UltiMaker Factor 4 is the company's latest flagship solution for light industrial applications
NEW YORK AND GELDER MARSEN, THE NETHERLANDS /PRNewswire/ -- UltiMaker, a global leader in 3D printing, today announced the launch of UltiMaker Factor 4, an industrial-grade 3D printer designed to take manufacturing to new levels of efficiency and reliability. Factor 4 is an end-to-end 3D printing solution for light industrial applications.
The UltiMaker Factor 4 3D printer is a new end-to-end 3D printing solution for light industrial applications. With support for engineering materials, direct drive dual extrusion, onboard print process reporting, temperature-controlled build volume, Factor 4 delivers high levels of predictability and minimal variance. The printer is designed to take manufacturing to new levels of efficiency and reliability.
The UltiMaker Factor 4 3D printer is designed for the development and production of critical tools and components of the process. Factor 4 supports engineered materials, direct-drive dual extrusion, in-machine print quality reporting, temperature-controlled build volumes, and other innovative features with a high level of predictability and minimal differentiation. Based on more than a decade of dedication to openness and ubiquity, the printer will support one of the broadest material portfolios on the market for a wide range of applications, including end-use parts, functional prototyping, manufacturing tools, and low-volume manufacturing of ancillary components and spares.
Factor 4 offers a temperature-controlled build volume of 330 x 240 x 300 mm and a uniform heating bed to ensure consistent overall model performance. Designed for manufacturing and industrial applications, it features a new high-temperature printhead that enables engineers to print at temperatures up to 340°C, enabling a wider range of high-performance, high-temperature, and durable materials, such as the new UltiMaker PPS CF, a high-temperature composite. The printer's ability to efficiently manage build volume temperatures up to 70°C with a heated bed and actively controlled chamber airflow ensures best-in-class material-specific processing conditions and consistent part quality wherever the 3D printer is located.
With a thorough test to achieve a print success rate of over 95% and a dimensional accuracy of within ± 0.2 mm of the feature's nominal length or ± 0.2% of the feature's nominal length, the 1Factor 4 delivers consistent results across multiple machines, making it ideal for producing mature parts for distributed manufacturing. The printer's versatility, reliability, and ease of use make it ideal for industries looking to optimize their production processes and develop quickly. The latest Factor 4 print profile, available on Cura 5.7.1, enables engineered materials such as PET-CF and nylon to print at production levels similar to Tough PLA and PETG, virtually doubling the print speed compared to the UltiMaker S series. 2
"Our commitment to our customers is not just to provide 3D printers, we also offer a complete 3D printing ecosystem that includes hardware, software, materials, training, and support," said Michiel Alting von Geusau, CEO of UltiMaker. With our comprehensive support, we help our customers navigate the complexities and opportunities of 3D printing. The untapped potential of the light industrial market is not yet available, and we are confident that Factor 4 will enable our customers to further explore the application possibilities in this area." Factor 4 is expected to provide a quick return on investment with its efficiency and versatility, enabling businesses to reap the benefits of 3D printing. "
Key features of UltiMaker Factor 4:
Industrial-grade performance:Made from sturdy steel, aluminum, and glass, Factor 4 is built for the factory floor. The printer's triple insulated molding volume, closed-loop and direct-drive dual extrusion, automatic induction bed leveling, and PEI-coated flexible platen ensure consistent production output even in complex and challenging designs. These features, combined with the all-new H-Bridge gantry and rigid all-metal frame, enable high-speed movement and precision.
Automated Material Handling & Storage:Its integrated, low-humidity material handling system allows engineers to reliably manage their print jobs. The material station is climate-controlled to keep humidity levels below 15% and can hold up to six rolls of filament in optimal condition. With automatic material changeover, it seamlessly switches between spools to eliminate downtime and ensure continuous printing for single part users who may need days or multiple rolls of material.
Expand the diversity of materials:The new printers expand the range of high-performance, industrial-grade materials to produce parts that have been verified for structural integrity, from flexible materials to high-temperature composites such as the UltiMaker PPS CF. UltiMaker PPS CF is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic reinforced with carbon fiber. The material is temperature resistant to >230°C and is flame retardant. It provides a high-performance alternative to steel or aluminum for less demanding parts, enabling users to unlock new industrial applications.
