UltiMaker offers a wide range of materials and several print core types with different nozzle sizes.
UltiMaker's Materials and Print Process team optimizes material profiles for each of our supported print cores and UltiMaker (2.85 mm) materials. This means that a good balance is found between print aesthetics, mechanical properties, and printing speed.
However, not all materials are compatible with all available print cores or nozzle sizes. UltiMaker materials can be divided into three main categories: Build materials, support, and composites. UltiMaker print cores are optimized for one of these material types. Regular (non-abrasive) build materials are usually printed with the AA print core types, the BB cores are intended for support materials, and composite materials can be printed with the CC and HT cores.
Also note that not all available nozzle sizes may work well for all materials. Some materials show poor extrusion or otherwise exhibit unwanted properties when used with either the 0.25 or 0.8 mm print core. The tables below show the UltiMaker material compatibility with the different print core sizes.
Printer, print core, and material overview
This table shows a comprehensive overview of all UltiMaker materials, their compatibility with the different UltiMaker 3D printers that use print cores, and which nozzle sizes can be used.
Note: The printer and print core compatibility was updated in Cura 5.11. The main changes include the addition of the AA and CC print cores for the UltiMaker S6 and S8, and Breakaway compatibility with the BB 0.4 print cores.
Detailed material and print core compatibility overview
This overview shows specifically for each print core and material which combinations are supported. This also includes experimental configurations.
Note: Not all combinations may be available on all printers; please see the printer compatibility table above.
Tip: The icons in the table reflect the compatibility and support of the combination. Officially supported ( ✓ ), not supported ( × ), or experimental ( ! ).
Notes on experimental combinations:
- AA 0.25 and PC: This configuration can be selected, but may not work well for all models.
- AA 0.25 and PP: This configuration may lead to extrusion problems for PP on certain models.
- AA 0.8 and CPE+: The 0.8 print core can work well for certain models. However, more complicated prints, with tiny features or a large build plate surface, may show increased warpage or oozing.
- AA 0.8 and PC: The 0.8 print core can work well for certain models. However, more complicated prints, with tiny features or a large build plate surface, may show increased warpage or oozing.
- CC 0.4 / 0.6 and PLA: Preparing prints for PLA with the CC print cores is possible on the UltiMaker S3, S5, and S7. The CC cores are not normally optimized for low-temperature, non-abrasive build materials, but experimental profiles are available.
- CC 0.4 and Nylon CF Slide: For Nylon CF Slide, this small nozzle size is only recommended for small prints with a high level of detail, since it is prone to partial clogging and under-extrusion. Make sure to frequently clean the print core with a hot and cold pull.
Notes on not supported combinations:
- Profiles: For the unsupported combinations, no profiles have been developed. In the Print settings panel, you will see a 'Configuration not supported' message instead of selectable profiles.
- Not recommended: Most of the configurations listed as 'not supported' will not prevent you from slicing in UltiMaker Cura. For these, you will see a yellow exclamation mark icon in the Configuration panel. This includes combinations such as any general-purpose materials (e.g. PLA) with the BB or CC print cores.
- Not allowed: Certain combinations may not be selected in Cura. For these, damage to the printer or print core is likely. You will see a red cross icon in the Configuration panel, and an 'Unable to slice' message will appear if you try to slice the model with this configuration. This includes combinations such as composite materials with AA and BB print cores, which are not abrasion-resistant.
Third-party materials
UltiMaker 3D printers and print cores are also compatible with a wide range of third-party materials. In the UltiMaker Marketplace, you can download profiles for materials from third-party filament manufacturers. It is possible to filter search results based on printer and print core, as well as for certain material characteristics.
Caution: Also for third-party materials, it is never recommended to use composite or otherwise abrasive materials with the AA or BB print cores, as this is likely to cause damage to the printer.
The DD print core is not listed in the tables above, as this core is not compatible with any materials in UltiMaker's own portfolio. This print core is intended for use with Ultrafuse® Support Layer filament, which is currently the only supported profile in the Marketplace. Ultrafuse® Support Layer material is used with the Metal Expansion Kit and is only available in selected regions.
Related articles
Find more information about printer, print core, and material compatibility in the articles listed below:
