Key Takeaways
- UltiMaker's new Factor 4 Plus 3D printer is designed for defense manufacturing and other high-demand applications
- The printer features a 330 x 240 x 300 mm build volume, 120-kilo dual-nozzle material extrusion system, and swappable print cores
- The Factor 4 Plus includes a new traceability feature called TRACE, which tracks every print and generates a CAD validation report
- The system is twice as fast as the previous one and is priced upwards of $15,000
- The printer is aimed at manufacturing applications, including defense, and is designed to be robust and rugged
Introduction to the UltiMaker Factor 4 Plus
The UltiMaker Factor 4 Plus is a high-end 3D printer designed for demanding manufacturing applications, including defense. With a build volume of 330 x 240 x 300 mm and a 120-kilo dual-nozzle material extrusion system, this printer is capable of producing high-quality parts with complex geometries. The Factor 4 Plus also features swappable print cores, which reduce downtime and operator time, making it an attractive option for high-volume production environments.
Technical Specifications and Features
The UltiMaker Factor 4 Plus has a number of impressive technical specifications, including:
- Build volume: 330 x 240 x 300 mm
- Material extrusion system: 120-kilo dual-nozzle
- Print cores: Swappable
- TRACE feature: Tracks every print and generates a CAD validation report
- Price: Upwards of $15,000
Comparison of 3D Printing Technologies
| Technology | Build Volume | Material Extrusion System | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| UltiMaker Factor 4 Plus | 330 x 240 x 300 mm | 120-kilo dual-nozzle | $15,000+ |
| UltiMaker S Series | 230 x 190 x 200 mm | 50-kilo single-nozzle | $10,000+ |
| Other 3D Printing Technologies | Variable | Variable | Variable |
Benefits of the UltiMaker Factor 4 Plus
The UltiMaker Factor 4 Plus offers a number of benefits for manufacturing applications, including:
- High-quality parts with complex geometries
- Reduced downtime and operator time with swappable print cores
- Improved traceability with the TRACE feature
- Increased speed and productivity with a twice-as-fast system
Expert Insights
According to UltiMaker CTO Arjen Dirks, "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 and I’ve seen firsthand what an incredible improvement it makes." UltiMaker's SVP EMEA Andy Middleton added, "The Factor 4 Plus reflects UltiMaker’s focus on solving the real production challenges facing manufacturers and defense teams today."
Bottom Line
The UltiMaker Factor 4 Plus is a high-end 3D printer designed for demanding manufacturing applications, including defense. With its impressive technical specifications, swappable print cores, and TRACE feature, this printer is capable of producing high-quality parts with complex geometries while reducing downtime and operator time. Priced upwards of $15,000, the Factor 4 Plus is an attractive option for high-volume production environments that require robust and rugged 3D printing solutions.