Unleashing Innovation: A Comprehensive Review of the Ultimaker 3 Dual Extrusion 3D Printer

When the Ultimaker 3 was first introduced last October, it marked a significant moment for the 3D printing community. As the latest offering from the renowned Dutch manufacturer, Ultimaker, this 3D printer aimed to push the boundaries of desktop Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology. Ultimaker has long been celebrated for producing some of the most reliable and user-friendly desktop 3D printers on the market. With the Ultimaker 3, the brand sought to solidify its leadership by integrating its first-ever dual extrusion system, allowing for the seamless combination of different materials and colors within a single print. This innovation promised enhanced versatility and new possibilities for creators, designers, and engineers alike.

Dual extrusion, while highly desirable, has historically presented a complex challenge for 3D printer manufacturers. Many brands, including notable names like MakerBot, FlashForge, and even 3D Systems, have ventured into this territory with mixed results. The intricate interplay between mechanical components and sophisticated software often leads to a steeper learning curve for users and inconsistent print outcomes. Factors such as nozzle clogging, material oozing, and precise nozzle alignment can significantly impact print quality and user frustration. Ultimaker’s decision to embrace dual extrusion therefore raised key questions about their ability to overcome these common pitfalls and deliver a genuinely reliable and high-performing machine.

To thoroughly evaluate the capabilities of this ambitious machine, we brought the Ultimaker 3 into the 3Dnatives Lab for an extensive hands-on test. Our primary objective was to determine if this latest iteration upheld Ultimaker’s reputation for quality and ease of use, or if the complexities of dual extrusion would prove to be a stumbling block. We were particularly keen to assess whether the printer could maintain the exceptional print quality seen in its single-extrusion predecessors, how effectively it could combine different materials, and if it continued the brand’s tradition of creating a robust, reliable, and user-friendly experience. Below, you’ll find our detailed findings as we delve into every aspect of the Ultimaker 3, providing the answers to these crucial questions and more.

Unboxing and First Impressions: A Blend of Familiarity and Innovation

Having conducted countless 3D printer tests at the 3Dnatives Lab, we’ve observed a clear industry trend towards more thoughtful and protective packaging. Manufacturers are increasingly prioritizing not only the security of their machines during transit but also the user’s unboxing experience. Ultimaker excels in this regard. The Ultimaker 3 arrives in surprisingly compact packaging, ingeniously designed with integrated straps that make lifting and removing the printer a remarkably easy task. This streamlined approach minimizes the risk of damage while ensuring a hassle-free start for the user. The robust construction of the packaging offers excellent resistance to shocks and potential handling mishaps that can occur during shipping, instilling confidence from the very first interaction.

Aesthetically, the Ultimaker 3 maintains a strong family resemblance to its acclaimed predecessors, such as the Ultimaker 2+. Its iconic open-frame design, clean white paneling, and side-mounted filament feeder immediately signal that this is an Ultimaker machine. The most striking visual difference, and indeed its core innovation, is the presence of the second extruder within the print head. While the overall footprint remains similar, it’s worth noting that the Ultimaker 3 has a slightly reduced single-extrusion build volume of 215 x 215 x 200 mm, compared to the Ultimaker 2+’s 223 x 223 x 205 mm. Furthermore, when operating in dual extrusion mode, the available build area is further adjusted to 197 x 215 x 200 mm to accommodate the nozzle switching and prime tower requirements. Beyond physical dimensions, Ultimaker has embraced modern connectivity, equipping the 3 with integrated Wi-Fi and a convenient USB port, replacing the traditional SD card slot found on older models. This upgrade significantly enhances the machine’s integration into modern workflows, allowing for seamless wireless file transfers and remote monitoring.

