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Ultimaker
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Ultimaker is a 3D printer manufacturing company based in the Netherlands, with offices and assembly lines in the US.[1] They make fused filament fabrication 3D printers, develop 3D printing software, and sell branded 3D printing materials.[2] Their product line includes the Ultimaker S5 and S3, Ultimaker 3 series, Ultimaker 2+ series and Ultimaker Original+. These products are used by industries such as automotive, architecture, healthcare, education, and small scale manufacturing.

Key Information

History

[edit]

Ultimaker BV is a Dutch 3D printer company that was founded in 2011 by Martijn Elserman, Erik de Bruijn, and Siert Wijnia.[3] Ultimaker started selling their products in May 2011. The company's foundation was laid at ProtoSpace Utrecht where Wijnia organized two workshops to build the RepRap Darwin 3D printer. Two Beta-workshops were organized at ProtoSpace Utrecht starting in September and December 2010, each consisting of 10 Monday evenings. Erik de Bruijn and Martijn Elserman assisted at those workshops. Frustration from their inability to get the Darwin design to work led to the inspiration to create their own design. Instead of sticking to the RepRap principle that their printer should be able to print its own parts, they designed their printer to be built mostly of laser cut plywood parts, that could be produced orders of magnitude faster than printed parts at the time. Their first prototypes bore the name "Ultimaker protobox" but newer prototypes were just titled "Ultimaker". In March 2011, Ultimaker ltd. released their first complete product, the "Ultimaker" (renamed in 2013 to "Ultimaker Original") under a Creative Commons BY-NC license. The Ultimaker Original was distributed as a Do It Yourself kit that hobbyists and technicians assembled themselves. It could print objects up to 210 mm x 210 mm x 205 mm at a maximum resolution of 20 microns.[citation needed]

Company milestones

[edit]

2013

  • The Ultimaker 2 is released. The target markets are home-users, schools, and libraries, small businesses, and industrial designers who use 3D printing for rapid prototyping and production.[4]

2015

  • Ultimaker's revenue doubles, with 35% of new customers coming from the North American market.[5]

2017

  • Ultimaker's U.S. presence grows to include a network of 37 re-sellers.[6]

2018

  • Ultimaker partners with material manufacturers DSM, BASF, DuPont Transportation & Advanced Polymers, Owens Corning, Mitsubishi, Henkel, Kuraray, Solvay and Clariant to create material profiles for printing high-level engineering plastics and composites.[7]
  • Ultimaker opens a facility in Singapore to service Asia, Pacific and China markets and expands its manufacturing presence to three continents.[8][9]

2018

  • The Ultimaker S5 is released. This is the company's first "large format" 3D printer, and it is also the first Ultimaker that can print with composite materials, such as Glass and Carbon Fiber Filled Nylons straight from the factory with no modifications needed.[citation needed]

2019

  • Arkema joins material alliance program and releases FluorX filament.[10]
  • The company moves its headquarters to Utrecht, The Netherlands.[11][12]
  • The Ultimaker S3 is released. The S3 is a smaller version of the S5 and is practically very similar to the Ultimaker 3, though with an LED touchscreen identical to that on the S5 and a hinged glass door. The S3 also includes presets for composite materials, and a re-engineered feeder wheel to accommodate them.[13][non-primary source needed]

2020

  • The Ultimaker 2+ Connect is released. The printer is an updated version of the Ultimaker 2+, featuring a TFT touchscreen in place of the older LCD display and rotary control wheel, the SD Card slot has been replaced with a USB slot, the feeder wheel has been upgraded and the build plate has been improved.[citation needed][14]

2022

Software

[edit]
Main article: Cura (software)

Their first software ran under a modified version of Replicator-G. They changed this later to Cura because more and more users started using this software in favor of Replicator-G, which was originally produced with Makerbot in mind.[17] When the lead developer for Cura started working for Ultimaker, Ultimaker Cura became the lead software product for Ultimaker.[18] Cura rapidly became a favorite of 3D printing enthusiasts. A YouMagine Survey found that 58% of users surveyed used Cura, compared to 23% that used Slic3r.[19] On September 26, 2017 the company announced that Cura had achieved one million users. This announcement was made at the TCT show.[20][21] With the release of Cura 4.0, Ultimaker users were able to back up their files to the cloud.[22] As of 2020 the software was processing 1.4 million jobs per week.[11]

Printers

[edit]

Ultimaker Original

[edit]
The Ultimaker Original
The Ultimaker Original

The Ultimaker Original is the predecessor of the Ultimaker 2 and was released only a few months after the company was founded. The Ultimaker Original is sold as a kit containing laser-cut wood and technical components. The printer must be assembled by the user and is thus able to be tailored to the user's preference and modified to their will. In 2012, the Ultimaker Original was awarded Fastest and Most Accurate 3D printer available by MAKE Magazine.[23]

Ultimaker Original+

[edit]
The Ultimaker Original+
The Ultimaker Original+

The Ultimaker Original+ is the main successor to the Ultimaker Original. It has an upgraded 24V power supply and heated build plate, however, it is not compatible with dual extrusion due to the limitations of the power supply.

