In a breakthrough that’s reshaping the limits of desktop 3D printing, Ultimaker has launched its new Metal Expansion Kit, bringing true metal part production to its professional line of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printers. This innovation positions Ultimaker as the only FDM machine in the world with a complete, certified solution for metal printing—on the same platform trusted by engineers and designers globally.

Real Metal Printing. Now on Your Desktop.

Traditionally, metal 3D printing has been exclusive to large-format, high-cost systems like DMLS or SLM, with complex setup, expensive materials, and high barriers to entry. Ultimaker changes this landscape by offering a cost-effective, office-friendly solution for metal part fabrication—using standard FDM technology.

With the Ultimaker Metal Expansion Kit, users can now print in stainless steel (17-4 PH and 316L) directly from their S5 or S7 machines, turning accessible 3D printers into powerful tools for:

• Functional prototypes

• Tooling and fixtures

• End-use mechanical components

• Corrosion-resistant or high-strength applications

How It Works

The Ultimaker metal printing workflow is designed for simplicity and professional results:

1. Print metal-loaded filament using a compatible Ultimaker printer.

2. Debind and sinter the printed part through an approved post-processing partner.

3. Receive a fully dense, functional metal part—all without investing in high-end metal additive machines.

The kit includes:

• BASF Ultrafuse® 17-4 PH and 316L filaments

• Print cores, hardened nozzles, and support materials

• Access to slicing profiles in Ultimaker Cura

• Integration with debinding/sintering services via BASF’s network

What Makes Ultimaker Unique?

Ultimaker is the first and only company to offer a certified, end-to-end metal FDM workflow that combines:

• Trusted desktop printers (Ultimaker S5 / S7)

• Advanced material science from BASF

• Seamless software integration (Ultimaker Cura)

• Commercial post-processing partnerships

This plug-and-play approach democratizes access to metal printing without compromising quality or safety. It’s a game-changer for:

• Engineering departments needing quick-turn metal parts

• R&D teams testing prototypes under real-world conditions

• Manufacturers building low-volume custom tooling or jigs

Benefits of Ultimaker Metal Printing

• Lower cost of entry vs. industrial metal printers

• Compact and safe for office or lab environments

• Material flexibility — print plastic and metal on the same machine

• Easy integration with established debinding and sintering workflows

• High strength and durability with genuine stainless steel parts

A New Era of Possibility

Ultimaker’s metal filament offering represents a bold leap forward in the world of accessible 3D manufacturing. By merging material innovation, intelligent software, and hardware versatility, Ultimaker now empowers users to do what was once impossible: print real metal parts, affordably and efficiently—on the same FDM printer they already trust.

This is not just an upgrade. It’s a revolution.

As 3D printing technology continues to evolve, users are often faced with the choice between two common filament diameters: 1.75mm and 2.85mm. While both have their merits, 2.85mm filament—especially popular in European and industrial-grade printers—offers a unique set of advantages that make it a strong contender for professionals and serious hobbyists alike.

1. Improved Dimensional Stability
One of the key benefits of 2.85mm filament is its increased rigidity and structural consistency. The thicker diameter means the filament is less likely to flex or bend during feeding, which reduces the chances of tangling or uneven extrusion. This leads to more consistent prints with fewer print failures due to filament path issues.

2. More Reliable Extrusion at Higher Speeds
For high-speed or large-scale printing, 2.85mm filament has a clear edge. Because of its larger cross-sectional area, it can deliver more material per unit length. This allows printers with properly tuned hot ends to extrude faster without sacrificing layer adhesion or surface quality, making it ideal for rapid prototyping and industrial applications.

3. Reduced Risk of Clogging
Due to its wider diameter, 2.85mm filament typically passes through the extruder more easily and with less resistance compared to its thinner counterpart. This can reduce the likelihood of clogs, especially when printing with abrasive or composite materials like carbon fiber-reinforced filaments.

4. Better for Large Nozzle Printing
When using larger nozzle sizes (e.g., 0.6mm, 0.8mm, or higher), 2.85mm filament offers a better match in terms of flow rate. The filament’s higher throughput capability complements larger nozzles, enabling users to print thicker layers and more robust parts faster and more efficiently.

5. Common in Professional and Industrial Machines
Many well-regarded 3D printer manufacturers such as Ultimaker and BCN3D design their machines to use 2.85mm filament. These printers are often built with more precise extrusion systems, optimized for performance with the thicker filament size. Users of such systems enjoy seamless integration and a wide range of material compatibility from trusted brands.

Final Thoughts
While 1.75mm filament remains more common in consumer-grade printers, 2.85mm filament offers superior extrusion control, reliability, and speed—particularly for demanding or high-volume applications. If you’re using a compatible printer or considering an upgrade, the shift to 2.85mm filament could significantly enhance your 3D printing workflow.

Whether you’re a prototyping engineer, an educator, or a serious maker, 2.85mm filament delivers a professional edge worth exploring.

In the world of 3D printing, the quality of your filament is just as crucial as the performance of your printer. When you’re using a high-performance machine like an Ultimaker, it only makes sense to pair it with materials engineered specifically for it. Here’s why genuine Ultimaker filaments should always be your first choice.

1. Optimized for Perfect Compatibility

Ultimaker filaments are designed and tested to work seamlessly with Ultimaker printers. From extrusion temperature settings to print profiles, every spool is engineered for plug-and-play performance with your printer. This ensures maximum reliability, minimal tweaking, and fewer failed prints—saving time, material, and frustration.

2. Superior Print Quality

When you use genuine Ultimaker filaments, you get precision-formulated materials that deliver consistently high print quality. Whether you’re printing functional prototypes, aesthetic models, or end-use parts, Ultimaker materials offer:

• Consistent diameter and roundness

• Minimal warping and shrinkage

• Excellent layer adhesion

• Reliable mechanical properties

This means sharper details, smoother finishes, and stronger parts every time.

3. Built-In NFC and Print Profiles

Ultimaker filaments come with built-in NFC chips that communicate with your Ultimaker printer. The printer automatically detects the material type and loads the optimized print settings—temperature, speed, cooling, and more—reducing setup time and human error.

In addition, Ultimaker Cura includes pre-configured material profiles for each filament type, eliminating guesswork and allowing users to start printing confidently straight out of the box.

4. Wide Range of Materials for Professional Applications

Ultimaker offers a comprehensive selection of filaments to meet a wide variety of application needs, including:

• PLA and Tough PLA for easy prototyping

• Nylon, CPE, and PETG for durable, functional parts

• PC, TPU, and PP for industry-specific solutions

• Third-party material integration via the Ultimaker Material Alliance

This diverse portfolio empowers engineers, designers, educators, and manufacturers to choose the right material for every job—without compromising on reliability.

5. Trusted Quality, Backed by R&D

Every spool of Ultimaker filament is manufactured with strict quality control standards and backed by rigorous testing. This ensures you get consistent results from batch to batch. Ultimaker’s in-house R&D teams work continuously to improve material formulations based on real-world feedback, innovation, and evolving industry demands.

6. Avoid the Hidden Costs of Non-Genuine Filament

Using third-party or low-cost filaments might seem economical, but it can introduce:

• Inconsistent results and failed prints

• Increased machine wear or clogs

• Time-consuming troubleshooting

• Voided warranties or support limitations

Ultimately, the hidden costs outweigh the savings. With genuine Ultimaker filament, you get peace of mind, performance, and support—all included.

Conclusion

When precision, reliability, and performance matter, choosing genuine Ultimaker filaments is the smart decision. Designed specifically for Ultimaker printers and backed by a global reputation for quality, these materials empower users to print with confidence, efficiency, and professional results—every time.