Ultimaker has always been generous with its accessory bundles, and the Ultimaker 3 is no exception. The machine arrives with a comprehensive suite of tools and components designed to get users printing quickly and efficiently. This includes a robust glass printing bed, a sleek cable cover for tidy management, a redesigned spool holder, and two precise filament guides. For immediate printing, Ultimaker provides a 350g coil of their high-quality PLA filament and a 350g coil of their soluble PVA support material – both essential for exploring the dual extrusion capabilities. Connectivity is ensured with an Ethernet cable and a USB stick. Maintenance and adhesion are covered with a tube of glue, oil for the X/Y axes, grease for the Z-axis rods, and a screwdriver. Calibration is simplified with an XY Calibration Sheet and a Z Calibration sheet, alongside a Quick Start Guide and necessary power cables. To top it all off, a pre-loaded test print allows users to immediately witness the machine’s capabilities.

Key Innovations: The Print Cores and Enhanced Features

One of the most significant advancements introduced with the Ultimaker 3 is the revolutionary Print Core system. This innovative modular design allows users to quickly and easily swap out the printer’s extruders, adapting them to different filament types and applications. The primary benefit of this system is a substantial reduction in the risk of clogged nozzles, a common frustration in FDM 3D printing, especially with dual extrusion. Moreover, it significantly simplifies machine maintenance, as Print Cores can be replaced rather than attempting complex repairs. The Ultimaker 3 comes with two distinct Print Cores: the “AA” Print Core, with a 0.4mm nozzle, is specifically designed for printing classic, structural filaments such as PLA or ABS (one is pre-installed). The second, also 0.4mm, is designated as “BB” and is optimized for printing support materials, currently focusing on PVA-based filaments. This specialized approach ensures optimal performance for each material, leading to superior print quality and reliability. The system also hints at future expandability, potentially allowing for different nozzle sizes or material-specific cores.

Beyond the Print Cores, the Ultimaker 3 incorporates several other thoughtful improvements aimed at enhancing user experience and print reliability. A crucial addition is the integrated control camera, which enables remote monitoring of prints. This feature is invaluable for professionals who manage multiple prints or need to check on progress from a different location, providing peace of mind and the ability to intervene if issues arise. The optimized ventilation system contributes to better temperature control around the print area, which is critical for consistent material extrusion and reducing warping, especially with more challenging filaments. Furthermore, redesigned extruders and subtle light indicators provide intuitive visual feedback to the user, alerting them to current operations, material status, or potential issues, making the printing process more transparent and manageable.

Streamlined Setup: The Installation Process

Once the Ultimaker 3 is carefully unpacked, the initial installation of its various components is remarkably straightforward, typically taking around ten minutes to complete. The process involves a few key steps designed for user convenience and system readiness. Users will first attach the redesigned coil holder, which features an intelligent NFC tag reader. This smart system automatically identifies the type of Ultimaker filament installed and precisely tracks the remaining amount, eliminating manual inventory checks and reducing the risk of running out of material mid-print. Next, the cable cover is secured, contributing to the printer’s clean aesthetic and protecting internal wiring. The glass printing bed is then carefully inserted into its designated slot, followed by the connection of the main power and data cables. Each step is intuitive, guided by clear instructions, making the setup accessible even for those new to 3D printing.

Upon powering on the Ultimaker 3, the machine’s display illuminates, presenting a familiar interface for anyone acquainted with previous Ultimaker models. While functional and clear, the monochrome LCD screen does feel somewhat dated in an era where many competitors, such as the Form 2 from Formlabs or the N2 Dual printer from Raise3D, offer vibrant color touchscreens. A color LCD could have provided a more modern user experience, offering richer visual feedback and potentially more intuitive navigation through menus and settings. Nevertheless, the existing display effectively guides users through the essential setup and operational processes, ensuring all critical information is readily available.