Ultimaker 2

[edit]
The Ultimaker 2

The Ultimaker 2 is Ultimaker's first out-of-the-box 3D printer. After transportation, the user must calibrate the build plate and insert filament before printing. The Ultimaker 2 was released in 2013 and laid the foundations for a further two printers to be added to the family before it was upgraded in 2015. Like the rest of the family, it uses an SD card to print and an LCD screen and rotary wheel to navigate through its menus. The Ultimaker 2 is also single extrusion only.[24][25]

Ultimaker 2 Go

[edit]
The Ultimaker 2 Go

The Ultimaker 2 Go is a compact and portable version of the Ultimaker 2. The printer has an exceptionally small build volume of just 120x120x115mm, allowing it to be moved from place to place in the special backpack provided. The Ultimaker 2 Go's smaller size does come at a cost, however as the build plate is not heated and it is thus highly recommended to apply masking tape to the build plate before printing.[26]

Ultimaker 2 Extended

[edit]
The Ultimaker 2 Extended

The Ultimaker 2 Extended is technically and physically identical to the Ultimaker 2, except for its 100mm higher build volume. It and the Ultimaker 2 Go were released simultaneously in April 2015.

Ultimaker 2+

[edit]
The Ultimaker 2+

The Ultimaker 2+ is the upgraded successor to the Ultimaker 2. It features an improved feeder wheel and tensioning system, interchangeable nozzles, and a redesigned nozzle heating system and fan.

Ultimaker 2 Extended+

[edit]
The Ultimaker 2 Extended+

The Ultimaker 2 Extended+ is a taller version of the Ultimaker 2+ and an upgraded version of the Ultimaker 2 Extended. Again, its print volume is 100mm higher but it is otherwise technically indifferent to its normal-sized version.

Ultimaker 3

[edit]
The Ultimaker 3 with a spare PrintCore attached to the side of the printer

The Ultimaker 3 is the successor to the successful Ultimaker 2+ family. It features dual extrusion, and compatibility with various other Ultimaker materials including PVA, PC, ABS, Nylon, and Breakaway. It was released in October 2016. The LCD control screen is recolored from blue to white and the navigation of the menus has been updated. In addition to this, when an Ultimaker material is placed on the spool holder, the Ultimaker 3 will automatically detect the material and its color through NFC, along with an estimate of its remaining length.[27] In 2019, The Mediahq recognized the Ultimaker 3 as the Best 3D Printer of 2019 for Enthusiasts.[28]

Ultimaker 3 Extended

[edit]
The Ultimaker 3 Extended

The Ultimaker 3 Extended is a stretched version of the Ultimaker 3. Like the Ultimaker 2 Extended and 2 Extended+, the build volume is 100mm higher than on the Ultimaker 3.

Ultimaker S5

[edit]
The Ultimaker S5

The Ultimaker S5 is the first member of Ultimaker's "S-line" printer family. It has the biggest build volume of an Ultimaker printer to date by all dimensions and the build volume is consistent with both nozzles and dual extrusion. The Ultimaker S5 has a 4.7" color touchscreen replacing the older LCD screen and rotary wheel, a feeder system that pauses when material runs out and is compatible with glass and carbon fiber composites, among many other materials,[29] and a pair of hinged glass doors. Like the Ultimaker 3, the S5 prints from a USB drive, LAN, or Wi-Fi. However, unlike the Ultimaker 3, the S5 was developed for the professional market. It is certified by Materialise for FDA-approved medical applications.[30][29][31]

Ultimaker S3

[edit]

In September 2019, the S3 was introduced as a smaller alternative to the S5. Like the S5, it was developed for the professional market. The S3 occupies a smaller footprint than the S5 and offers a smaller build volume. The dual extruders print using almost any 2.85 filaments, including abrasive filaments.[32][33][34]

Ultimaker 2+ Connect

[edit]

