In the world of 3D printing, true versatility isn’t just about printing different shapes—it’s about mastering a wide range of materials that meet professional standards in strength, flexibility, durability, and finish. Ultimaker, with its open material platform, award-winning software, and reliable hardware, empowers engineers, product designers, educators, and serious hobbyists to print across a broad spectrum of advanced thermoplastics, composites, and even metal.

From the simplest prototype to complex, functional end-use parts, Ultimaker delivers unmatched material flexibility on a desktop printer.

1. PLA and Tough PLA – For Easy Prototyping and Education

PLA (Polylactic Acid) is the most widely used 3D printing filament for good reason. It prints easily, requires minimal temperature control, and delivers great surface quality for visual prototypes, concept models, and educational tools. Ultimaker’s PLA prints with outstanding detail, minimal warping, and virtually no odor, making it perfect for classrooms and offices.

Tough PLA is designed for more functional parts, combining PLA’s printability with the impact strength of ABS. It’s ideal for jigs, fixtures, and parts that need to withstand some mechanical stress without cracking.

2. PETG – For Strong, Weather-Resistant Prototypes

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) is known for combining the easy printing of PLA with the strength and chemical resistance of ABS. It’s slightly flexible, UV-resistant, and highly durable—great for mechanical parts, snap fits, and outdoor applications. PETG is popular among engineers for fluid-resistant containers, enclosures, and structural components exposed to the elements.

Ultimaker’s PETG is fully supported with Cura profiles and works beautifully with support materials like Breakaway for complex designs.

3. ABS and CPE – Engineering Strength and Chemical Resistance

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a favorite for parts that need impact resistance and thermal stability. While more sensitive to warping than PLA, Ultimaker’s enclosed build chambers and tuned profiles reduce deformation, making it possible to print strong, reliable ABS parts consistently.

CPE (Co-polyester) and its stronger variant CPE+ are great alternatives to ABS, offering excellent chemical resistance, mechanical strength, and dimensional accuracy—without the warping issues. These materials are widely used for housings, tools, and parts that need to endure aggressive environments such as automotive or lab settings.

4. TPU 95A – For Flexible, Wear-Resistant Parts

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane), especially in its 95A Shore hardness variant, gives you durable rubber-like parts that can bend, compress, and stretch while resisting abrasion. Ultimaker TPU 95A is perfect for creating seals, vibration dampeners, phone cases, belts, and insoles. It prints easily on Ultimaker printers with direct drive compatibility and tuned retraction settings, offering flexible parts with a clean surface finish.

5. Nylon – For Durable, High-Wear Applications

Nylon (Polyamide) is a go-to material for engineers needing strong, flexible, and wear-resistant components. It has high impact resistance, low friction, and excellent fatigue performance, making it ideal for hinges, gears, clips, and industrial tooling.

Ultimaker Nylon offers consistent performance and absorbs less moisture than typical nylons—important for maintaining print quality and dimensional accuracy. It works best when stored in Ultimaker’s Material Station or a dry box.

6. PC (Polycarbonate) – For High-Strength, Heat-Resistant Parts

Polycarbonate is an industrial-grade filament known for its extreme strength, rigidity, and heat resistance—up to 110°C. It is ideal for functional prototypes, lighting fixtures, casings, and structural parts that need to endure high stress and temperature conditions.

Ultimaker PC prints beautifully with hardened print cores and maintains good layer adhesion, making it a solid choice for serious engineering applications.

7. PET CF and Nylon CF – Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Composites

PET CF (Carbon Fiber Reinforced PET) and Nylon CF (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Nylon) offer metal-like stiffness with much lighter weight and no need for post-processing like sintering. These composites are infused with chopped carbon fibers, which significantly increase tensile strength, thermal stability, and dimensional accuracy.

Ultimaker’s hardened CC print cores are designed to handle these abrasive materials with ease. These filaments are ideal for jigs, fixtures, structural brackets, tooling, and load-bearing parts—where high stiffness, low creep, and minimal thermal expansion are critical.

8. Glass Fiber Composites – For Rigid, Lightweight Applications

Ultimaker-compatible filaments also include glass fiber composites, which are ideal for users who want stiffness and durability without the brittleness of pure polymers. These materials are great for automotive and aerospace applications, offering strength-to-weight performance and high dimensional stability.

