UltiMaker, a global leader in 3D printing, announced the release of the UltiMaker Factor 4 3D printer for industrial-grade 3D printing, which is designed to increase manufacturing efficiency and reliability. Factor 4 provides a complete 3D printing solution for light industrial applications.
The Factor 4 will be on display at HANNOVER MESSE in Hannover, Germany, from April 22 to 26, 2024, in Hall 17, Booth D35. UltiMaker will exhibit and demonstrate Factor 4 and other professional 3D printing solutions at TCT Asia in Shanghai from May 7-9, 2024, in booth 8F90 at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre Hall 8.1.
UltiMaker Factor 4 3D printer
The UltiMaker Factor 4 3D printer is designed for the creation and manufacture of process-critical tools and components. With engineering material support, direct drive dual extrusion, onboard print quality reporting, temperature-controlled build volume, and other innovative features, it provides high predictability and minimal variance.
Built on more than a decade of commitment to transparency and accessibility, the machine will support one of the market’s most diverse material portfolios for a wide range of applications, including end-use parts, functional prototyping, manufacturing tools, and small batch manufacturing of auxiliary components and spares.
Industrial-Grade 3D Printing
Factor 4 provides industrial-grade 3D printing with a temperature-controlled build volume of 330 x 240 x 300 mm and uniform bed heating for consistent performance across the build plate. Designed for the manufacturing and industrial sectors, it includes a new high-temperature print core that allows engineers to print at temperatures up to 340°C, allowing for a wider range of high-performance, temperature-resistant, and durable materials, such as the new UltiMaker PPS CF, a high-temperature composite material.
The machine uses the heated bed and actively controlled chamber airflow to manage the build volume temperature up to 70°C, ensuring optimal material-specific processing conditions and consistent part quality no matter where the 3D printer is located.
Factor 4 has been thoroughly tested to achieve over 95% print completion success and dimensional accuracy within ± 0.2 mm or ± 0.2% of the feature nominal length. It delivers consistent results across multiple machines, making it ideal for producing validated parts for distributed manufacturing.
The printer’s versatility, dependability, and ease of use make it ideal for businesses looking to improve production workflows and accelerate development. The most recent print profiles for Factor 4, available in Cura 5.7.1, allow engineering materials such as PET-CF and Nylon to be printed with productivity levels comparable to Tough PLA and PETG, effectively doubling print speed when compared to the UltiMaker S series.
“Our commitment to customers goes beyond providing just a 3D printer; we offer a full 3D printing ecosystem, including hardware, software, materials, training, and support.”
– Michiel Alting von Geusau, CEO at UltiMaker
Michiel continued, “With our comprehensive support, we help customers navigate through the complexities of 3D printing and identify opportunities. There is untapped potential in the light industrial market, and we believe that Factor 4 will enable customers to further explore the application possibilities in this space. With its efficiency and versatility, Factor 4 promises a quick return on investment, allowing businesses to capitalize on the benefits of 3D printing.”
Key features of UltiMaker Factor 4
- Industrial-Grade Performance: Factor 4’s steel, aluminium, and glass construction are factory-ready. The printer’s triple-insulated build volume, closed loop and direct-drive dual extrusion, automatic inductive bed levelling, and PEI-coated flexible build plate ensure consistent production on complex designs.
- Automatic Material Handling and Storage: The integrated, low-moisture material handling system helps engineers manage print jobs confidently. The material station holds six prime filament spools in a climate-controlled environment with humidity below 15%.
- Expanded Material Diversity: The printer can print structural integrity-verified parts from flexible materials to high-temperature composites like the UltiMaker PPS CF using high-performance, industrial-grade materials. It opens new industrial applications by offering a high-performance alternative to steel or aluminium for less-demanding parts.
- Seamless Workflow Integration: UltiMaker Cura 5.7.1 includes enhanced Factor 4 print profiles for optimal print quality and performance.
- Modular System for Simplified Maintenance: The printer’s modular design simplifies repairs and maintenance, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.
“With Factor 4, we are introducing a reliable industrial-grade solution that provides a solid long-term investment. Our focus remains on releasing products that can meet current needs and adapt and improve over time. Factor 4 delivers the reliability that UltiMaker products are known for, while also being able to seamlessly integrate alongside other industrial machinery and production processes.”
Andrea Gasperini, Product Manager, B2B Solutions, at UltiMaker
Factor 4 Materials
UltiMaker PPS CF and other UltiMaker-branded materials, such as PLA, Tough PLA, nylon, PETG, PET CF, and PVA, are among the materials available for Factor 4, as are validated materials from BASF Forward AM, Kimya, Polymaker, LEHVOSS, Jabil, and other suppliers. Factor 4 is compatible with materials from the UltiMaker Marketplace, which includes 250 pre-tuned print profiles. Factor 4 accepts 2.85 mm filament.
The printer has an integrated HEPA filter and a large red STOP button, ensuring safe 3D printing in factory or office environments.
The Factor 4 is expected to ship in May 2024.
