Published on Wed Apr 09 2025 04:44:57 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

The Ultimaker 3: A Workhorse of the Desktop 3D Printing World

The Ultimaker 3 isn’t the newest printer on the block, but it holds a solid reputation as a reliable and capable machine within the desktop 3D printing sphere. It’s often chosen by professionals, educators, and serious hobbyists for its dual extrusion capabilities, consistent performance, and user-friendly approach. Let’s dive into what makes the Ultimaker 3 a worthy contender even in today’s rapidly evolving market.

What is the Ultimaker 3?

The Ultimaker 3 is a dual-extrusion fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printer designed for creating functional prototypes, end-use parts, and educational models. Its claim to fame is its ability to print with two materials simultaneously, opening doors to support materials, multi-colored prints, and complex geometries. It targets users who need precision, reliability, and the flexibility to experiment with a variety of materials.

Key Specifications:

• Build Volume: 215 x 215 x 200 mm (8.5 x 8.5 x 7.9 inches)
• Layer Resolution: 20 – 200 microns (0.02 - 0.2 mm)
• Print Technology: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
• Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm (swappable, other sizes available)
• Print Bed: Heated Glass Bed
• Supported Materials: PLA, ABS, CPE, Nylon, PC, TPU, PVA, Water-soluble support material (with dual extrusion) and others.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB
• Software: Ultimaker Cura (Free Slicing Software)
• Dimensions: 342 x 380 x 389 mm (13.5 x 15 x 15.3 inches)
• Weight: 11.3 kg (24.9 lbs)

Diving Deeper: Features that Stand Out

• Dual Extrusion: The heart of the Ultimaker 3 is its dual extrusion system. This enables printing with two different materials or colors in a single print job. This is invaluable for printing complex parts with soluble support structures or creating visually striking multi-material models.
• Swappable Print Cores: The Ultimaker 3 utilizes swappable print cores, which simplifies nozzle changes and maintenance. Different print core types (AA, BB) are optimized for different materials and purposes, like standard materials or support materials.
• Heated Glass Bed: The heated glass bed ensures good adhesion for a wide range of materials. It is easy to clean, and the removable glass plate allows for easy print removal.
• Material Recognition: The printer automatically recognizes Ultimaker materials, loading preset printing parameters for optimized results. This simplifies the printing process, especially for beginners.
• Connectivity: The Ultimaker 3 offers several connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB. This allows users to control the printer remotely and easily transfer print files.
• Ultimaker Cura: Cura is a powerful, user-friendly slicing software that is specifically designed for Ultimaker printers. It offers a wide range of settings and features for optimizing print quality and performance.

Usage Tips for Optimal Results:

• Bed Leveling is Key: Precise bed leveling is crucial for good adhesion and print quality. Regularly calibrate the bed using the printer’s automated bed leveling procedure, and make minor adjustments as needed for optimal results.
• Temperature Matters: Pay close attention to the recommended printing temperatures for each material. Experiment to find the optimal temperature settings for your specific filament and desired print quality. A temperature tower is a great place to start.
• Adhesion Solutions: While the heated bed provides good adhesion, using a supplemental adhesion aid like glue stick or hairspray can improve adhesion further, especially for challenging materials like ABS or Nylon.
• Print Core Maintenance: Regularly clean and maintain your print cores to prevent clogs and ensure consistent performance. Follow the recommended cleaning procedures in the Ultimaker user manual.
• Filament Storage: Store your filament in a dry environment to prevent moisture absorption. Use a desiccant to keep the filament dry and reduce warping.
• Support Material Considerations: When using soluble support materials, ensure proper dissolution by using warm water and agitation. Avoid using excessive support structures to minimize material waste and post-processing time.
• Optimize Print Settings: Take advantage of Cura’s wide range of print settings to optimize print quality, speed, and material usage. Experiment with different layer heights, infill patterns, and print speeds to achieve the desired results.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

• Regular Cleaning: Regularly clean the print bed, nozzles, and other components to prevent clogs and ensure optimal performance.
• Firmware Updates: Keep your printer’s firmware up to date to take advantage of new features, bug fixes, and performance improvements.
• Clog Removal: If you experience nozzle clogs, follow the recommended unclogging procedures.
• Leveling Issues: If you encounter persistent leveling issues, check the bed for warping or damage and ensure that the leveling sensors are clean and properly calibrated.
• Belt Tension: Check the belt tension regularly, ensuring that the belts are tight enough. Loose belts can cause print quality issues.

Ultimaker 3: Rating based on Key Performance Categories (Out of 10)

Let’s evaluate the Ultimaker 3 based on the criteria you specified:

• Print Quality: 9
• Build Volume: 7
• Printing Speed: 7
• Material Compatibility: 8
• Bed Adhesion & Leveling: 8
• Reliability: 9
• Ease of Use: 8
• Firmware and Software: 9
• Connectivity Options: 8
• Build Quality & Durability: 9
• Noise Level: 7
• Maintenance Requirements: 7
• Customer Support: 8
• Upgradeability: 6
• Price to Performance Ratio: 7

Overall Average Score: 7.73/10

Conclusion:

The Ultimaker 3 may not be the flashiest or the most cutting-edge printer on the market today, but it remains a dependable and versatile machine that delivers consistent results. Its dual extrusion capabilities, wide material compatibility, and user-friendly design make it a solid choice for professionals and serious hobbyists who require a reliable and capable 3D printer. While newer printers may offer larger build volumes or faster print speeds, the Ultimaker 3’s robust design, excellent print quality, and comprehensive feature set continue to make it a worthy contender in the desktop 3D printing world.

Written by Alex