Ultimaker 2 Review
The Ultimaker was a triumph when it first hit the market. It enabled you to build your own 3D printer without having to follow open source plans. Within a few hours you could have put together and calibrated your machine ready for action.
The new model – the Ultimaker 2 now comes finished and in several different versions – the Ultimaker 2, Ultimaker Make 2 Plus, the Ultimaker 2 Extended and the Ultimaker 2 Go. The Ultimaker 2 versions are more refined and robust. In this Ultimaker 2 review, we will look at each model for comparison.
1. The Ultimaker 2 Model
The Ultimaker 2 is a very well built and robust machine. It includes everything you need for quick assembly and to get going with your printing ideas. It has an impressive 23 x 22.5 x 20.5 build plate which expands the printable materials. The models can be loaded using a supplied SD card. This is our ultimaker 2 review with pros and cons.
The Ultimaker 2 differs from other 3d printers by using a 2.85mm filament with a Bowden extruder. This takes a little longer to load and unload but it greatly reduces the mass of the print head and thus makes printing speeds a lot faster. The Ultimaker 2 also has a great user manual that is easy to understand and use.
Pros
- Great Cura software which is open sourced
- Quiet
- Fine print quality
- Fast printing speeds
- User manual - The user manual is comprehensive and easy to understand.
- You can order samples: If you are still unsure about the Ultimaker 2 (even after reading ultimaker 2 reviews) you can go to their website and order samples so you can get a good idea of the quality.
Cons
- Changing filaments can be difficult – When changing filaments you have to go back and forth between the front display and the filament feeder. With practice this should get easier.
- Can print with ABS and PLA only
- Not designed for tethered printing
2. The Ultimaker 2 Extended Model
The Ultimaker 2 Extended has the same features as the Ultimaker 2. The only difference is the addition of 10cm more height. This allows you to print objects with a height up to 12 inches. It is easy to set up and calibrate just like the Ultimaker 2.
Despite its extra height room, the build plate is still the same size as the Ultimaker 2. The Extended version was rates BEST Large Format in Make Magazine November 2015.
Pros
- Offers everything the Ultimaker 2 has.
- More height room
Cons
Pricing is quite a bit more for just the addition height room. If that is important to you than the extra cost may be worth it – if not you’d be happy with the Ultmaker 2.
The Ultimaker 2 review for the Extended version can be summed up based on the height room itself.
3. The Ultimaker 2 Plus Model
The Ultimaker 2 plus has multiple improvements over the original Ultimaker 2. It allows you to easily switch between nozzles (0.25, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8mm) for greater detail and faster printing. It has a heated bed and also allows ABS printing. The feeder allows you to swap filaments with ease and its easy to choose the correct pressure for your filament. The Ultimaker has new fancaps for better targeted airflow.
Pros
- Easy to set up and use
- Easy to change filaments
- Accepts third party filaments
- Less noise
- High resolutions
- Supports open source hardware
- Includes Olsson Block kit which allows extruders to be interchangeable
Cons
- Basic control panel interface
- No auto calibration
- Sometimes difficult to remove finished print objects
4. Ultimaker Go
The Ultimaker Go’s name automatically makes you think that this is a printer that is easy to take with you wherever you want to go. The Go is compact but still powerful with high layer resolution. It also prints fast too. The Ultimaker Go comes with a travel case too.
Pros
- It has a small footprint
- Easy menu navigation
- High quality prints
Cons
- Filament compatibility is limited
- The print bed is not heated
- Very small build area
- Temperamental print speeds (can be fast or slow)
The cons of the Ultimaker Go are somewhat expected if you are looking for a more travel size printer.
Upgrade Kit
Ultimaker have realised an Extension Upgrade Kit which allows you to upgrade your existing Ultimaker 2 or Ultimaker 2 Extended. This upgrade kit will give you all the capabilities of the Ultimaker 2 Plus. This is great as it means you can get everything the Plus models offer without having to buy a new printer.
The Upgrade Kit is available from Ultimaker.
Within the Ultimaker 2 3d printer review, it is quite obviously that the Ultimaker 2 is a great printer in all of its variations. The Ultimaker 2 caters for both the beginner and experienced user as well as those looking for a travel buddy. Of course though you need to have quite a budget in order to afford an Ultimaker. If you don't something a little cheaper maybe a better option.
Product Images Sourced From Amazon.com
