Ultimaker 2+ Connect

Problem / Solution

Old methods of manufacturing ensure quality at the expense of time, covering weeks to months of waiting. But with 3D printing, cutting projected lead times can speed up manufacturing while saving money as it eliminates the need for tooling. Not only is there a cost reduction, but also risk mitigation as additive manufacturing nullifies mistakes in prototyping and redesigning. 3D additive manufacturing also furthers design complexity, overcoming restrictions in traditional manufacturing like draft angles and tool access—granting engineers more freedom in crafting previously too-intricate-to-be-feasible designs. On top of all these, 3D printing processes lead the way to sustainable manufacturing. It provides reusability of materials like PA 11/PA 12 powders and the recyclability of used and discarded prints into new filaments. The progressing advancement in 3D printing provides less wasteful processes, leading to a unanimously seen sustainability in the manufacturing industry.

Ultimaker 2+ connect, the simplest of the Ultimaker 3D printers, is best for single extrusion for simple applications. These Ultimaker printers built for fused filament fabrication use materials for commercial, professional, and educational setups. Their speed and precision suit well for functional prototypes, concept models, and small series production. In Ultimaker 2+ Connect, its networking and touchscreen capabilities achieve an ultra-high standard in 3D modeling using Ultimaker Cura.

Design

The device, including the Bowden tube and spool holder, measures 342 x 460 x 580mm and weighs 10.3 kg (22.7 lbs). Its build volume (XYZ) spans 223 x 220 x 205 mm (8.7 x 8.6 x 8 in) at a resolution of 12.5, 12.5, 2.5 micron. It operates at < 50 dBA sound and has a build speed of < 24 mm3/s. Ultimaker 2+ Connect nozzle resolutions are as follows; (a) 0.25 mm nozzle: 150 - 60 micron, (b) 0.4 mm nozzle: 200 - 20 micron, (c) 0.6 mm nozzle: 300 - 20 micron, and (d) 0.8 mm nozzle: 600 - 20 micron. It has a compatible filament diameter of 2.85mm

Main components

The print head, a single extrusion component with swappable nozzles and cooling fans, moves in the X-Y direction as it extrudes filament from the nozzle. The nozzle diameters measure 0.4 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.6 mm, and 0.8 mm. The nozzle temperature ranges from 180 - 260 °C (356 - 500 °F) with a heat-up time of < 2min. The glass build plate, a heated build platform, moves layer by layer when printing. This assisted leveling works at a temperature range of 20 - 110 °C (68 - 230 °F). Four clamps support the build plate, including the two front clamps for removing the glass plate.

The 2.4-inch (6 cm) TFT color touchscreen allows navigation of the menu options and flashes information about the print. The device is USB supported for offline printing or firmware updating.

Ultimaker 2+ has a spool holder for placing the material spool and a Bowden tube that guides the filament to the print head.  It has a feeder loading the materials to the head and a lever opening for loading and unloading. The device is controlled via the On/Off button and has an extra OUT port for connecting to Ultimaker 2+ Connect Air Manager. An Ethernet port also connects the device to a printer using a cable. The device powers on 100 - 240 V AC 50-60Hz voltage, consuming maximum power at 221W.

Ultimaker Ecosystem

The device installed with Ultimaker Cura and Digital Factory is data encrypted with two-factor authentication as software security. It supports MacOS, Windows, and Linux. Supported file types include STL, OBJ, X3D, 3MF, BMP, GIF, JPG, and PNG for Ultimaker Cura and UFP for printable formats. File transfer is likewise available using Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB.

Printing Connectivity

Printing is available in Ultimaker 2+ Connect either via USB or cloud printing. Cloud printing is the lone network printing present in Ultimaker 2+ Connect. An Ultimaker account is necessary to access digitalfactory.ultimaker.com and add the printer to the network. Whereas USB printing allows for offline workflow by configuring the Ultimaker Cura with the desired setting and material configuration. USB printing can be controlled via the touchscreen feature.

Air Manager

Air Manager is an optional Ultimaker 2+ Connect feature but is a recommended add-on. It effectively increases user safety by minimizing UFP-related emission hazards from 3D printing materials. Use of Air Manager suits best in rooms with significant amounts of UFPs or locations having several 3D printers. This add-on ensures inside-out airflow as air passes the E10 filter that traps the UFPs. It also provides a physical barrier enclosing the top and front, thus preventing users from reaching the machine while it is in operation.

The EPA filter can remove 95% of UFPs produced during printing. This consumable part has an advised replacement when it reaches 1500 hours of printing. The top cover encloses the top portion while the front has an enclosure that also ensures optimal air filtering. The hinge profile found at the bottom part aligns with the front panel, keeping it secured. The fan installed in the filtering house spins during printing, filtering air, and reducing temperature. It is positioned in the filtering house

The Air Manager cable, also called UMB cable, provides a connection for the Air Manager as it supplies power from the Ultimaker 2+ while ensuring communication. The Air Manager has a release clip to remove the filtering house from the device.

Material compatibility

Ultimaker 2+ Connect provides compatibility across all Ultimaker build materials, most of which print using 0.25, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 mm nozzle sizes. It is compatible with the 10 Ultimaker build materials, such as PLA, Tough PLA, PETG, ABS, CPE, Nylon, CPE+, PC, TPU95A, and PP. These materials have optimized profiles in the Ultimaker Cura for the best print results. The device can print various qualities and layer heights, upon material and nozzle combination configuration.