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Ultimaker 2+ Connect - Q&A
Product
Why did Ultimaker develop the Ultimaker 2+ Connect?
The Ultimaker 2+ Connect is the successor to the Ultimaker 2+, which has
achieved success in both SMB and higher education. In these environments, we
identified an opportunity for the adoption of our digital workflow. By making
the printer “connected”, we enable customers to enjoy a seamless and more
integrated workflow, allowing them to be more efficient.
Who are the primary target customers for the Ultimaker 2+ Connect?
The Ultimaker 2+ Connect is targeted at two key environments:
• SMB. They can increase product development speed with faster, in-
house prototyping
• Higher education. Particularly in general access labs (makerspaces),
higher education institutes can effectively facilitate multiple students
printing simple applications
In both cases, we see a good fit between the customer’s needs and benefits of
the Ultimaker 2+ Connect.
What are the key benefits of the Ultimaker 2+ Connect?
With the Ultimaker 2+ Connect, customers can start 3D printing the Ultimaker
way. With networking capabilities and a new touchscreen, the Ultimaker 2+
Connect is your reliable first step into our world of easy, remote 3D printing.
This is facilitated by the following key benefits:
• Hit the ground printing. With just three components to assemble, you
can start printing quality 3D prints within 30 minutes. The new color
touchscreen allows anyone to set up and operate the printer.
• High uptime. Low maintenance. Built upon an architecture that has
delivered millions of high-quality prints, the Ultimaker 2+ Connect is a
robust workhorse requiring less than 20 minutes of maintenance per
month.
• Cloud 3D printing built in. Access Ultimaker software to speed up your
design and validation process. Move between software preparation,
hardware production, and cloud monitoring – without the need for
flash storage.
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What are the key features of the Ultimaker 2+ Connect?
The Ultimaker 2+ Connect is the successor to the Ultimaker 2+ and therefore
builds upon an existing product. Nevertheless, new features have been added
to support the key benefits described above.
In summary, these are the key features of the Ultimaker 2+ Connect:
• Network connectivity: Via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, print remotely over the
cloud with added security
• Easy setup: Install the printer in minutes, and
benefit from improved ergonomics and assisted bed leveling
• Next-gen components: A stiffer build platform and rigorously tested
material profiles ensure reliable printing
• Touchscreen: For every action, the 2.4" color touchscreen gives you
intuitive control and assistance
• Easy maintenance: A clean and updated design keeps
maintenance needs to around 20 minutes per month
• Wide material choice: With our open filament system, you can always
find the right material
What are the key features of the Ultimaker 2+ Connect Air Manager?
The optional Ultimaker 2+ Connect Air Manager gives you more confidence and
setup flexibility. Designed to simply and effectively increase user safety, it
removes up to 95% of ultrafine particles (UFPs) and shields users from hot and
moving components.
These are the key features of the Air Manager:
• UFP filtering: For more air quality peace of mind, 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 install multiple
printers in more locations
• Enhanced operator safety: The Ultimaker 2+ Connect Air Manager fully
encloses the build chamber for a more stable printing environment and
to prevent anyone from touching hot and moving components
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Ultimaker 2+
Ultimaker 2+ Connect
Printer
Number of extruders
1
1
Swappable nozzles
√
√
Build volume (mm)
223 x 223 x 205
223 x 220 x 205
Look and feel
Old branding
New branding
User interface
LCD display and dial
Touchscreen
Network connectivity
x
√
Offline printing
SD card
USB stick
Bed leveling
Assisted leveling
Improved assisted leveling
Heated build plate
‘Old’ version
Stiffer build plate
Feeder
‘Old’ version
Ergonomic feeder
Sliding blocks
‘Old’ version
More robust sliding blocks
Stepper drivers
‘Old’ version
More silent stepper drivers
Ecosystem
Ultimaker Cura
√
√
Print profiles
√
√
Ultimaker Digital Factory
x
√
Ultimaker Marketplace
~ 1
√
Material Alliance
x
√ 2
Academy onboarding course
x
√
Add
ons
Front enclosure
√
√ 3
Air Manager
x
√
Comparisons
What are the differences between the Ultimaker 2+ and Ultimaker 2+
Connect?
