The Ultimaker 2+ is one of the most reliable 3D printers we have tested. The Ultimaker 2+ in our print farm has thousands of hours of print time and is still going strong! But this 3D Printer was launched in 2015, and the technology has fallen behind. The Ultimaker 2+ Connect is a true spiritual successor. But let's take a look at what makes the Ultimaker 2 Plus Connect an upgrade from the Ultimaker 2.
At first glance, you might think the Ultimaker 2+ Connect looks similar to the Ultimaker 2+. However, up close you can clearly see the Connect looks more polished and modern than the 2+ and you can visibly see the new and upgraded features: USB key, WiFi/Ethernet, touchscreen, new feeder, and of course, the option to add an air filter.
During our unboxing we found that this is a ready to print machine and you can start printing within 10-15 minutes or less.
The Ultimaker 2+ set the standard for a reason, so let's take a look at the great features that carried over to the new machine:
Ultimaker seems to have gone with the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" idea and we agree! The Ultimaker 2+ is a workhorse that lasts years (maybe some day we could say it lasts decades), and has been one of our most popular machines. We see this continuing with the Ultimaker 2+ Connect, but with a collection of new features.
The Ultimaker 2+'s rotary dial and SD card is old school cool but in a cloud connected world, the Ultimaker 2+ has fallen behind. The Ultimaker 2+ Connect brings key features from the Ultimaker S line of printers for a more modern, streamlined experience.
The major upgrades on the Ultimaker 2+ Connect include:
These changes make the 2+ Connect easier and safer to use on top of making it cloud compatible.
Like the Ultimaker S3 and S5, the Ultimaker 2+ Connect is fully integrated with Cura's best features and cloud functionality. Trusted by millions of users, Ultimaker Cura is the world’s most popular 3D printing software. But Cura is not the only behind-the scenes benefit. The 2+ Connect also has:
| Spec | Ultimaker 2+ |
Ultimaker 2+ Connect |
|---|---|---|
| Build volume | 223mm x 223mm x 205mm | 223 mm x 220mm x 205mm |
| Heated build plate | Up to 100C | Up to 110C |
| Nozzle compatibility |
0.25m, 0.4mm, 0.6mm, 0.8mm |
0.25m, 0.4mm, 0.6mm, 0.8mm |
| Build plate leveling | User assisted | User assisted |
| Z-stage | Old design | Stiffer z-stage inherited from the Ultimaker S3 |
| Operational Noise | < 50 dBA | < 50dBA |
| Screen & input type | Rotary dial and LED screen | 2.4" color touch screen |
| Feeder type | Old | Ergonomic feeder, inherited from the S-line machines |
| Connectivity |
SD Card |
USB, WiFi, Ethernet |
| Cloud capability |
N/A |
Ultimaker Digital Factory Phone App Ultimaker Marketplace |
| Ease of use | + | ++ |
| Price | $3,250 | $3,299 |
The Ultimaker 2+ Connect is better than it's predecessor in every way. Ultimaker kept the price similar to the 2+ while improving on every aspect that matters. Boasting cloud capability, sleeker looks, improved build quality, better connectivity and the air filter.
The Ultimaker core identity is a reliable and easy-to-use single extrusion 3D printer. The Ultimaker 2+ Connect keeps that identity and updates it with a modern experience by adding a touchscreen and network connectivity. This 3D printer is ideal for educators who want to equip their students with future skills and small enterprises who want a modern Ultimaker at a lower price point.
So if you're looking for an easy-to-use reliable workhorse, the Ultimaker 2+ Connect is the way to go.
Learn more about the Ultimaker 2+ Connect