9. PVA and Breakaway – Advanced Support Materials

Ultimaker’s PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol) is a water-soluble support material that allows for complex overhangs and internal cavities, ideal for multi-extrusion printing. Just soak the part in water, and the support dissolves, leaving behind a clean, professional finish.

Breakaway is another support material that peels away cleanly, especially suitable when water removal isn’t practical. These materials are designed to work seamlessly with dual extrusion Ultimaker machines, making support-intensive prints simple and successful.

10. Metal Filaments – Real Stainless Steel on a Desktop

With the Metal Expansion Kit, Ultimaker becomes the only desktop FDM solution capable of printing real stainless steel parts (Ultrafuse 17-4 PH and 316L) using a certified debinding and sintering workflow. This gives engineers the power to prototype or produce functional metal tools, fixtures, and mechanical components—all without investing in an industrial metal printer.

Combined with Cura’s metal profiles and BASF’s post-processing network, metal printing on Ultimaker is now a professional, scalable option.

Conclusion: One Printer, Endless Possibilities

Ultimaker’s open material system, combined with advanced print cores, precise hardware, and powerful software, gives users the freedom to experiment, prototype, and produce with virtually any material needed for real-world applications.

Whether you’re printing a simple PLA model, a carbon fiber-reinforced jig, a TPU gasket, or a stainless steel part—Ultimaker is the most versatile, office-ready 3D printing solution available today.

With Ultimaker, you’re not just choosing a printer. You’re choosing a platform that grows with your ideas, your team, and your business.

At first glance, spending thousands on a 3D printer like Ultimaker might seem unnecessary when cheaper alternatives flood the market for under $300. But professionals, educators, and serious makers quickly learn that not all 3D printers are created equal.

Investing in Ultimaker isn’t just about buying a machine—it’s about buying reliability, performance, scalability, and peace of mind. Here’s why Ultimaker is worth every dollar.

1. You’re Not Buying a Toy—You’re Investing in a Tool

Low-cost 3D printers are often designed for hobbyist experimentation, not demanding applications. Ultimaker printers, on the other hand, are precision-engineered machines trusted by Fortune 500 companies, research institutions, and advanced product developers.

If your time and results matter, Ultimaker gives you professional-grade accuracy, repeatability, and uptime—day after day, project after project.

2. True Reliability = Lower Long-Term Costs

A $300 printer might seem cheap upfront, but frequent breakdowns, failed prints, and poor customer support quickly eat into your budget—and your time. With Ultimaker, you’re getting:

• High print success rates

• Industrial-grade components

• Exceptional customer service

• Regular firmware and software updates

Over time, this translates into fewer wasted materials, less downtime, and significantly lower maintenance overhead. You don’t just buy a machine—you buy a workflow that works.

3. Open Materials, Real Engineering Possibilities

Most budget printers struggle with anything beyond basic PLA. Ultimaker machines are optimized for a wide range of engineering-grade materials—including Nylon, PET CF, TPU, PC, and metal filaments—making them ideal for:

• Prototyping functional parts

• Manufacturing custom jigs and fixtures

• Printing end-use components that endure wear, pressure, or temperature

With Ultimaker, you’re not limited—you’re empowered.

4. Seamless Software Integration

Ultimaker Cura, the company’s award-winning slicing software, is designed to optimize hardware performance, with pre-tuned profiles for dozens of materials and advanced features like:

• Customizable supports

• Print queue management

• Cloud integration

• Multi-user collaboration tools

Cheaper machines often rely on open-source slicers with limited support and rough calibration, leading to constant troubleshooting and inconsistent prints.

5. Ready to Scale with You

Ultimaker printers are designed to grow with your needs. Whether you’re a solo designer scaling into production, or a business adding a print farm, Ultimaker’s ecosystem includes:

• Networked printer management

• Fleet monitoring and remote access

• Centralized material handling systems (like the Material Station)

• Certified training and global support

You’re not buying a one-time gadget—you’re building a long-term 3D printing solution.

Conclusion: Pay Less Now, or Pay More Later

Sure, you can buy a 3D printer for $300. But if you value:

• Time saved over tinkering

• Reliable performance over guesswork

• Professional results over trial and error

…then Ultimaker is the smart investment.

It’s not about getting the cheapest tool—it’s about getting the right tool. And for engineers, educators, and professionals who care about precision and productivity, Ultimaker is worth every cent.

