The UltiMaker S3 introduces a powerful yet compact 3D printing solution designed for the modern classroom and technical lab. It provides a highly reliable and easy-to-use platform that fits comfortably on a desktop. This machine is engineered for educators and students who need to create complex, high-strength parts using a wide range of materials, including advanced glass and carbon fiber composites. The core benefit of the S3 lies in its dual-extrusion system, which allows for printing with both a primary build material and a water-soluble support material. This capability removes significant design constraints, enabling the creation of intricate geometries and functional prototypes that were previously difficult to achieve. It is an ideal tool for bringing complex engineering and design concepts to life with minimal operational complexity.
Using the UltiMaker S3 helps students develop critical skills in digital fabrication and engineering design. The printer serves as a hands-on tool for learning about the principles of additive manufacturing, from material properties to the mechanics of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). Students gain practical experience with CAD-to-print workflows, learning how to prepare digital models for printing using software like UltiMaker Cura. Key applications in an educational setting include rapid prototyping for iterative design projects, creating custom lab equipment, producing architectural models, and fabricating functional mechanical parts. The ability to work with composite materials also introduces students to advanced material science, preparing them for industry-standard manufacturing processes.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product dimensions | 394 x 489 x 637 mm (15.5 x 19.3 x 25.1 inches) |
| Product weight | 14.4 kg (31.7 lbs) |
| Applicable education levels | High School (CTE), Higher Education, Vocational Training |
| Build volume | 230 x 190 x 200 mm (9 x 7.4 x 7.9 inches) |
| Print technology | Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) |
| Compatible filament diameter | 2.85 mm |
| Maximum power output | 350 W |
| Layer resolution | 0.25 mm nozzle: 150 – 60 micron 0.4 mm nozzle: 200 – 20 micron 0.6 mm nozzle: 300 – 20 micron 0.8 mm nozzle: 600 – 20 micron |
| XYZ resolution | 6.9, 6.9, 2.5 micron |
| Feeder type | Dual-geared feeder, reinforced for composite materials |
| Display | 4.7-inch (11.9 cm) color touchscreen |
| Print core | Swappable print cores |
| Print head | Dual extrusion print head with auto-nozzle lifting system |
| Nozzle diameters | 0.25 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.8 mm |
| Build speed | < 24 mm³/s |
| Nozzle temperature | 180 – 280 °C |
| Nozzle heat-up time | < 2 minutes |
| Operating sound | < 50 dBA |
| Build plate leveling | Advanced active leveling |
| Build plate | Heated glass build plate (20 – 120 °C) |
| Build plate heat-up time | < 4 minutes (from 20 to 60 °C) |
| Operating ambient temperature | 15 – 32 °C (59 – 90 °F) |
| Non-operating temperature | 0 – 32 °C (32 – 90 °F) |
| Included software | UltiMaker Cura, UltiMaker Digital Factory, UltiMaker Essentials |
| Supported OS | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| Plugin integration | SolidWorks, Siemens NX, Autodesk Inventor |
| Supported file types | STL, OBJ, X3D, 3MF, BMP, GIF, JPG, PNG |
| Printable formats | G, GCODE, GCODE.gz, UFP |
| File transfer methods | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB |
| Certifications | CE, FCC, VPAT, RoHS, REACH, CB, BIS, KC, PSE, RCM, SRRC, MIC, NCC |
Aidex is proud to supply the UltiMaker S3 to learning institutions across the Midwest. We are committed to equipping educators and students in the region with the industry-leading tools they need to succeed in technical and creative fields.
While a formal curriculum is separate, the UltiMaker S3 is a tool that facilitates hands-on learning across several key topics. These include the fundamentals of additive manufacturing, material science for polymers and composites, digital design and CAD modeling, rapid prototyping for engineering challenges, and problem-solving through iterative design and testing.
The target audience includes high school career and technical education (CTE) programs, university engineering and design departments, and research labs. Its combination of ease-of-use and advanced capabilities makes it suitable for students new to 3D printing as well as experienced users needing reliable, high-quality output for complex projects.
The UltiMaker S3 is designed with a hardened-steel feeder gear and swappable CC print cores (available separately) that are resistant to the abrasive nature of composite filaments, such as those reinforced with carbon or glass fibers. This ensures durability and reliable extrusion of these advanced materials for creating strong, stiff parts.
Yes, with the addition of the UltiMaker Metal Expansion Kit, the S3 can be used to create stainless steel parts. The process involves printing a part with Ultrafuse 17-4 PH filament, followed by a professional debinding and sintering process to transform the “green” part into a dense metal component.
The dual extrusion system allows the printer to use two different materials in a single print job. This is most powerfully used for printing with a dedicated, water-soluble support material (PVA). The PVA supports complex geometries, overhangs, and internal cavities during printing and can then be simply dissolved in water, leaving a clean, high-quality surface finish on the final part without manual removal.
For more information or to contact Aidex, your Authorized Reseller, call 800-251-9935 or email info@aidex.com.
If your wish list isn’t clear, your dreams won’t be either. When you model thoughtful planning for your CTE program, you’re teaching students how to turn their own dreams into reality.
