The S7, the primary 3D printer from the joint Ultimaker and MakerBot model, builds on options and reliability of the S5, whereas hinting at issues to return
The launch of the UltiMaker S7 3D printer offers us the primary glimpse of the cooperation being solid since desktop additive manufacturing stalwarts MakerBot and Ultimaker merged final 12 months.
An up to date model of the favored Ultimaker S5, the present mannequin that’s reportedly in use by over 25,000 prospects, the brand new mannequin within the FDM ‘S’ vary permits customers to capitalise on the big 330 x 240 x 300mm construct quantity.
The S7 introduces a variety of latest options designed for ease of use and print reliability. A brand new versatile construct plate makes eradicating prints a breeze and the built-in air filter is claimed to take away as much as 95 per cent of UFPs and improves temperature regulation. The S7 additionally options improved automated mattress leveling for dependable first-layer adhesion.
Talking to UltiMaker CTO Miguel Calvo, he explains that whereas the bottom electronics are acquainted to that of an S5, the brand new mannequin has been absolutely loaded with new sensors and tweaks to verify each print is correct first time.
“It’s basically the identical electronics,” says Calvo, “However within the S7, we have now extra sensors. For instance, we have now a construct plate presence sensor; we have now a brand new sensor within the fan bracket, so if the fan brackets open, you possibly can’t set off a print, as a result of we see [that] within the information and within the assist calls. It’s person error, proper? Someone forgot to shut the fan bracket, however you could possibly set off a print so we put a sensor in there, once more, upping the reliability.
“We’re making it ‘failsafe’ as a lot as we will by including the sensors.”
Additional wizards and walkthroughs with picture guides have been added too, so if errors are encountered, the person can rapidly work to unravel the difficulty with the 3D Printer’s steering.
One of many key attracts of the 3D printer will likely be its compatibility with the UltiMaker ecosystem of over 200 supplies, together with these from third events together with Polymaker, whose advertising and marketing supervisor claims of all of the ecosystems out there, “the UltiMaker ecosystem is essentially the most complete”.
All UltiMaker merchandise will function utilizing Cura software program, which we’re informed has seen additional enter from the US-based MakerBot facet of the deal, and the printer firmware has additionally obtained a well timed replace.
“Cura’s the lead software program, it’s the correct software program to make use of for an Ultimaker, you’ll solely get the perfect print high quality, reliability and all that type of good things utilizing Cura, and Cura stays open supply and we’re devoted to persevering with that growth,” explains Calvo.
An S7 Professional Bundle permits customers to pair the S7 with the UltiMaker Materials Station to print with as much as six spools with computerized materials switching and humidity management.
“The UltiMaker S7 is a improbable addition to our S-Collection of printers,” mentioned UltiMaker CEO Nadav Goshen. “As extra prospects are utilizing 3D printing to develop and innovate their enterprise, our aim is to offer them with a whole answer to achieve success.
“With the brand new S7, prospects may be setup and operating in minutes: managing printers, customers, and designs with our Digital Manufacturing facility software program, enhancing their 3D printing data with e-learning programs on the UltiMaker Academy, and selecting from a whole bunch of supplies and plugins utilizing the UltiMaker Cura Market.”
The place the S7 will in the end sit within the mixed UltiMaker product line remains to be a degree of intrigue. Calvo explains that the S7 is “prime of the road within the S-line”, however the place this positions the Methodology line-up of 3D printers from the MakerBot heritage is much less sure, and the way shut the UltiMaker line will likely be allowed to encroach on Stratasys’ F123 vary is but to be acknowledged.
For now, the S7 appears like a 3D printer seeking to cement its standing because the desktop FDM unit of alternative, with its slither of automation, software program management and now improved US assist from the MakerBot gross sales teams, it ought to supply a greater proposition for a lot of design studios and workshops than nearly all of its rivals.
Nevertheless, a lot of that can depend upon what the brand new branding provides to the price. We weren’t supplied any numbers at time of press, however with an S5 Professional bundle weighing-in north of £10k, we’re acutely aware that at a time of cost-cutting and frugality within the trade, the S7 may want to make use of a few of these new sensors to really feel its approach out onto a market that UltiMaker tells us is so clearly saturated of S5 fashions.
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