The Ultimaker 2+ Connect is the upgraded successor to the Ultimaker 2+. It features a new feeder design similar to that of the S3 and S5 printers, as well as a completely redesigned electronics system to add a 2.4" touchscreen, cloud integration, and support for the optional air manager accessory. The Ultimaker 2+ Connect was designed for makers, professionals, and the education market. Similarly to all previous Ultimakers, it uses Ultimaker Cura for slicing and 2.85mm filament for the material spools. Unlike all printers released by Ultimaker from 2016 to 2019, it lacked the dual extrusion and NFC chip support that the Ultimaker 3/3 Extended and S3/S5 had.[35]

Add-ons

[edit]

Ultimaker materials

[edit]

In addition to making 3D printers, Ultimaker also manufacturers materials for their printers. These include:

A breakaway material was developed and released in 2017 to support multi-extrusion printing and reduce post-printing processing time.[37]

Dual Extrusion Pack

[edit]

As the Ultimaker Original had to be assembled by the user, it was extensively modified and tinkered with. Many people added a second nozzle to the printer, allowing for dual extrusion. For a brief period of time, Ultimaker themselves sold a Dual Extrusion Pack, allowing users to have dual extrusion without having to experiment extensively.

Ultimaker S5 Pro bundle

[edit]

The S5 Pro bundle was announced at the TCT Show in September 2019. The S5 Pro bundle is an upgrade of the Ultimaker S5. It includes the S5 air manager to provide a closed environment for printing to keep ultra-fine particles out of the air while printing and the S5 material station that can hold up to 6 spools of filament for continuous 24/7 printing and to keep fragile materials such as PVA in an ideal temperature- and humidity-controlled environment.[38][34][39] The company developed the setup as a bridge between industrial 3D printers and desktop printers.[40][39]

Specifications

[edit]
Variant Ultimaker Original Ultimaker 2 Ultimaker 2 Go Ultimaker 2 Extended Ultimaker 3 Ultimaker 3 Extended Ultimaker S5 Ultimaker S3 Ultimaker 2+ Connect
Release date March 2011 September 2013 April 2015 April 2015 October 2016 October 2016 April 2018 September 2019 November 2020
Build volume 210 mm × 210 mm × 205 mm 223 mm × 223 mm × 205 mm 120 mm × 120 mm × 115 mm 223 mm × 223 mm × 305 mm 215 mm x 215 mm x 200 mm 215 mm x 215 mm x 300 mm 330 mm x 240 mm x 300 mm 230 mm x 190 mm x 200 mm 223 x 220 x 205 mm
Dual extrusion build volume Not supported 197 mm x 215 mm x 200 mm 197 mm x 215 mm x 300 mm Not Supported
Layer resolution up to 20 microns 0.25 mm nozzle 150 - 60 micron

0.4 mm nozzle 200 - 20 micron

0.8 mm nozzle 600 - 20 micron

0.25 mm nozzle: 150 - 60 micron

0.4 mm nozzle: 200 - 20 micron

0.6 mm nozzle: 400 - 20 micron

0.8 mm nozzle: 600 - 20 micron

Print speed 30 mm - 300 mm/s < 24 mm³/s
Travel speed 30 mm - 350 mm/s
Filament diameter 2.85 mm recommended 2.85 mm 2.85mm
Nozzle diameter 0.4 mm swappable 0.25 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.8 mm 0.25 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.8 mm 0.25 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.8 mm
Operating nozzle temperature 180 °C - 260 °C 180 °C - 280 °C 180 °C - 260 °C
Operating heated bed temperature - 50 °C – 100 °C - 50 °C - 100 °C 20 °C - 100 °C 20 °C - 140 °C 20 °C - 110 °C
Frame dimensions 357 mm × 342 mm × 388 mm 258 mm × 250 mm × 287.5 mm 493 mm × 342 mm × 688 mm 342 mm x 380 mm x 389 mm 342 mm x 380 mm x 489 mm 495 mm x 457 mm x 520 mm 394 mm x 489 mm x 637 mm 342 mm x 460 mm x 580 mm
Printer technology Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)
Software Cura (supplied)