With the foundational physical setup complete, the next critical step is to prepare the print head and load the filaments. This involves clipping the appropriate Print Cores onto the print head – typically one AA core for structural material and one BB core for support material, or two AA cores for multi-color printing. An important consideration for the Ultimaker 3’s dual extrusion system is that you will need to load both filaments into the printer, even if you intend to execute a single-material print. This ensures the system is always ready for seamless transitions. While this step is fundamentally similar to previous Ultimaker models, the machine’s control screen provides clear, step-by-step guidance, making the process effortless. The NFC tag system shines brightly here, efficiently recognizing each coil and ensuring they are loaded correctly in accordance with the installed Print Cores. This automated recognition reduces potential user errors and optimizes material settings automatically.

The final, yet paramount, stages of installation involve the precise calibration of the XY offset and the printing bed. For the printing bed, users are advised to begin with a classic manual calibration, accessible through the printer’s menu, to establish a baseline. However, the Ultimaker 3 introduces a powerful new feature: “Active leveling.” This intelligent function automatically calibrates the print bed by probing three reference points and dynamically compensates for any slight irregularities by subtly adjusting the bed height during printing. This process is remarkably quick, typically taking only 2-3 minutes, and is highly recommended before commencing any long or critical print. During our testing, we encountered a minor issue with the print bed calibration, which we traced back to an adjustment screw on the tray not being perfectly secured. However, this was a simple fix and did not represent a significant design flaw.

The X, Y, and Z offset calibrations are specifically crucial for dual extrusion, as they precisely align the two Print Core nozzles relative to each other. For the X and Y axes, the printer presents a 3D grid, which the user compares against a calibration sheet provided by Ultimaker. Based on the observed discrepancies, the user manually inputs the necessary offsets to achieve optimal nozzle alignment. Proper calibration here is vital to prevent layer shifting, color bleeding, or imperfections where different materials meet. The Z offset, meanwhile, fine-tunes the vertical height difference between the nozzles, ensuring both deposit material at the correct distance from the print bed or previous layer, which is essential for uniform adhesion and smooth transitions between materials. While these calibration steps require a bit of attention, the guided interface and the impact on final print quality make them well worth the effort.

The Brain of the Operation: Cura Software Integration

At the heart of the Ultimaker 3’s software ecosystem is, of course, Cura, the renowned open-source slicing program developed by Ultimaker itself. For optimal functionality with the Ultimaker 3, users will need Cura version 2.3 or later; at the time of our review, Cura 2.7 had recently been released, offering even more refinements. Once installed on your computer, one of the first and most welcome steps is connecting your 3D printer to your Wi-Fi network. This highly anticipated feature, long requested by the Ultimaker community, transforms the workflow, allowing for wireless transfer of print jobs and remote monitoring. Alternatively, for those preferring wired connections, the printer can also be connected via an Ethernet cable or by transferring files directly using a USB stick. A particularly clever new addition, thanks to the NFC tags embedded in Ultimaker filament spools, is Cura’s ability to automatically recognize the installed materials and their specific colors. This seamless integration ensures that the correct print profiles are loaded, minimizing manual configuration and reducing the chance of errors.

Over recent months, Cura has seen a proliferation of new features and optimization options, many of which are specifically tailored to leverage the dual extrusion capabilities of the Ultimaker 3. These advanced settings, designed to fine-tune multi-material and multi-color prints, include parameters for prime towers (to purge nozzles and prevent color mixing), oozing shields (to create a protective wall around the print), specific support interfaces, and highly customizable material profiles. For users new to dual extrusion, navigating and optimizing these parameters can initially feel daunting, as some are still in their beta stages of development. It is highly advisable to dedicate time to experimentation and learning to truly unlock the full potential of the Ultimaker 3. Should challenges arise, do not hesitate to reach out to your dealer’s customer service department for assistance. In our experience, contacting Makershop proved invaluable; they not only provided clear explanations for each parameter’s function but also shared a comprehensive article on Cura parameterization for dual extrusion, which was a tremendous time-saver and significantly improved our understanding and results. This level of support highlights the importance of a good dealer network for maximizing the user experience with such advanced features.

