UltiMaker 2+ Connect Reviews: See Why 0 Shoppers Rated It 0 Stars!

UltiMaker 2+ Connect Review: A Robust Choice in Professional 3D Printing

The UltiMaker 2+ Connect stands out in the competitive landscape of professional and educational 3D printers, designed primarily for intermediate to expert users. Released in 2020, this FDM/FFF printer caters to a versatile range of applications, including prototyping, engineering, and miniatures, making it a serious contender for those seeking reliability and precision. Its prebuilt assembly and compact footprint reflect a user-centric design tailored to streamline professional workflows. Overall, the feature set and specifications position it as a durable and capable device for businesses and educational institutions aiming for quality additive manufacturing.

Detailed Specs & Features of the UltiMaker 2+ Connect

On paper, the printer type specifies FDM/FFF technology, indicating a widely trusted extrusion method allowing for a broad choice of materials. The 1-year warranty assures new users investing in their first professional printer. The build volume, with a width of 8.7 inches, depth of 8.6 inches, and height of 8 inches, offers a sizeable 622.1 cubic inches of creative space, enough for most small to medium prototypes.

Balanced with a modest printer footprint of approximately 13.5 by 18.1 by 22.8 inches and a weight of 22.7 pounds, this machine manages to optimize space for busy work environments without sacrificing build capabilities. The engineering data explains the 100-240 Volt power supply voltage, making it compatible with various international power standards, and the 221 Watts power consumption during operation ensures energy efficiency balanced with performance.

Thanks to an energy-saving mode and a low idle power consumption of 10 Watts, this device asserts itself as an environmentally considerate option in terms of running costs. Material support stands out with compatible filaments such as PLA, ABS, PETG, Nylon, TPU, PP, ASA, and CPE. Being able to work with the industry-standard 2.85 mm filament diameter widens accessibility to third-party materials and biocompatible options, which is particularly relevant for professional and educational users who value material versatility. The single extruder, with a Bowden drive system and a quick-swap nozzle feature, supports a wide temperature range, reaching up to 500°F at the extruder and 230°F at the heated bed, enabling printing of advanced engineering plastics.

User Experience & Performance (Based on Specs)

Design & Build

In daily use scenarios, the Cartesian frame type and open enclosure facilitate easier access to prints and maintenance. While it lacks an automatic bed leveling system, the manual calibration paired with the inclusion of a smooth, removable glass build plate ensures stable adhesion through glue-based methods. The footprint and weight make it both portable and stable, with 22.7 pounds being manageable for setting up small professional spaces. The printer's dimensions contribute to minimal space requirement ratings, making it efficient for limited desk areas. Additionally, onboard lighting and a built-in camera add convenience for real-time monitoring and quality control.

Performance

The official max print speed of 150 mm/s, paired with a minimum layer resolution of 20 microns, supports highly detailed parts. Print recovery and filament runout sensors reduce risk during long runs, and the capability to run continuous print jobs up to 72 hours draws confidence in this device's handling of professional workloads. The operating and idle noise levels hover around 50 dB, a reasonable figure for office or educational contexts where noise can be a distraction.

Connectivity & Software

The machine's connectivity is a major plus, offering Wi-Fi, LAN, USB, and cloud options, enabling seamless integration with varied workflow environments. Remote monitoring and cloud-based software, along with supported file formats like STL, OBJ, and G-code, deliver flexibility in print management. Features such as multi-printer fleet control and remote firmware updates emphasize the printer's suitability for environments where managing multiple units efficiently is critical. The support for Cura and a mobile app further streamlines the user experience by providing intuitive slicing and printing control.

Safety & Compliance

Safety-wise, the printer ticks many regulatory boxes, carrying comprehensive certifications such as CE, FCC, RoHS, and more. The inclusion of an emergency stop button and overheat protection provides peace of mind in operational safety. While it does not have an enclosure lock or child safety mode, the robust sensor systems for filament jam detection and print log storage enhance error detection and recovery, critical for professional reliability.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Versatile filament compatibility, including biocompatible materials
• Robust connectivity options with cloud and remote monitoring
• Effective print recovery and filament runout sensors for reduced failures
• Energy-efficient operation with a dedicated saving mode

Cons

• Manual bed leveling instead of an automatic system
• Single extruder limits multi-material printing capability
• No filament dry box or auto-loading features

Price & Value for Money

With a price tag of $2887.5 at MatterHackers, this printer positions itself firmly within the mid-to-high-end segment for small professional 3D printers. Given its one-year warranty and impressive power consumption efficiency, the pricing aligns well with what it delivers. Users who require a reliable build volume near 8.7 by 8.6 by 8 inches, coupled with advanced connectivity and print recovery features, will find a good balance between price and performance. However, those prioritizing multi-material capability or automatic bed leveling might find better value elsewhere.

Quick Take

In short, the UltiMaker 2+ Connect offers a compelling mix of professional-grade printing precision and robust connectivity, tailored for intermediate users stepping up their production. If we look at the numbers alone, it balances build volume, energy efficiency, and material compatibility strongly, supporting a productive and streamlined print workflow. It's a versatile tool well worth considering for educational institutions and engineering prototyping where consistent quality matters.

Closing Recommendation

The UltiMaker 2+ Connect may be ideal for users and businesses needing a reliable, well-supported 3D printer without the complications of multi-extruder setups. It appears to perform best for environments valuing streamlined remote control and good material flexibility, but that can manage with manual calibration. This product helps users achieve quality outcomes in professional and educational settings, backed by solid safety and energy credentials.

Verdict

Rating: Based on the specifications and overall feature set, we believe UltiMaker 2+ Connect deserves 4.3 out of 5.

• Winner Feature => Strong connectivity suite with cloud and remote management integration.
• Needs Improvement => Manual bed leveling and limitation to a single extruder constrain ease of use and versatility.