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ultimaker

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
UltiMaker is a Dutch multinational company specializing in professional 3D printing solutions, including fused filament fabrication (FFF) desktop 3D printers, open-source slicing software, and a wide range of filament materials designed for prototyping, manufacturing, and education. Founded in 2011 in Utrecht, Netherlands, by Erik de Bruijn, Martijn Elserman, and Siert Wijnia as an open-source project inspired by the RepRap initiative, the company originated from the Protospace FabLab and quickly evolved into a global leader in additive manufacturing with headquarters in the Netherlands and offices in the United States. Its mission focuses on empowering innovation by providing reliable, high-performance tools that support diverse applications from engineering to product development. The company's early milestone was the launch of the Ultimaker Original in May 2011, a DIY kit that emphasized accessibility and community-driven design, marking the beginning of its commitment to and software. Subsequent innovations included the Ultimaker 2 in 2013, which transitioned to fully assembled professional printers, followed by the Ultimaker 3 in 2016 with advanced dual-extrusion capabilities, and the Ultimaker S5 in 2019 featuring the largest build volume in its desktop lineup at the time. UltiMaker Cura, its flagship free slicing software developed in collaboration with the open-source community, has become the world's most popular slicer, trusted by millions of users for preparing models with over 400 customizable settings. In recent years, UltiMaker has expanded its portfolio with industrial-grade printers like the Factor 4 series for streamlined production, the S8 and S6 featuring the motion planner for enhanced speed and precision, and the Secure Line series launched in 2025 for defense and high-security applications. The company also offers the Method series for applications with heated chambers and supports a broad material ecosystem, including PLA, ABS, and composites through its Material Alliance Program. A pivotal development occurred in 2022 with the merger of Ultimaker and , followed by a full to UltiMaker in 2023, which consolidated its offerings for professionals and educators under a unified global brand. Today, UltiMaker's solutions are manufactured in and the and serve industries worldwide, driving business success through integrated ecosystems of hardware, software, and services.

History

Founding and early development

Ultimaker was founded in 2011 in , , by Erik de Bruijn, Martijn Elserman, and Siert Wijnia, emerging from a collaborative project at the Protospace FabLab where the trio aimed to create a faster and more reliable desktop 3D printer inspired by the open-source initiative. The company's early efforts focused on (FFF) technology, emphasizing and software to foster community-driven innovation and accessibility in for hobbyists and makers. The flagship product, the Ultimaker Original, launched in May 2011 as an open-source DIY kit priced at around €1,195, featuring a laser-cut wooden frame and high-speed printing capabilities that earned it acclaim for accuracy and performance in early reviews. This kit required user assembly, aligning with the maker ethos, and quickly gained traction within the global FabLab and communities. By 2013, Ultimaker transitioned to offering pre-assembled printers with the release of the Ultimaker 2 at Maker Faire, introducing improved print quality, a heated bed, and a more user-friendly design while maintaining open-source compatibility. Early growth accelerated with the company's expansion into in 2014, marking its first major international market entry and establishing distribution channels to meet rising demand. By , Ultimaker had solidified its position as a leader in desktop , with thousands of units sold worldwide and a growing of compatible materials and software. In 2016, the company secured a €15 million loan from the to support research, development, and scaling operations. This period also saw the introduction of professional-grade models like the Ultimaker 3, bridging hobbyist origins with industrial applications.

Merger with MakerBot and rebranding

On May 12, 2022, MakerBot and Ultimaker announced their agreement to merge, forming a new entity aimed at accelerating the global adoption of additive manufacturing through a combined desktop 3D printing ecosystem. The merger was completed on September 13, 2022, under the backing of NPM Capital and Stratasys Ltd., with the new company retaining a minority stake from Stratasys and establishing itself as the largest Western provider of desktop 3D printing solutions. This strategic combination brought together Ultimaker's open-source software and community-driven ecosystem with MakerBot's focus on industrial-grade desktop hardware, enabling enhanced innovation in accessible and sustainable 3D printing for businesses. The merger prompted a rebranding to UltiMaker in May 2023, unifying the corporate identity while preserving the legacy brands for specific product lines. This included updates to the company logo, the continued use of the ultimaker.com website as the primary digital hub, and the gradual alignment of product naming conventions to reflect the integrated portfolio, such as transitioning to UltiMaker-branded designations for printers and materials. In the short term, the merger facilitated the integration of product lines from both companies, fostering shared research and development efforts to streamline hardware, software, and materials offerings. It also expanded market reach, particularly in education and enterprise sectors, by leveraging complementary distribution networks across the Americas, EMEA, and Asia-Pacific regions. This included the ongoing development of UltiMaker Cura software to support the unified ecosystem. Key personnel changes saw Nadav Goshen, former CEO of MakerBot, appointed as the CEO of UltiMaker in 2022, while Jürgen von Hollen, previous Ultimaker CEO, transitioned out after aiding the integration; Goshen served until September 2023, when he was succeeded by Michiel Alting von Geusau.