1) Only software plugins available
2) Available after launch
3) Part of the Ultimaker 2+ Connect Air Manager
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What are the key reasons customers should upgrade from the Ultimaker 2+
to the Ultimaker 2+ Connect?
One of the key benefits of the Ultimaker 2+ Connect is the integrated digital
workflow enabled by the printer's network connectivity. For customers who
want a more efficient workflow, this is one of the key reasons to upgrade. The
Ultimaker 2+ Connect also has several improvements and features that further
facilitate the printer’s high uptime and enable customers to start 3D printing
even faster.
How is the Ultimaker 2+ Connect positioned against the Ultimaker S3 and
Ultimaker S5 Pro Bundle?
The Ultimaker 2+ Connect is the entry model to the Ultimaker ecosystem and
will enable customers to start 3D printing the Ultimaker way. Customers who
want to further professionalize or scale 3D printing in their organization can
scale up to the S-line. The Ultimaker S3 enables professionalization of the
desktop 3D printing workflow and the Ultimaker S5 Pro Bundle enables
customers to scale 3D printing distribution with always-on productivity.
What are the main competitors for the Ultimaker 2+ Connect?
The Ultimaker 2+ Connect will face various competitors in both higher education
and small enterprises. Below are the key competitors per environment.
Higher education
• Raise3D - E2 (€2,499 - education price)
• Dremel - 3D45 (€1,600 / €1,770 - education bundle)
Small enterprises
• MakerBot - Replicator+ (€2,499)
• Raise3D - E2 (€2,999)
• Zortrax - M200 Plus (€2,090 / €2,219 - with HEPA cover)
• Prusa - I3 MK3S (€635 - kit / €825 - assembled)
Why should customers choose the Ultimaker 2+ Connect over these
competitors?
The exact reasons to choose for the Ultimaker 2+ Connect over a specific
competitor differ per competitor. Overall, we can conclude that the main
reasons to choose Ultimaker 2+ Connect include:
• Remote 3D printing via cloud
• A reliable 3D printer with upgraded components, built upon the
Ultimaker 2+’s workhorse reputation
• Freedom for simple applications, facilitated by thorough third-party
materials integration (available after launch)
• Smooth onboarding with a free e-learning introduction in Ultimaker 3D
Printing Academy
For a detailed overview of how the Ultimaker 2+ Connect compares to the
different competitors, refer to the battle card in the sales enablement deck.
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Availability and pricing
What is the recommended retail price of the Ultimaker 2+ Connect?
The MSRP of the Ultimaker 2+ Connect is €2.050 / $2,499.
What is the recommended retail price of the Ultimaker 2+ Connect Air
Manager?
The MSRP of the Ultimaker 2+ Connect Air Manager is €350 / $450.
Is there special pricing for education?
As of writing this document, there is no global special pricing for education. In
case any region-specific promotions will be done in the future, this will be
communicated to our channel partners.
Will the Ultimaker 2+ Connect replace the Ultimaker 2+?
Yes, the Ultimaker 2+ will be phased out as we introduce the Ultimaker 2+
Connect.
Can customers exchange their Ultimaker 2+ for the Ultimaker 2+ Connect?
Ultimaker global does not offer an official policy to exchange an Ultimaker 2+
for an Ultimaker 2+ Connect for these sales situations. If and whether a product
can be exchanged depends on the exchange policy of the specific sales partner
or reseller where it was purchased.
In case the Ultimaker policy would change in the future, this will be
communicated to the channel partners.
Can customers upgrade their Ultimaker 2+ to the Ultimaker 2+ Connect?
No, this is not possible. Although the Ultimaker 2+ Connect is the successor of
the Ultimaker 2+, it consists of different components which can’t be installed in
the Ultimaker 2+.
What is in the box of the Ultimaker 2+ Connect?
3D printer
• Ultimaker 2+ Connect
Accessories
• Glass plate
• Spool holder
• Power adapter and cable
• Ethernet cable
• USB stick
• Calibration card
• 0.4 mm nozzle
Consumables
• PLA Silver Metallic 750 g
• Glue stick
• Oil
• Grease
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Tools
• Hex screwdriver 2 mm
• Hex key 2.5 mm
• Nozzle wrench
• Print head calibration aid
Other
• Quick start guide
• Safety & warranty booklet
What is in the box of the Ultimaker 2+ Connect Air Manager?
