UltiMaker 3 Extended Reviews: See Why 0 Shoppers Rated It 0 Stars!

UltiMaker 3 Extended Review: A Professional-Grade 3D Printer for Advanced Users

When diving into professional 3D printing, the UltiMaker 3 Extended shows itself as a serious contender. Released in 2016, this printer is designed specifically for intermediate to professional users who demand reliable prototyping and multi-material capabilities. Built to handle complex projects with a robust FDM/FFF printer type and dual extruders, it promises impressive precision and versatility based on its in-depth specification sheet. But does it really live up to what its specs suggest for the modern 3D printing landscape? Let's break it down.

Detailed Specs & Features

On paper, the UltiMaker 3 Extended offers a substantial build volume of 13.87 liters with dimensions that accommodate larger prints: an 8.46-inch width and depth, and an 11.81-inch height. This sizable build capacity enables printing of large parts or multiple smaller pieces in a single run, which is very useful for prototyping purposes. The dual extrusion system is another highlight.

Sporting two extruders with a standard nozzle diameter of 0.4mm and optional nozzles down to 0.25mm or up to 0.8mm, it facilitates detailed prints and multi-material projects. This system supports a range of filament types, including PLA, ABS, PETG, Nylon, PVA, PC, and ASA, making it compatible with both standard and specialty materials, including biocompatible filaments; a definite plus for medical or bespoke prototyping work. The UltiMaker runs on a 100-240 volt external power supply, consuming a moderate 221 watts during operation.

Although it lacks an energy-saving mode, the printer keeps an operating temperature range of 59-89.6°F and humidity tolerance between 10-90%, accommodating diverse working environments. The resolution specs stand out with a minimum layer height of 20 microns, which supports very high print accuracy, as reflected in the 20 micron print accuracy. This fine performance complements the printer's auto bed leveling and filament runout sensor, both of which increase print reliability and reduce failures.

Connectivity also gets a modern touch with options including USB, Wi-Fi, and LAN, supporting remote monitoring and cloud integration that many professional setups require. This makes real-time print management and data control accessible from anywhere, a feature boosted by the inclusion of a built-in camera for print monitoring.

User Experience & Performance (Based on Specs)

Design & Build

The UltiMaker 3 Extended is powered by a Cartesian frame that assures sturdy and precise movements. The printer is relatively large, standing 27.09 inches tall and weighing nearly 25 lbs, which emphasizes its stability. It has an open enclosure, so it lacks temperature isolation, but features a glass build plate with a smooth surface that's removable for easy part extraction. Setup requires no assembly since it ships prebuilt, which is a great relief for professional users eager to start printing immediately.

Performance

Performance-wise, the UltiMaker boasts an official max print speed of 300 mm/s, which is brisk for an FDM printer of its class. The print quality rating of 8 out of 10 indicates excellent surface finishes and detail fidelity. Its Bowed extruder drive system, combined with quick-swap nozzles, helps maintain uptime and versatility. Plus, features like print recovery and spaghetti detection minimize wasted prints, improving overall efficiency and user satisfaction.

Camera / Display / Audio Quality

Although lacking a large touchscreen display, the printer includes a small 2.1-inch screen and a notably useful built-in camera with chamber lighting in white mode. This allows users to visually monitor jobs without interrupting the printing environment, which enhances operational confidence, especially when working remotely. The operating noise level of roughly 50 dB is moderate, making it suitable for office or studio settings without being disruptive.

Extra Features

Extra perks such as power loss recovery, filament sensors, and extensive cloud-based software support, including fleet management and remote firmware updates, all underline the printer's professional pedigree. Moreover, it has a CE safety certification and comes with a 1-year warranty, reassuring users of its reliability and quality control.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Impressive dual-extruder setup supporting multi-material printing with easy nozzle swaps
• Large build volume with high print accuracy and solid reliability features, including filament sensors and print recovery
• Comprehensive connectivity options alongside real-time cloud monitoring and remote control capabilities
• Prebuilt for convenience with solid build and user-desired software ecosystem (Cura supported)

Cons

• Lacks an energy-saving mode, which might increase operational costs over long use
• Open frame design without a heated chamber limits high-temperature material printing stability
• Relatively modest warranty period of 1 year compared to some competitors

Price & Value For Money

At $5090 at MatterHackers, the UltiMaker 3 Extended sits at a premium price point for FDM printers. Given its 1-year warranty period, professional-grade features, and a robust print quality rating, this pricing feels justified for users who prioritize reliability, precision, and multi-material flexibility. That said, budget-conscious buyers or casual users may find more cost-effective alternatives, but for businesses and pros needing high uptime with advanced features, this machine offers dependable value.

Quick Take

In short, the UltiMaker 3 Extended is a solid choice for professional users requiring a large build volume and dual extrusion for complex, multi-material prototypes. If we look at the numbers alone, its precision specs, connectivity, and reliability features present a competitive package worth the investment for serious 3D printing tasks.

Closing Recommendation

This printer may be ideal for design studios, engineering teams, or educational labs aiming to scale up production with fine resolution and multi-material prints. It appears to perform best in environments where print reliability and remote management are critical. The absence of some energy-saving features suggests it's best suited to settings where consistent operation justifies electricity use and maintenance.

Verdict

Rating: Based on the specifications and overall feature set, we believe UltiMaker 3 Extended deserves 4.4 out of 5.

• Winner Feature => Dual-extruder system with quick-swap nozzles enabling flexible multi-material printing.
• Needs Improvement => Lack of enclosure and energy-saving modes limits some material versatility and efficiency.