Seamless Workflow Integration:UltiMaker Cura version 5.7.1 brings new print profiles for Factor 4 that have been customized and fine-tuned for best-in-class print quality and performance. Factor 4 automatically recognizes the UltiMaker material and print core in Cura for a smooth 3D printing experience. The printer is also compatible with popular CAD software.
Powerful On-Board Printing Process Reports:The printer is equipped with a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen and a set of sensors in the printhead, build volume, and auto-loading system to monitor real-time data on printer and material performance, as well as provide in-depth reports after each print job, ensuring hassle-free part verification and quality control.
Modular system for simplified maintenance:The printer's modular design makes it easy to service and maintain, which in turn minimizes downtime and increases productivity.
Andrea Gasperini, Product Manager for B2B Solutions at UltiMaker, said, "With Factor 4, we are introducing a reliable, industrial-grade solution that enables a robust long-term investment. Our focus remains on introducing products that meet current needs and can be adjusted and improved over time. Factor 4 offers the reliability that UltiMaker products are known for, while also being able to integrate seamlessly with other industrial machines and production processes. "
Available materials for Factor 4 include UltiMaker PPS CF and other Ultimaker-branded materials such as PLA, Tough PLA, Nylon, PETG, PET CF, and PVA, as well as verified materials from suppliers such as BASF Forward AM, Kimya, Polymaker, LEHVOSS, Jabil, and others. Factor 4 is material compatible with the UltiMaker Marketplace, offering 250 preset print profiles. Factor 4 supports 2.85 mm filaments.
The printer is equipped with an integrated HEPA filter and a large red stop button to ensure safer 3D printing anywhere in a factory or office environment.
Shipments of Factor 4 are expected to begin in May 2024. Contact a certified UltiMaker partner to find your nearest Factor 4 showroom.
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Factor 4 will be on display at the Hannover Messe in Germany from April 22 to 26, 2024, in Hall 17, Booth D35. UltiMaker experts will be at the booth to present the company's additive manufacturing solutions for the industrial sector. Andrea Gasperin, Product Manager for B2B Solutions at UltiMaker, will also be on April 22 at 4 p.m. CET in Hall 17 at Booth B40 to present the value of additive manufacturing in production.
UltiMaker will also be showcasing Factor 4 and other professional 3D printing solutions at TCT Asia in Shanghai, May 7-9, 2024, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center, Hall 8.1, Booth 8F90.
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Testimonials from customers and partners
Johannes Karl, Head of Customer 3D Solutions, Krones: "UltiMaker Factor 4 is incredible. Its printing speed and quality have reached the industrial level. Quality control and other sensor technologies meet stringent industry standards. Factor 4 enhances our possibilities for developing new applications with the widest range of high-performance materials. "
Firat Hizal, Head of Additive Extrusion Solutions for Product Management at BASF Forward AM, said: "As a strategic partner of the UltiMaker ecosystem, BASF Forward AM will optimize its Ultrafuse® material profile to ensure that it is a perfect fit for Factor 4 from day one. Enhancements such as improved automatic material systems and direct-drive extruders enhance the performance of our materials. It enables stable printing and discovers new possibilities, especially for softer materials like Ultrafuse® TPU 85A. In addition, we have verified the compatibility of our recycled Ultrafuse® rPET fibers, as well as our unique Ultrafuse® 17-4PH metal fibers, as well as the Ultrafuse® support layer, with this printer. We believe Factor 4 marks a significant step forward for 3D printing and look forward to having a stable platform to further optimize productivity without compromising quality." "
Benoit Stoeux, CEO of Kimya, said, "As CEO of Kimya, I am excited to witness the significant progress we have made in our partnership with UltiMaker, a journey that began in 2021 and changed the landscape of additive manufacturing. With Factor 4, we have made a significant shift by integrating advanced materials such as Kimya ABS-ESD and Kimya PEKK-A. Designed for superior quality, these materials deliver best-in-class performance for electronics, transportation, and defense industry applications. With Factor 4, we've achieved our goal of "getting it right the first time." The combination of Factor 4 and PEKK-A has given us a print success rate of more than 95%. Compared to other polymers, PEKK-A has higher mechanical, thermal and chemical resistance. For the first time, we use high-performance and high-temperature materials in machines with temperature control chambers. This is a huge change in the market. At the same time, our leading precision, reliability and innovation are setting new standards in the industry. "
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