First Prints: Pushing the Boundaries of Dual Extrusion

While some might argue that the integration of NFC tags with Ultimaker filaments tends to “close” the printer ecosystem, Ultimaker has commendably ensured that users retain the flexibility to utilize filament coils from other brands. However, it’s important to note that these third-party filaments will not benefit from Cura’s automatic recognition via NFC. For optimal performance, especially with dual extrusion, Ultimaker currently recommends specific filament pairings: PLA-PVA, Nylon-PVA, PLA-PLA, ABS-ABS, and CPE-CPE (Copolyester). These pairings have been thoroughly tested and have pre-calibrated profiles within Cura, maximizing print success and material compatibility. For the duration of our test, we primarily focused on the PLA-PLA and PLA-PVA combinations to rigorously evaluate the printer’s core dual extrusion capabilities.

One of the most noticeable observations during our printing process, though not a reflection on part quality, was the inherent increase in production times when engaging dual extrusion. Printing with two colors or two distinct materials naturally extends the overall print duration compared to single-material prints. This is largely due to the nozzle switching, purging cycles, and prime tower construction. However, it’s crucial to understand that many Cura parameters can be optimized to mitigate this. Users can significantly influence print speed by adjusting settings such as layer height, print speed, acceleration, and infill patterns. For instance, utilizing ‘conical supports’ can reduce the base size of support structures, saving material and print time. Adjusting the infill density, either uniformly or varying it across different levels of the object, allows for a balance between structural integrity and print duration. Mastering these parameters is key to efficiently producing complex multi-material parts.

The decision to use Ultimaker’s branded filaments, especially for complex dual extrusion tasks, proved to be highly advantageous. These filaments are meticulously engineered to work seamlessly with the Ultimaker 3, offering consistently reliable performance. Furthermore, their integrated NFC tags ensure that Cura automatically loads the most accurate and optimized print parameters, virtually eliminating guesswork and significantly boosting print success rates. As illustrated by the series of pieces we printed on the Ultimaker 3 below, the results are remarkably consistent and speak volumes about the machine’s capability. The quality is undeniably present, even with parts featuring intricate geometries and fine details. In dual extrusion mode, the combination of both filaments remains impressively clean. This precision is largely thanks to the printer’s intelligent use of a ‘prime tower,’ which is simultaneously printed alongside the main object. This tower serves to purge any residual material from the inactive nozzle before it resumes printing, effectively preventing color bleeding or material contamination and ensuring crisp, well-defined boundaries between different materials. The ability to seamlessly integrate soluble PVA supports also greatly simplifies post-processing for complex geometries, allowing for clean, high-quality final parts.

Conclusion: A Definitive Step Forward for Desktop 3D Printing

After extensive testing within the 3Dnatives Lab, our verdict is clear: the Ultimaker 3 is a resounding success and a significant leap forward for desktop 3D printing. Ultimaker has not only managed to successfully integrate dual extrusion, a feature that has historically challenged many manufacturers, but they have done so while upholding their core values of reliability, print quality, and user-friendliness. The initial questions we posed regarding consistent quality, effective material mixing, and continued ease of use have all been answered with confidence. The Print Core system is a game-changer, simplifying maintenance and ensuring optimal performance across different materials. The intelligent NFC filament recognition, combined with the power of Cura 2.x and its advanced dual extrusion settings, creates a highly streamlined and efficient workflow.

While the increased print times associated with dual extrusion are a natural trade-off, Ultimaker provides ample tools within Cura to optimize speed without compromising quality. The robust construction, thoughtful design elements like the integrated camera and optimized ventilation, and the comprehensive accessory package further solidify its position as a premium desktop FDM 3D printer. The Ultimaker 3 is not just an iterative update; it’s a strategic evolution that empowers professionals, educators, and advanced hobbyists to tackle more complex projects, create functional prototypes with soluble supports, and produce stunning multi-color models with unprecedented ease and reliability. It truly delivers on the promise of versatile, high-quality multi-material 3D printing, setting a new benchmark for what can be achieved on a desktop system.

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