UltiMaker S7, the First FDM 3D Printer From the Merger of Ultimaker and Makerbot
FDM technology is one of the most widely used processes in the 3D printing industry, favored in particular for its ease of use and accessibility. Many companies have had an impact on this market, and among the most influential players are Makerbot and Ultimaker. So it was surprising news when we learned last year that the two pioneers of the desktop filament extrusion industry were merging to make way for the UltiMaker brand. Since last May, we’ve been eagerly awaiting the next steps in this merger, curious about how it would affect the world of additive manufacturing. And this first step is now official: UltiMaker is launching a new FDM machine, the S7, which, at first glance, seems to be an improvement on its big sister, the Ultimaker S5.
According to UltiMaker, this FDM machine is designed to speed up the production of parts, while offering a wide choice of materials. Like the Ultimaker S5, the 3D printer is compatible with more than 200 materials, including standard plastics (PLA, ABS, PP …), elastomers such as TPE, TPU, as well as more technical filaments (PC, PETG, POM …). In terms of design, the two printers have many similarities, in particular with their closed chamber equipped with a glass door. They also have the same printing volume of 330 x 240 x 300 mm. As for the size of the S7, it measures 495 x 585 x 780 mm for a weight of 29,1 kg.
Photo credits : UltiMaker
The UltiMaker S7, Version 2.0 Of The S5
The UltiMaker S7 does not revolutionize the additive manufacturing sector. In terms of features, the FDM 3D printer is very similar to its big sister, the S5: dual extrusion, automatic platen calibration, end-of-filament detection and interchangeable print cores. In short, the machine was designed to be like the S5, but better. That’s something the team made very clear, with Nadav Goshen, CEO of UltiMaker, explaining, ““Over 25,000 customers innovate with the UltiMaker S5 every day, making the award-winning machine one of the market’s most used professional 3D printers. With the S7, we took everything our customers loved about the S5 and made it even better.” In terms of print speed, the UltiMaker S7 can print up to 24 mm3 per second. Meanwhile, the flexible print tray can reach a temperature of 140°C and makes it easy to remove parts once they are ready. Finally, the 3D printer is equipped with a new Air Manager that can filter up to 95% of ultra fine particles emitted during the manufacturing process.
When it opens, the machine is equipped with Cura software for print preparation and Connect software for managing the 3D printer. A 1080p camera is also integrated into the 3D printer to monitor the manufacturing process in real time. You can also equip it with the Pro Bundle in order to integrate the UltiMaker Material Station solution, a compartment that is added under the machine to automatically change filaments and better control humidity.
The logo on the machine is surprising: Ultimaker and not UltiMaker. Do we take that to mean that the developments were already well underway before the merger? Granted, this doesn’t change the characteristics of the 3D printer, but it’s certainly interesting to consider. In any case, we have been able to get our hands on the UltiMaker S7, offering the perfect opportunity to share our first impressions, as well as a detailed review on the company’s first machine. Stay tuned! For more information on the UltiMaker S7, click HERE.
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*Cover photo credits : 3Dnatives
