended ranges for your chosen filament. Slight adjustments can often improve layer adhesion, reduce warping, and enhance overall print quality.
Print Speed Optimization: While the S3 can print relatively fast, slower speeds often yield better results, particularly for complex geometries or materials prone to warping.
Support Material Strategy: When using support material, experiment with support settings in Cura to find the optimal balance between support strength and ease of removal. The “Support Interface” option can create a smoother interface between the support and the part, making removal easier.
Firmware Updates: Keep your printer’s firmware up-to-date. Ultimaker regularly releases firmware updates with bug fixes and performance improvements.
Maintenance: Regularly clean the print cores, check the PTFE couplers for wear, and lubricate the axes to keep your printer running smoothly.
Cura Settings: Familiarize yourself with Cura’s advanced settings. Experiment with features like “Retraction,” “Combing Mode,” and “Outer Wall Wipe Distance” to fine-tune your print quality.