UltiMaker launches the UltiMaker Factor 4, a 3D printer aimed at light industrial applications. Think development and production of process-critical tools and components.
The new system was presented at Hannover Messe. This is the company's first 3D printer for light industrial applications, which taps into a new target group with the printer. Whereas previous models such as the UltiMaker S5 were mainly intended for engineers who wanted to be able to 3D print a prototype quickly, the UltiMaker Factor 4 is also aimed at producing parts for end-applications.
As examples of applications, UltiMaker lists the production of parts for end applications, the development of functional prototypes and the production of tools. Think also of small-scale production of components and spare parts.
Consistent temperatures
For this, the Factor 4 offers a build volume of 330 by 240 by 300 mm with temperature control and heated print bed. The temperature control uses an actively controlled airflow, which allows the triple-insulated build chamber to be maintained at temperatures of up to 70°C. The print bed can reach temperatures of up to 120°C.
The 3D printer also features a new extruder capable of temperatures up to 340°C. This enables the printing of a wider range of materials. UltiMaker cites the new UltiMaker PPS CF as an example. This composite is capable of temperatures of more than 230°C and is also fire-resistant.
The Factor 4 offers an accuracy of 0.2 mm over the entire print bed. UltiMaker reports that during tests with UltiMaker PLA, Tough PLA, PETG, PET CF and PPS CF, 95% of all prints were successful.
Automatic filament switching
The Factor 4 features an area that can hold six rolls of filament. The 3D printer can autonomously switch between the different rolls. For example, to switch between materials and/or colours, or for bulky prints that require several rolls of filament. The space for the rolls of filament is equipped with climate control, which keeps humidity below 15%.
For quality control purposes, the Factor 4 produces reports on the printing process. In these, the 3D printer processes data it collects with sensors in the print head, print bed and material manager, among others. In this way, it reveals deviations in the printing process, their severity and their exact location. Using the 7-inch touchscreen, reports are readable directly on the 3D printer. After each print job, the printer produces a new report.
Safe working
With the Factor 4, UltiMaker is aiming at applications in both factory and office environments. To this end, the 3D printer is equipped with, among other things, a HEPA filter. According to UltiMaker, this filters up to 95% of ultrafine particles from the air. It also features a large red stop button, which allows the printer's operation to be quickly interrupted for safety reasons.
The Factor 4 will be available from May 2024.
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
Image: UltiMaker / krzysztof-m via Pixabay