When it comes to high-strength 3D printing, many think of metal as the only solution. But what if you could achieve metal-like strength, rigidity, and performance—without the cost, weight, or complex post-processing of traditional metal 3D printing?

With Ultimaker’s support for Nylon Carbon Fiber filaments, that’s no longer a dream—it’s reality. Engineers, designers, and manufacturers can now produce durable, lightweight, and functional parts right on their Ultimaker S5 or S7 machines, with no need for sintering or special equipment.

What is Nylon Carbon Fiber?

Nylon Carbon Fiber is a high-performance composite filament made by infusing nylon with finely chopped carbon fibers. The result is a material that offers:

• Exceptional stiffness and tensile strength

• High thermal and chemical resistance

• Dimensional stability even under load

• Minimal warping and excellent surface quality

It’s ideal for creating end-use parts, tooling, brackets, jigs, and structural components—especially in automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing applications.

Metal-Like Strength Without Metal Complexity

Ultimaker’s open material platform allows users to print with engineering-grade Nylon Carbon Fiber from trusted brands like BASF, DSM, and Owens Corning. When paired with Ultimaker’s hardened CC print cores, the results are impressively strong parts that rival metal, but without:

• Costly debinding or sintering processes

• Outsourced post-processing delays

• Extra investment in safety or ventilation systems

• Time-consuming material handling or calibration

Print it. Use it. That’s it.

Designed for the Professional Workflow

Ultimaker printers and software are built to maximize performance and minimize complexity:

• Hardened print cores resist abrasion and extend lifespan

• Pre-configured Cura profiles for carbon fiber materials reduce trial and error

• Dual extrusion for soluble or breakaway supports

• Consistent layer bonding and clean finish out of the box

• Minimal post-processing—just remove support and you’re ready to go

Whether you’re creating a production fixture or a high-load bracket, Ultimaker’s ecosystem gives you industrial-grade reliability from your desktop.

Use Cases That Go Beyond Prototyping

Nylon Carbon Fiber is ideal for:

• Functional prototypes under real-world stress

• End-use mechanical parts for light automation

• Tooling jigs that endure repeated use

• Custom brackets or mounts with dimensional accuracy

• Components exposed to heat, pressure, or movement

All with reduced weight, faster turnaround, and greater cost-efficiency compared to CNC or metal 3D printing.

Conclusion: Stronger Parts. Simpler Process.

Ultimaker’s support for Nylon Carbon Fiber brings the strength of metal and the speed of FDM into one seamless solution. For professionals who need durable, rigid parts—without investing in complex metal workflows—this material is a game-changer.

No post-processing. No outsourcing. Just strong, precise, and production-ready parts straight from your Ultimaker.

Ultimaker has once again pushed the boundaries of desktop 3D printing with the release of PET CF (polyethylene terephthalate reinforced with carbon fiber)—a cutting-edge material that blends industrial strength, exceptional printability, and dimensional stability.

Designed for professionals who need reliable, high-strength parts without the complexity of metal printing, PET CF opens new possibilities for durable, functional prototypes and production-ready components—right from your Ultimaker S7 or S5.

What is PET CF?

Ultimaker PET CF is a carbon fiber-reinforced engineering thermoplastic, combining the ease-of-use of PET with the superior stiffness and strength of carbon fibers. It prints reliably on Ultimaker machines using the hardened CC print core, and delivers:

• High strength-to-weight ratio

• Excellent dimensional accuracy

• Heat and chemical resistance

• Low moisture absorption compared to nylon-based composites

• Minimal warping and outstanding layer adhesion

This makes it an ideal material for demanding environments and mechanically loaded parts.

Key Benefits of PET CF

Stronger Than Standard Plastics
PET CF offers enhanced tensile strength and rigidity, making it ideal for structural parts that need to hold their shape under stress or pressure.

Prints Clean, Finishes Clean
With minimal warping and smooth surface finish, PET CF delivers consistent, professional-quality parts with little to no post-processing required.

Resistant to Wear and Weather
With its excellent chemical and UV resistance, PET CF performs reliably in outdoor, mechanical, and industrial settings—perfect for jigs, brackets, housings, or enclosures.