Expansion and recent milestones (2011–2025)

Following the merger with in late 2022, UltiMaker expanded its operational footprint by integrating U.S.-based assembly capabilities through MakerBot's facilities in , New York, enhancing North American manufacturing efficiency and reducing lead times for regional customers. This post-merger growth reflected broader adoption in professional and industrial sectors. In 2024, UltiMaker achieved key product milestones with the April launch of the Factor 4, an industrial-grade 3D printer optimized for factory-floor deployment, featuring dual extrusion, high-temperature capabilities up to 340°C, and over 95% print success rates for engineering materials like PPS CF. Building on this momentum into 2025, the company introduced the S6 and S8 desktop models, both emphasizing high-speed printing with accelerations up to 50,000 mm/s² via the proprietary Cheetah motion planner, enabling up to four times the productivity of prior generations while maintaining precision for dual-material applications. Strategic partnerships bolstered UltiMaker's ecosystem in 2024, including deepened integration with Fusion for seamless workflow tools that allow direct export and remote management of prints via UltiMaker Digital Factory. Similarly, ongoing collaborations with highlighted practical applications in , where UltiMaker printers enable of plastic components for , slashing production timelines from weeks to days. UltiMaker garnered industry recognition for its sustainability efforts, including renewed ISO 14001 certification in 2024 for environmental management and initiatives like the Perpetual Plastic Project, which produces 100% recycled filament from to promote a in . Community contributions flourished through the platform, updated in 2024 with enhanced layouts, discovery features, and Cura integration, fostering millions of shared designs and driving . Looking to 2025 and beyond, UltiMaker is prioritizing AI-enhanced technologies to optimize slicing and error detection, alongside targeted expansion into and automotive sectors, exemplified by the September launch of the Secure Line series—air-gapped S6 and S8 variants—for defense-grade, on-demand production in high-security environments.

Products

3D Printers

UltiMaker's 3D printers primarily employ (FFF) technology, utilizing either 1.75 mm or 2.85 mm filament diameters, with most models supporting dual extrusion for multi-material . This approach enables versatile production of prototypes, tools, and end-use parts across desktop and industrial scales, compatible with slicing software like UltiMaker Cura. The company's early lineup began with the Original series in 2011, offered as a DIY kit with a 205 x 205 x 205 mm build volume, single extrusion, and 2.85 mm filament support, emphasizing open-source accessibility for hobbyists and makers. This evolved into the 2 series from 2013 to 2017, including models like the Ultimaker 2 (launched 2013) and 2+ (2016 variant), which introduced a heated build plate reaching up to 100°C, improved feeder systems, and a build volume of 223 x 223 x 205 mm, enhancing reliability for PLA and ABS printing. These printers marked UltiMaker's shift toward professional-grade desktop solutions with swappable nozzles and better cooling for overhangs. The S series represents UltiMaker's current desktop offerings, focusing on compact, high-performance FFF printers with dual extrusion and advanced features for professional workflows. The S5, released in 2018, features a 330 x 240 x 300 mm build volume, integrated air manager for filtration, and support for materials up to 280°C nozzle temperatures. The S3, introduced in 2019, provides a more compact dual-extrusion design with a 230 x 190 x 200 mm build volume, advanced auto bed leveling, and a touchscreen interface for easier operation. Building on this, the S6 (2025) delivers up to 4x the productivity of prior models through speeds of 500 mm/s and 50,000 mm/s² acceleration via the Cheetah motion planner, maintaining the S5's build volume. The latest S8 (2025) further refines precision to ±0.15 mm, with similar high-speed capabilities and enhanced security features for enterprise use. In September 2025, UltiMaker introduced the Secure Line, a portfolio of defense-grade 3D printers derived from the S6 and S8 models. Optimized for high-security environments, these printers feature air-gapped operation, USB-only workflows, no Wi-Fi or cameras, and NATO certification, enabling on-demand production in field and secure manufacturing settings while manufactured in the EU. Following the 2022 merger with MakerBot, UltiMaker integrated the Method series, emphasizing enclosed designs for engineering materials. The Method (launched 2019) supports 1.75 mm filaments in a heated chamber up to 65°C, ideal for ABS with a 200 x 200 x 196 mm build volume and direct-drive extruders. The Method X (2020) adds carbon fiber compatibility for reinforced composites, while the Method XL offers large-format printing at 406 x 355 x 406 mm for batch production of durable prototypes. For industrial applications, the Factor 4 (2024) provides a 330 x 240 x 300 mm build volume, direct dual extrusion, and high-temperature support up to 340°C for engineering polymers like PEEK, featuring onboard sensors for real-time quality monitoring and automated material handling. Several early models have been discontinued, including the Original+ (an upgraded kit variant phased out in 2021) and the 2 Go (a portable entry-level version ended in 2021), reflecting UltiMaker's focus on advanced series by 2020.