• Filter housing
• Filter
• Cover
• Front enclosure
• Air Manager cable
• Quick start guide
Can the front enclosure be ordered separately, just as for the Ultimaker 2+?
No, the front enclosure will only be sold as part of the Ultimaker 2+ Connect Air
Manager.
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Service
What is the warranty period?
We provide a one-year warranty, excluding consumables. If local regulations
require more than one year of warranty, sales partners must adhere to the local
warranty legislations.
Are parts interchangeable between the Ultimaker 2+ Connect and Ultimaker
2+?
There are several parts that are interchangeable between the Ultimaker 2+
Connect and the Ultimaker 2+, such as the hot end, glass plate, and print heads
(although the colors are different). For a full overview of spare part
compatibility, check the compatibility matrix.
Are parts interchangeable between the Ultimaker 2+ Connect and Ultimaker
S3 and S5?
There are several parts interchangeable between the Ultimaker 2+ Connect and
the S-line printers. However, these are mostly smaller parts and consumables,
such as clips, collets, and Bowden tubes. For a full overview of spare part
compatibility, check the compatibility matrix.
Can the bottom cover be opened by customers, or only sales partners?
Customers can open the bottom cover of the Ultimaker 2+ Connect without
concerns for safety, as the printer does not have a built-in power supply.
However, customers are always recommended to contact support before
removing the bottom cover and to take proper precautions against electrostatic
discharge (ESD).
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Technical
The first shipped printers need a firmware update before they can be used.
How can customers do this?
When customers turn on their printer for the first time, a message regarding
the required firmware update will be shown on the display. Users will be asked
to go to ultimaker.com/firmware and select their printer (Ultimaker 2+ Connect),
after which they will be redirected to a dedicated support page with detailed
instructions on how to update the firmware via USB. This process is similar to
updating the firmware via USB on the Ultimaker S3 and S5.
What is the build volume of the Ultimaker 2+ Connect?
The Ultimaker 2+ Connect has a maximum build volume of 223 x 220 x 205 mm
(8.7 x 8.6 x 8 in).
Which nozzles can be used on the Ultimaker 2+ Connect?
The Ultimaker 2+ Connect supports four different nozzle sizes: 0.25, 0.4, 0.6, and
0.8 mm. By default, the printer will come with one 0.4 mm nozzle installed in the
print head and one spare 0.4 mm nozzle in the accessory box.
What are the supported materials?
The Ultimaker 2+ Connect supports the complete Ultimaker material portfolio,
except for the support materials. This means the following materials are
officially supported: PLA, Tough PLA, ABS, Nylon, CPE, CPE+, PC, PP, and TPU
95A. The Ultimaker 2+ Connect also has an open material system and supports
the use of third-party materials.
Will third-party materials from the Ultimaker Material Alliance in the
Ultimaker Marketplace be supported on the Ultimaker 2+ Connect?
Yes, we are working with material companies to have material profiles for the
Ultimaker 2+ Connect available in the Ultimaker Marketplace. Please note that
these will not be available directly at launch, but are expected shortly after.
Can composite materials be used on the Ultimaker 2+ Connect?
No, the Ultimaker 2+ Connect is not compatible with composite materials. For
composite materials, an abrasion resistant nozzle and feeder wheel are needed,
which the Ultimaker 2+ Connect doesn’t have.
What software is compatible with the Ultimaker 2+ Connect?
The Ultimaker 2+ Connect supports the complete Ultimaker software portfolio,
including Ultimaker Cura, Ultimaker Digital Factory, and the Ultimaker
Marketplace. Users can also subscribe to Ultimaker Essentials for additional
benefits dedicated to enterprise stability and control.
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Will the Ultimaker 2+ Connect support all features of these software
products?
In Ultimaker Cura and Ultimaker Marketplace users can benefit from the same
features as with the Ultimaker S-line. In Ultimaker Digital Factory there are
some limitations compared to the Ultimaker S3 and S5. For the Ultimaker 2+
Connect the Ultimaker Digital Factory will focus on remote monitoring and team
sharing, and for Ultimaker Essentials users organizational user management
will be available. This means that queueing, analytics, and the maintenance
schedule are not available for the Ultimaker 2+ Connect.
Is it possible to create a printer group of multiple Ultimaker 2+ Connect
printers in Ultimaker Digital Factory?
