Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Ultimaker
and updated numerous times. Our review
unit also included the UltiController, an add-
on that lets you adjust print speed and tem-
perature on the fly, print from an SD card,
monitor builds, and do other maintenance
tasks untethered to a computer.
While the Ultimaker can print in ABS or PLA,
it's engineered primarily for PLA, so there
isn't a heated build platform—a near-
requirement for large ABS prints.
The Ultimaker remains a great kit for buyers
looking to get under the hood. The newest
kits ship with the latest parts, and makers can
upgrade as new parts become available.
Setup was moderately easy. The print bed's
leveling process is less fussy than that of
some other printers, and it tends to stay level
without much intervention. Belts for the
x
-
and
y
-axes are tensioned with just a hex driv-
er and tend to stay calibrated, but there's no
easy way to finely adjust the
z
-axis limit
switch.
We achieved excellent quality prints after
getting the Ultimaker dialed in—once cali-
brated, it's the most accurate of the DIY print-
ers. The snake and owl came out great, but
the torture test had lots of stringing, mainly
due to retraction being disabled by default.
Ultimaker was founded in the Netherlands
by one of the most active RepRap advocates
and developers, Erik de Bruijn, joined by Siert
Wijnia and Martijn Elserman. The first Ulti-
maker kits shipped in early 2011, and the
company has grown to more than 20 people.
The Ultimaker was the only printer we re-
viewed to feature a Bowden-style extruder,
where the filament drive mechanism is phys-
ically separated from the extrusion nozzle.
As a result, none of the motors add to the
toolhead's weight. A low-mass toolhead and
stationary motors results in a lightweight
gantry system, ideal for fast prints.
Updated parts, including new drive bolts
and the new V2 hot-end, show a constant
drive to improve the product and extend its
life. The electronics have been redesigned