Materials

UltiMaker provides a diverse range of filament materials optimized for fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printing, encompassing standard, engineering-grade, and composite options available in 1.75 mm and 2.85 mm diameters to ensure compatibility across their printer lineup. These materials are NFC-enabled for seamless integration with UltiMaker printers, allowing automatic detection and profile loading via Cura software. Standard filaments form the foundation of UltiMaker's material ecosystem, suitable for a wide array of prototyping and educational applications. PLA, a bio-based derived from renewable resources, offers ease of with low warping and good detail resolution, making it ideal for beginners and non-functional models. Tough PLA enhances impact resistance over standard PLA for more durable parts. ABS provides higher temperature resistance and mechanical strength for functional prototypes, though it requires enclosed to minimize shrinkage. PETG combines the simplicity of PLA with the toughness of ABS, delivering chemical resistance and flexibility for enclosures and mechanical components. TPU 95A, a flexible , enables of rubber-like parts with high wear resistance and elasticity, suitable for seals, , and protective covers. Engineering-grade filaments cater to demanding applications requiring enhanced strength, heat tolerance, and chemical resistance. filaments, including variants like Nylon CF, deliver exceptional toughness and low for gears, hinges, and wear-resistant components, but demand careful moisture management due to hygroscopic properties—users are advised to dry them before printing and store in sealed environments. (PC) offers high impact strength and transparency, ideal for protective covers and structural parts that withstand temperatures up to 110°C. (PP) provides chemical inertness, resistance, and a low coefficient of , making it suitable for fluid-handling prototypes and food-safe applications after proper treatment. These materials often require build chamber heating and adhesion aids to prevent warping. Composite filaments incorporate reinforcements like carbon or fibers to achieve superior mechanical properties for industrial and end-use parts. Carbon fiber-filled options, such as Nylon Carbon Fiber and PET Carbon Fiber, provide high stiffness and lightweight strength, with tensile moduli up to 7600 MPa, enabling applications in fixtures, automotive prototypes, and tooling—Nylon Carbon Fiber is particularly noted for its moisture resistance. ABS Carbon Fiber is optimized for the Method series, supporting rigid, dimensionally stable prints. composites, available through certified profiles like Ultrafuse PP GF30, enhance rigidity and thermal stability for aids and replacement parts on the Factor 4 printer, where they handle abrasive printing with hardened nozzles. These composites necessitate enclosed, high-temperature environments to maintain fiber integrity. UltiMaker emphasizes sustainability in its material offerings, with PLA as a core bio-based, biodegradable option and support for recycled variants of PLA, ABS, PETG, ASA, and accessible via the UltiMaker Marketplace. The company promotes circular practices through partnerships like the Perpetual Plastic Project, which develops 100% recycled filaments from waste plastic, and encourages spool recycling via compatible programs from acquired brands like Add North. Material compatibility is tailored to UltiMaker's printer series, with the S series supporting over 300 filaments—including up to six via the Material Station for automated drying and switching—while the Factor 4 accommodates high-performance options like PPS CF at temperatures up to 340°C for advanced composites. Profiles in Cura ensure optimized settings for these materials, with third-party options expandable through the marketplace.

