UltiMaker announced a new professional 3D printer, the UltiMaker Factor 4 Plus.
The company had previously released the original Factor 4 back in 2024, but now there is a new version of this popular machine.
One might immediately suggest that there would be less expensive options for a desktop 3D printer from Asian manufacturers, but the Factor 4 Plus is actually quite different. It includes quite a few very advanced features you will simply not see on a normal desktop 3D printer.
The reason for this is that UltiMaker is specifically addressing the needs of engineers and manufacturers with this new device. The company has included features that their market is actively looking for — and not finding — in other competing products.
What makes the Factor 4 Plus different from its predecessor? The main feature is the integration of the company’s high-speed Cheetah feature. This allows the machine to reliably print at around 2X the previous print speed. In addition, they say this feature also makes the machine more capable in less than optimal environments:
“Strengthened for the practical demands of defense use, the Factor 4 Plus operates reliably in harsh or remote environments, thanks to the improved ruggedized architecture of the new gantry system, which absorbs vibration at high print speeds. This redesign maintains precision even when throughput is pushed to its limits, ensuring consistent quality during round‑the‑clock operation.”
Also very interesting is their inclusion of “TRACE” technology. This feature is a monitoring system for quality assurance. Basically, it continuously records four specific measurements during each print job: extrusion factor, nozzle temperature, chamber temperature, and build plate temperature. By examining these afterwards, a print job can be validated if they have remained within tolerance windows.
That should happen because the enclosure is “triple insulated” and is able to maintain a “constant thermal gradient” throughout a print job. That dramatically reduces the possibility of warping and job failure. By the way, the chamber temperature can be maintained at a constant 70°C.
Quality is also gained through the integrated material handling unit, which is able to dry up to six spools to less than 15% humidity. These spools then directly feed to the extruders, keeping the filament dry at all times.
The Factor 4 Plus looks like quite an amazing 3D printer that should easily be able to produce high-quality parts on a reliable and consistent basis.
Via UltiMaker
