UltiMaker, the Dutch-American industrial 3D printing company, has launched the UltiMaker Factor 4 Plus, an industrial-grade platform that doubles the print speed of the standard Factor 4 while introducing field-ready durability and integrated traceability for manufacturing and defence applications.
The UltiMaker Factor 4 Plus is positioned as a production-focused system rather than a prototyping tool. It combines a new high-speed motion system with automated print validation, addressing the two barriers manufacturers most frequently cite when scaling additive manufacturing: throughput and quality assurance.
UltiMaker Factor 4 Plus Speed
Conventional FDM motion planners rely on trapezoidal velocity profiles that create abrupt directional changes at each toolpath segment boundary. At elevated speeds, these sharp transitions generate mechanical vibration that degrades dimensional accuracy, thereby forcing operators to choose between speed and part quality. Developing reliable high-speed FDM systems remains an engineering challenge across the industry.
The Factor 4 Plus addresses this with the Cheetah motion planner, an advanced algorithm first introduced on the UltiMaker S6 that smooths toolpath transitions to maintain dimensional accuracy even as throughput doubles. The printer is also fully compatible with UltiMaker's new AA+ and CC+ high-flow print cores, which together enable performance gains across PLA, ABS, and high-performance PPS-CF composites. PPS-CF delivers the high-heat and chemical resistance required for demanding production environments.
"When I talk directly with our customers, one message comes through consistently: speed is great, but proving the quality of the part is the real challenge. TRACE was built directly in response to that feedback."
— Arjen Dirks, CTO at UltiMaker
Integrated Traceability with TRACE
UltiMaker TRACE (Technical Reporting And Certification Engine) provides automated print validation by continuously recording extrusion behaviour, chamber temperatures, and other process parameters throughout each build. The system generates a CAD-validation report upon completion, giving operators immediate confirmation that a part meets production standards without manual inspection.
For manufacturing environments, TRACE supports repeatable quality assurance across serial production. For defence applications, it provides the operational confidence required to deploy 3D-printed components directly in the field.
Ruggedised Design for Defence Deployment
The UltiMaker Factor 4 Plus features a redesigned gantry system with improved ruggedised architecture, engineered to absorb vibration and maintain precision during continuous, round-the-clock operation. This makes it suitable for harsh or remote environments where reliability under sustained load is essential.
The system requires minimal training and offers a self-contained setup, making it deployable in forward operations or temporary field sites. UltiMaker has previously introduced its Secure Line portfolio for defence-grade environments, and the Factor 4 Plus extends that commitment with hardware designed for field durability. As military organisations increasingly adopt 3D printing for supply-chain resilience, platforms capable of operating autonomously in forward positions become strategically relevant.
"This is not about adding another machine to the portfolio. It is about listening closely to the market and delivering the speed, traceability, resilience, and affordability customers need to scale additive manufacturing in demanding, real-world environments."
— Andy Middleton, SVP EMEA and Global Marketing at UltiMaker
Industrial Applications and Material Capabilities
Built to support production-grade workflows, the UltiMaker Factor 4 Plus delivers manufacturing aids including custom jigs and fixtures, durable spare parts, and end-use components in high-performance materials. Its compatibility with PPS-CF composites extends its utility into applications requiring chemical and thermal resistance.
With these combined capabilities (high-speed printing, field-ready durability, and traceable output), the Factor 4 Plus extends UltiMaker's position in the industrial 3D printing segment while remaining more cost-efficient than competing industrial platforms targeting similar applications.