Add-ons and bundles

Ultimaker offers dual extrusion upgrades through swappable print cores for its S series printers, enabling multi-material and multi-color printing. The AA print core supports a range of standard materials such as PLA, ABS, CPE, , PC, TPU, PP, and Breakaway, while the BB print core is optimized for soluble support materials like PVA to facilitate complex geometries with easy removal. Additionally, the CC print core accommodates composites like carbon fiber-reinforced filaments, allowing users to combine engineering-grade materials in dual extrusion setups for enhanced strength and functionality. These print cores feature quick-swap mechanisms and various nozzle sizes (0.25 mm to 0.8 mm), supporting dual extrusion configurations that maintain precision across diverse applications. To improve environmental control, Ultimaker provides and air management systems primarily for the S5 printer, which features a built-in front for temperature stability during with temperature-sensitive materials. The optional Air Manager serves as a top with an integrated EPA filter, capturing up to 95% of ultrafine particles and volatile organic compounds to manage fumes and ensure safer operation in professional settings. While the S3 model includes a front door for basic , it lacks a dedicated top air manager, relying on room ventilation for fume control. These add-ons enhance print quality by maintaining consistent chamber temperatures and reducing emissions, particularly beneficial for materials like ABS and PC. Ultimaker bundles combine printers with complementary hardware for streamlined workflows. The S8 Pro Bundle integrates the S8 printer with a Material Station featuring six front-loading spool bays and humidity control at ≤25% relative humidity, alongside an integrated Air Manager for particle filtration, enabling 24/7 unattended printing with automated material switching. Similarly, the Factor 4 printer incorporates built-in industrial-grade ventilation through a filtration system, supporting high-volume production while minimizing airborne emissions in demanding environments. Key accessories include filament flow sensors integrated into S series feeders, which monitor material passage in real-time to detect runouts or blockages and pause prints accordingly, preventing failed jobs during long runs. modules, built into models like the S8, allow remote monitoring and control via UltiMaker Digital Factory, facilitating wireless print job management over secure networks. For legacy systems, -developed dual extrusion packs for the Ultimaker 2+ enable multi-material capabilities on single-extrusion hardware, though official support focuses on newer S series upgrades. Pro bundles emphasize production efficiency, such as the S5 Pro Bundle introduced in 2020, which pairs the S5 printer with a Material Station and Air Manager to automate and for extended material ranges. Updates for 2024 models, including the S8 Pro, incorporate advanced feeders inherited from the Factor 4 for better grip on composites and higher speeds, while maintaining compatibility with existing pro bundle components for seamless upgrades.

Software

UltiMaker Cura

UltiMaker Cura is an open-source 3D printing slicer software initially developed by David Braam in 2011 as a tool to simplify model preparation for FDM printers. Originally released under the Affero General Public License (AGPL) version 3, its license was changed to the GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL) version 3 in September 2017 to facilitate broader integration and third-party contributions. Braam was later employed by Ultimaker, which adopted and expanded the project, incorporating it into their ecosystem as the primary software for slicing 3D models into G-code instructions for printers. By 2025, UltiMaker Cura has become one of the most widely used slicers, trusted by millions of users worldwide and handling millions of print jobs weekly. At its core, UltiMaker Cura features a robust slicing engine that converts 3D models in formats like STL, OBJ, and 3MF into printer-readable , optimizing for parameters such as layer heights (typically ranging from 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm based on size) and various patterns including , grid, and cubic for balancing strength and material efficiency. The software supports UltiMaker printers as well as a wide array of third-party machines, allowing users to select or create custom machine profiles for compatibility. It includes intent-based profiles for quick setups (e.g., standard, draft, or fine quality) and a custom mode with over 400 adjustable settings for advanced control over print speed, temperature, and support generation. Advanced functionalities enhance workflow efficiency, including a built-in preview that visualizes layer-by-layer slicing and estimated print times, Marketplace access for community-developed plugins to add custom profiles or tools like post-processing scripts, and capabilities tailored for the Method series printers to handle multiple jobs sequentially. Key version milestones include Cura 5.0 (released in 2023), which introduced an enhanced slicing engine featuring variable line width technology for improved handling of thin walls and fine details. This technology dynamically adjusts extrusion widths to fill narrow gaps between walls, thin features, or small areas—previously managed in versions prior to 5.x by the explicit "Fill Gaps Between Walls" setting under Shell settings—resulting in stronger parts, better surface quality, reduced visible gaps, and shorter print times. Cura 5.8 (stable release in 2024) further advanced Z-seam optimization for smoother surface finishes and added dedicated material profiles for high-temperature printing on the Factor 4 printer. As of November 2025, Cura 5.11 (stable release October 2025) introduced paint-on features for multi-material printing, providing more flexibility in extruder assignments. It also provides basic compatibility with the S series printers for seamless model preparation. The software's open-source nature fosters strong community involvement, with its repository boasting over 2,100 forks and thousands of pull requests from contributors worldwide. Users actively develop and share plugins via the UltiMaker Marketplace, while integration with UltiMaker Digital Factory enables cloud-based slicing, remote monitoring, and job queuing directly from Cura's interface. This collaborative model has driven continuous improvements, making Cura a cornerstone of the ecosystem.