No, this is not possible. Although the Ultimaker 2+ Connect can connect to the
network and works with Ultimaker Digital Factory, it can’t be used as a group
host. This means that it can only be used as a standalone printer in Ultimaker
Digital Factory.
Is it possible to print via a local network?
No, the Ultimaker 2+ Connect won’t support LAN printing. Nonetheless, it fully
enables remote 3D printing via cloud.
How does bed leveling work on the Ultimaker 2+ Connect?
The Ultimaker 2+ Connect uses assisted bed leveling, just as the Ultimaker 2+.
However, we have improved the leveling process on the Ultimaker 2+ Connect
so that users can go through the process easier and faster.
Why is the SD card replaced by a USB stick?
For offline printing, we have moved away from the SD card as SD cards are
becoming increasingly uncommon. USB sticks are more commonly used and
therefore more future proof.
Is there NFC detection in the spool holder of the Ultimaker 2+ Connect?
No, the spool holder is like the spool holder of the Ultimaker 2+. As the
Ultimaker 2+ Connect is an entry-level model, it won’t support all the features of
our higher-end products. Customers who want to further professionalize their
desktop 3D printing workflow with features such as NFC can do so with the
Ultimaker S3 and S5.
Will the Ultimaker 2+ Connect use the same swappable nozzles as the
Ultimaker 2+?
Yes, the Ultimaker 2+ Connect builds upon the same architecture as the
Ultimaker 2+, which includes the print head with swappable nozzles. This means
that we can provide a reliable, well-tested single-extrusion experience to our
customers.
Is the feeder of the Ultimaker 2+ Connect the same as the Ultimaker S3 and
S5 feeder?
Although the feeders look similar, they are not entirely the same. The feeders
share the same dimensions, however the Ultimaker 2+ Connect feeder doesn’t
have an abrasion-resistant knurled wheel and flow sensor.
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Are there differences between the print profiles of the Ultimaker 2+ Connect
and Ultimaker 2+?
The Ultimaker 2+ Connect print profiles are like those of the Ultimaker 2+.
However, with the Ultimaker 2+ Connect all the material settings (e.g. nozzle
temperature, bed temperature) are taken from Ultimaker Cura instead of the
printer's firmware.
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Ultimaker 2+ Connect
Air Manager
Ultimaker S5
Air Manager
Powered by printer
√
√
Top cover with fan and filter
√
√
Hinge for top cover
x
√
Fan on/off depending on temp
√
√
Material-specific fan speed
x
√
Filter replacement notification
√ 1
√
% of UFPs filtered
Up to 95%
Up to 95%
Enclosure front side
Separate enclosure (included)
Glass doors on printer
Can custom print profiles for the Ultimaker 2+ be used on the Ultimaker 2+
Connect?
Yes, it is possible to use custom profiles made for the Ultimaker 2+ on the
Ultimaker 2+ Connect. However, we can’t guarantee the same results, as the
printer setup is different.
Is maintenance for the Ultimaker 2+ Connect the same as for the Ultimaker
2+?
Yes, the maintenance schedules for the Ultimaker 2+ and Ultimaker 2+ Connect
are very similar. The only difference is how to clean the feeder, as the Ultimaker
2+ Connect feeder has a closed housing. Check the maintenance instructions on
support.ultimaker.com (available at launch) for more information.
What are the differences between the Ultimaker 2+ Connect and Ultimaker
S5 Air Manager?
Although the Ultimaker 2+ Connect Air Manager offers similar benefits as the
Ultimaker S5 Air Manager, there are some differences between them. The
Ultimaker 2+ Connect Air Manager can be considered as a simpler, less
advanced version of the Ultimaker S5 Air Manager. The overview below shows
the similarities and differences in more detail.
1) Expected after launch
Is the Ultimaker 2+ Connect Air Manager compatible with the Ultimaker 2+?
No, the Air Manager can’t be used on the Ultimaker 2+.
Will the print profiles be different when printing with the Air Manager?
No, the Ultimaker 2+ Connect uses the same print profiles for printing with and
without the Air Manager.
Will the print quality be better with the Air Manager?
Customers can expect the same print quality with the Air Manager as without it.
In some cases, customers may see reduced warping when printing with the Air
Manager because of the enclosed build chamber, but there is no noticeable
effect on the overall print quality.
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