Optimized for Ultimaker Ecosystem
PET CF is fully integrated into the Ultimaker Cura slicer with tested profiles, works seamlessly with Breakaway support, and delivers plug-and-play performance when used with Ultimaker’s hardened CC print cores.

Real-World Possibilities with PET CF

From the workshop floor to the production line, Ultimaker PET CF is unlocking new applications across industries:

Tooling & Fixtures: PET CF is rigid enough to withstand repeated mechanical loads—ideal for jigs, fixtures, clamps, and templates used in assembly lines or test environments.

Functional Prototypes: Design and test load-bearing or high-precision parts that mimic the mechanical behavior of injection-molded or metal alternatives.

End-Use Parts: For low-volume production, PET CF is tough enough for functional brackets, equipment housings, or even robotic components.

Automotive & Industrial Components: With its resistance to chemicals, wear, and high temperatures, PET CF is suited for harsh industrial applications, including under-hood or factory floor conditions.

A Smarter Alternative to Metal

While metal printing still has its place, PET CF provides a cost-effective, office-friendly alternative—no debinding, no sintering, no outsourcing. It’s the perfect middle ground for parts that are too demanding for standard filaments but don’t require full metal strength.

Combined with Ultimaker’s intuitive hardware and software ecosystem, PET CF enables rapid production without compromising durability or precision.

Conclusion: Strong. Reliable. Ready for Industry.

Ultimaker PET CF is more than just another filament—it’s a gateway to industrial-grade performance for design engineers, product developers, and manufacturers. By combining high strength, clean printability, and professional finish, it turns your Ultimaker into a true production tool—capable of creating end-use, load-bearing parts, whenever and wherever you need them.

Discover the power of PET CF. Strong like carbon. Simple like plastic. Only with Ultimaker.

In today’s fast-moving world of 3D printing, choosing the right printer is about more than specs—it’s about reliability, precision, and results. Whether you’re designing for industry or innovating at home, Ultimaker stands out as the trusted platform for professionals and passionate makers alike.

From global engineering teams to dedicated hobbyists in garages and workshops, Ultimaker has earned its reputation as the gold standard in desktop 3D printing. Here’s why.

1. Precision You Can Rely On

Professional engineers demand accuracy, and Ultimaker delivers. With layer resolutions as fine as 20 microns and tight dimensional tolerances, Ultimaker printers like the S7 and S5 are built to produce repeatable, high-quality results—ideal for everything from precision prototypes to end-use components.

For serious hobbyists, this means no more trial-and-error frustration. With Ultimaker, you get parts that print right the first time.

2. Seamless Hardware & Software Integration

Ultimaker Cura, the world’s most popular 3D printing slicer, is designed to work hand-in-hand with Ultimaker hardware. Cura’s pre-configured print profiles, intuitive interface, and advanced customizability make it easy for beginners to start printing—while giving professionals the control they need to fine-tune performance.

The result? A fully optimized workflow that saves time, reduces print failure, and boosts productivity.

3. Open Material Platform with Industrial-Grade Choices

Ultimaker supports a wide range of engineering-grade materials—including PLA, Tough PLA, PETG, Nylon, CPE, PC, and carbon fiber-reinforced filaments. Unlike closed systems, Ultimaker’s open material platform empowers users to work with both Ultimaker-certified filaments and trusted third-party brands.

This flexibility allows engineers to match material properties to their application needs—while hobbyists can experiment freely with cutting-edge materials.

4. Built for Reliability and Long-Term Use

Ultimaker printers are engineered for durability. With features like automatic bed leveling, filament flow sensors, hardened print cores, and cloud monitoring, they’re built to handle long prints, complex jobs, and real production demands.

For professionals, that means less downtime and more output. For hobbyists, it’s the peace of mind that your next big project won’t fail halfway through.

5. A Trusted Global Community

Ultimaker is more than a machine—it’s a movement. With a worldwide network of users, forums, and support, professionals and hobbyists alike benefit from a community that shares knowledge, tips, and inspiration.

From aerospace engineers to makers building drones, robotics, or cosplay, Ultimaker connects people with the same passion: turning ideas into reality.

Conclusion: A Platform That Grows With You

Ultimaker is not just a printer—it’s a professional-grade tool that evolves with your skills and ambitions. Whether you’re building the next generation of products or perfecting a passion project at home, Ultimaker offers the performance, flexibility, and reliability to make it happen.

Serious about innovation? So is Ultimaker.