Ecosystem tools and integrations

UltiMaker's ecosystem extends the functionality of its core slicing software, UltiMaker Cura, through a suite of digital platforms and integrations designed to support professional workflows, fleet operations, and third-party compatibility. A central element is , a community-driven platform for sharing 3D models managed by UltiMaker following the 2022 merger with . The site hosts over 7 million printable models as of 2025, fostering collaboration among users, and integrates directly with UltiMaker's S series printers for seamless downloading and printing without additional software. Launched in 2022, UltiMaker Digital Factory is a cloud-based platform that enables comprehensive , real-time analytics on print performance, and of connected devices. It supports oversight of up to 40 printers simultaneously, allowing administrators to queue jobs, monitor material usage, and receive alerts for , thereby optimizing operations in multi-user or industrial environments. UltiMaker offers open APIs and SDKs to facilitate custom integrations with (ERP) systems, such as , enabling automated data flow for inventory and production tracking. support further enhances in industrial applications, as seen in setups with the Factor 4 printer series, where print status updates trigger downstream processes in lines. Through strategic partnerships, UltiMaker integrates with leading CAD tools like and , permitting direct export of designs into compatible slicers for . These connections, combined with support for execution systems (MES), create end-to-end digital threads from design conception to production validation. Complementing these tools, the Ultimaker —updated in 2024—provides and Android users with real-time monitoring, push notifications for print completion or errors, and basic remote controls, integrating closely with Digital Factory for mobile fleet oversight.

Operations and impact

Global presence and manufacturing

UltiMaker maintains its global headquarters in the , with primary operations based in , while retaining a production facility there and having announced a headquarters relocation to in 2019 to support expansion. In the United States, the company operates offices in New York, following the 2022 merger with , which facilitated post-merger expansion into North American markets; earlier presence included locations in Waltham and , . Manufacturing occurs primarily at the ISO 9001-certified facility in , , handling assembly for European markets and emphasizing quality control in production processes. The company also maintains production and assembly capabilities in the United States to serve North American demand, aligning with its strategy for regional efficiency. UltiMaker's supply chain involves partnerships with leading material providers such as DSM, , , , Mitsubishi Chemical, Henkel, Kuraray, Solvay, and Clariant, enabling access to a range of filaments and composites; these collaborations support filament production in and while promoting localized sourcing to enhance sustainability and reduce supply chain vulnerabilities. Products adhere to international standards including CE and UL certifications for global compliance. As of 2025, UltiMaker employs approximately 400 people worldwide, with research and development teams concentrated in the and the to drive innovation in hardware and software. The company's distribution strategy includes a network spanning over 100 countries, complemented by direct through ultimaker.com, ensuring broad for professional and educational users.

Sustainability and community contributions

Ultimaker promotes sustainability through its support for principles in , enabling small-batch production that minimizes material waste and reduces the need for large-scale . By facilitating on-demand of parts and tools, Ultimaker printers help companies like ZEISS produce adapter plates for microscopes with less excess material, cutting down on overproduction. Additionally, localized printing reduces transportation emissions, as items can be made near the point of use rather than shipped globally, addressing the fact that accounts for about 40% of plastic waste. The company extends product lifecycles by encouraging the use of 3D-printed replacement parts, which prevents entire devices from becoming obsolete; for instance, users have printed durable components for packaging machines and to avoid full replacements. Ultimaker's open filament system supports recycled materials, with the Ultimaker Marketplace featuring options like Fishy Filaments' 100% recycled derived from fishing nets, developed in collaboration with innovator . This initiative diverts ocean plastic from landfills and promotes biodegradable alternatives in low-risk prototyping environments. In partnership with the since , Ultimaker has provided printers and expertise to recycle waste plastics—such as PET bottles and car dashboards—into high-quality filament like the ReFil brand, addressing the global issue where only 10-12% of plastic waste is recycled. This collaboration has enabled real-world applications, including 3D-printed rings from festival waste, fostering a closed-loop system that reduces reliance on virgin petroleum-based materials. Similarly, Ultimaker supported by supplying the Ultimaker Original printer for a mobile fablab that converts beach-collected plastics into filament and prints functional items like surfboard tools, thereby mitigating . Ultimaker's community contributions stem from its open-source foundation, rooted in the project, where hardware designs and software are shared to accelerate innovation. The UltiMaker Cura slicer, an open-source tool with 492 contributors on , is developed collaboratively, allowing users to add machine profiles, translations, and print settings that enhance compatibility across diverse printers. This community-driven approach has resulted in over 88,000 forum discussions on Cura optimizations alone. The Ultimaker forum serves as a hub for more than 30,000 posts on challenges, with sections dedicated to hardware modifications and software improvements, incorporating user innovations like the Olsson Block nozzle into official products. By maintaining open designs, Ultimaker empowers global users—through events and online platforms—to co-create sustainable solutions, such as custom parts from recycled filaments, proving that open-source models sustain both technological progress and environmental responsibility.

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