Ultimaker 2 is a bit of an FDM icon. Initially released in 2013, it gained a plus symbol with an update in 2016 adding a good collection of important updates. Ultimaker still wanted the printer to be up to date and has released the next evolution of the 2, the 2+ Connect, an evolution bringing a new 2.4-inch color touchscreen, an ergonomic feeder lever and the optional “Air Manager” system designed with user safety in mind. Let’s take a deep dive into what it has to offer for new 3D printing enthusiasts and professionals.
WiFi Connectivity
With Ultimaker using WiFi and internet connectivity to allow users from anywhere in the world to send prints via the company’s “Digital Factory” to the 2+ Connect. WiFi is no breakthrough technology to include on a printer. However, it does make things much easier for businesses and organizations of any kind.
Stronger Frame
Ultimaker has engineered a stiffer build plate and made sliding blocks more robust, which should make the 2+ Connect more reliable and durable over time. Tightening everything up should also allow the printer to be more stable during the printing process. Less vibration equals a higher quality finish, but Ultimaker seems to believe these changes will at least improve quality of life and durability over time.
Low Maintenance
Many materials in 3D printing will absorb moisture from the environment Scheduled maintenance is set to be just 4 hours a year, according to Ultimaker, with no special tools or equipment required, meaning the 2+ Connect should be able to keep up with the demands of a busy working life.
Color Touchscreen
A feature that is far from revolutionary, a 2.4-inch color touchscreen is your gateway to controlling the Ultimaker 2+ Connect. Touchscreens are something almost everyone is familiar with and they add a premium, modern feel to most products if done right. This feature won’t fundamentally change what is possible with the printer. Still, it’s a convenient gateway to quickly access settings, configure connectivity, and other sundry options.
Air Manager
Designed to simply and effectively increase user safety, the Air manager removes up to 95% UFPs and shield users from hot and moving components inside the printer. The Ultimaker 2+ Connect Air Manager includes a single-speed fan to efficiently pull air through a large EPA filter. This gives you the flexibility to safely install multiple printers in one location. Also it fully covers the Ultimaker 2+ Connect’s build chamber with a front enclosure for a more stable printing environment, preventing anyone from touching hot and moving components and a draft entering the build space.
Nozzle Inter-changeability
The Ultimaker 2+ Connect is compatible with a selection of nozzle sizes that can swap out depending on your task just as the Ultimaker 2+ did. As these nozzles are swappable so it is easy to change the nozzle in a minute. Different sizes are available: 0.25mm for detailed prints, 0.4 and 0.6mm for regular prints and 0.8mm for fast drafts.
Build Volume
The space you have to print on the 2+ Connect is listed at 223 x 220 x 205 mm. This is a decent build volume giving a lot of design and placement freedom.
Technical Specification
• Technology: Fused deposition modeling (FDM)
• Year: 2020
• Assembly: Assembled
• Mechanical arrangement: Cartesian XY-head
• Manufacturer: Ultimaker
• Build volume: 223 x 220 x 205 mm
• Feeder system: Bowden
• Nozzle size: 0.25, 0.4, 0.6 or 0.8 mm
• Max. heated bed temperature: 110 ℃
• Print bed material: Tempered glass plate
• Bed leveling: Manual
• Connectivity: WiFi, Ethernet, USB
• Print recovery: Yes
• Filament sensor: Yes
• Filament diameter: 2.85 mm
• Third-party filament: Yes
• Filament materials: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, Wood
Software
• Recommended slicers: Cura
• Operating system: Windows, Mac, Linux
• File types: STL, OBJ, AMF
Dimensions
- Frame dimensions: 342 x 460 x 580 mm
- Weight: 10.3 kg
All in all, Ultimaker 2+ Connect is a great professional FDM 3D Printer that comes at an affordable price point. At THINKFAB, we offer Ultimaker 2+ Connect 3D Printer at a high competitive price. Click here to request for quote.
