The Ultimaker S5 is an industrial desktop 3D printer. It is an FDM (fused deposition modeling) 3D printer created by Dutch company Ultimaker, a pioneer and respected authority in the field of 3D printing. The S5 comes after the Ultimaker 3, which came out in 2016. It looks sleek and very professional, and it packs a lot of features and functions. The Ultimaker S5 is known for its excellent print quality and extremely large building volume.

What Does the Ultimaker S5 Do?

The Ultimaker S5 is an all-in-one 3D printing solution for industrial users. To create 3D images, follow the steps below: 

  1. First, create the model using CAD (computer-aided design). Once done, proceed to slicing it. Do not forget to optimize the settings. When it’s ready, send the material to the printer. You can do this remotely.
  2. Second, print the material. Just wait for the printer to finish. The Ultimaker S5 can be left unattended. It will continue working even without manual supervision.

Aside from prototypes, the Ultimaker S5 can also create 3D images of end-use parts and manufacturing tools. Its large build capacity is essential in delivering functional and accurate industrial-grade prototypes and parts. It is also easy-to-use, mostly because of its touchscreen interface. The Ultimaker S5 is also capable of printing multiple materials including the geometries and surfaces. 

 A desktop version of the device is also available. You can put it in your home or at the office, right on top of the desk. Although it’s not lightweight or small, it can sit comfortably on a sturdy table. 

The Ultimaker S5’s Features, Specifications, and Functions

  • Exceptionally large build space or volume at 330x240x300mm
  • Touchscreen
  • It’s an FDM (fused deposition modeling) 3D printer
  • Multi-material and remote printing through Ultimaker Cura (3D printing software)
  • Dual-extrusion print head
  • Build plate: heated aluminum/heated glass
  • Tough PLA, PVA, Nylon, PP, CPE, TPU 95A, Breakaway, and CPE+-optimized
  • Feeder is resistant to abrasion
  • Feeder is also dual-geared
  • It comes with two free software: Ultimaker Cura (for printing preparation) and Cura Connect (for printer management)
  • Compatible with Linux, Windows, and MacOS
  • Technical support is lifetime, with a 12-month warranty

Ultimaker S5 is trusted by some of the best brands in the world, including Volkswagen, Ford, Decathlon, L’Oreal, Zeiss, and Siemens. 

What is 3D Printing?

The images created in 3D printing are three-dimensional, which means they are solid and real. You can hold them, place them in the palm of your hands, or display them on your office table. In other words, a 3D printer produces a physical material. 

The 3D printing process begins with the creation of a 3D model. There are tools available online that you can use for making one. Another option is to use a 3D library. 

After the model is completed, the slicing process starts. This is where a 3D model is “sliced” into different (multiple) layers. When done, the model is ready for feeding into the 3D printer. The printer will then start printing the file layer-by-layer.

Aside from the industrial field, other sectors and professions that benefit from 3D printing include architecture (for the scaling of models), forensic pathology (in replicating evidence), dental care, consumer products, prosthetics, prop-making (for movies), and paleontology (for reconstructing or reproducing fossils and ancient artifacts).