How to print with UltiMaker CPE+

Note: This article contains information about UltiMaker 2.85 mm CPE+ material. Similar quality cannot be guaranteed with third-party filaments. This material can be used on the UltiMaker 2+, 3, S series, and UltiMaker Factor 4, but is not compatible with the Method, Sketch, or Replicator. UltiMaker CPE+ (co-polyester) is similar to UltiMaker CPE, but tougher and with higher temperature resistance. While UltiMaker CPE can withstand temperatures of up to 70 °C, UltiMaker CPE+ can withstand temperatures of up to 100 °C. These tips will help you get started and achieve good results with UltiMaker CPE+. Note: The information provided here applies to UltiMaker CPE+. For information about how to print with CPE, please visit this page. UltiMaker CPE+ is available in the following colors: Black White Transparent

Compatibility

UltiMaker CPE+ can be used on Factor 4, S series, UltiMaker 3, and UltiMaker 2+ (Connect), but is not compatible with all nozzle sizes. On UltiMaker 3D printers that use print cores, you print CPE+ with the AA or AA+ variant.

Printer and print core compatibility notes

• UltiMaker CPE+ has optimized settings for the Pro Bundle, Air Manager, and Material Station. This ensures a good end-of-filament and end-of-print experience in the Material Station and an optimal build environment with the Air Manager. Please make sure to use the latest version of UltiMaker Cura and keep the printer's firmware up to date.
• UltiMaker CPE+ is not compatible with the AA 0.25 print core or the 0.25 nozzle.
• Printing UltiMaker CPE+ with an AA 0.8 print core is listed as experimental. It has a material profile that can be selected in UltiMaker Cura. However, more complicated prints, with tiny features or a large build plate surface, may show increased warpage or oozing. In these cases, the AA 0.4 print core is advised.
• Compatibility for CPE+ on the UltiMaker S6 and S8 with the AA print cores (0.4 and 0.8) has been added in Cura 5.11. Download the latest version from the UltiMaker website.
• For the S6 and S8, Cura also offers compatibility with the CC+ 0.4 print core. These profiles are still available in Cura, but this print core has been discontinued due to reliability concerns. The replacement CC+ 0.6 print core is not compatible with CPE+, use the AA or AA+ variant instead.
• UltiMaker CPE+ is not supported on the Ultimaker 2 Go and Ultimaker Original because they lack a heated build plate. Printing CPE+ on a cold build plate will definitely fail due to warping.
• Although profiles are available in Cura for the UltiMaker 2, 2 Extended, and Original+, UltiMaker CPE+ has not been fully validated in combination with these older generation printers. You may use this material experimentally.

Dual material combinations

On dual-extrusion UltiMaker printers (Factor 4, S series, and UltiMaker 3), CPE+ can also be printed in combination with Breakaway support materials. Experimental use of CPE+ in combination with PVA or another color of CPE+ is also possible.

Note: The combination of CPE+ and PVA is only possible for small prints. Larger prints may show warping of the build material. The other experimental and not supported combinations have not been verified, since limited use cases are available. Results are dependent on the model type that is used.

Printing recommendations

UltiMaker CPE+ is an advanced material. Engineering materials offer advanced properties but may require more printing experience to achieve consistent results, even when using default settings.

Tip: Always use the latest version of UltiMaker Cura and make sure that your 3D printer is updated with the latest firmware version to include the correct material profile for UltiMaker CPE+.

Cura profiles

UltiMaker CPE+ supports intent print profiles. The Engineering profile is optimized for dimensional accuracy, and the Balanced profile offers a good compromise of all settings. No Visual intent profiles are available for CPE+, as this is intended as an engineering material.

Note: Different intent profiles may be available depending on the selected printer and print core. Intent profiles are only available for the 0.4 print core.

Temperatures

The recommended nozzle temperature for UltiMaker CPE+ is 250 - 275 °C, depending on the printer, nozzle size, and profile. The material requires a build plate temperature of around 110 °C.

Tip: The temperatures are automatically set correctly based on the printer, nozzle size, and profile you select in UltiMaker Cura.

Adhesion

UltiMaker CPE+ is prone to warpage and layer splitting. Ensuring good adhesion is essential for the best print quality and glass plate protection.

For the flexible build plate, used on Factor 4 and some S series printers, no glue is required when printing CPE+.

For the glass build plate, ensuring proper adhesion can be a bit trickier. For UltiMaker S series that use a glass build plate and the UltiMaker 3 series, it is recommended to apply a layer of glue to the glass plate. On the UltiMaker 2 series, an adhesion sheet is advised. In addition to their adhesive properties, glue or adhesion sheets serve as a protective layer for the glass plate. Not using glue or adhesion sheets results in a high risk of chipping the glass plate when removing the print.

To minimize warping when printing more complex prints with UltiMaker CPE+, it is recommended to apply a thin layer of Magigoo original glue to the glass plate. This glue offers better results than the UHU glue stick for CPE+ prints.

Caution: The addition of glue is recommended to improve adhesion and thereby prevent the chance of print failure and printer damage. Additionally, the use of glue can prevent over-adhesion, which could otherwise lead to damage to the build plate. It is not advised to print directly on a clean glass plate with UltiMaker CPE+.

In the preset UltiMaker Cura profiles for CPE+, the build plate adhesion type is set to a brim for almost all UltiMaker 3D printers, while the UltiMaker 2+ profiles use a raft. A brim is made of a few extra printed lines around the 3D print on the initial layer to ensure better adhesion and avoid warping. A raft puts a grid structure between the 3D print and the build plate that allows for better adhesion. The raft will also allow even distribution of temperature through the initial layers of the 3D print.

Tip: For more tips on how to improve the build plate adhesion, see our build plate adhesion guide.

After the 3D print is finished, it can be removed from the build plate. When using a brim, let the build plate cool down completely before removing the part. If you printed your model with a raft, it is easier to remove the raft while the build plate is still warm. If the raft does not automatically detach from a cold build plate after cooldown, you can raise the build plate temperature again via the menu or run warm water over the glass build plate.

Caution: CPE+ requires a high build plate temperature (over 100 °C). Never attempt to remove the build plate from the printer until it has cooled to a safe temperature. On Factor 4 and S series printers, a warning bar is shown on the display until the build plate temperature drops below 60 °C. Always allow the build plate to cool down gradually. For larger CPE+ prints on the glass build plate, a sudden temperature drop can create excessive stress in the glass and may cause it to crack or shatter.

Print environment

Printing in a stable environment is important when using CPE+. It works well on Factor 4 due to the fully enclosed and insulated build chamber, and on the UltiMaker S series printers because of the glass door(s). Always keep the door(s) closed during printing. On the UltiMaker 3 and UltiMaker 2+, it is highly recommended to use the front enclosure of the Advanced 3D Printing Kit. For the UltiMaker 2+ Connect, a front enclosure is included in the Air Manager.

Both the glass doors and front enclosure ensure a controlled environment inside the 3D printer, with a stable temperature of about 45 °C. This provides a higher print success rate and better quality and performance of the printed parts.

Maintenance and troubleshooting

For the best results with UltiMaker CPE+ (as with any material), apply general maintenance to your UltiMaker printer(s). Find the recommended preventive maintenance schedule for your printer type here:

Because CPE+ uses high nozzle temperatures, this increases the wear on the nozzle cover (Factor 4, S series, and UltiMaker 3). Regularly check the nozzle cover for signs of wear and replace it if needed. Printing with a damaged or missing nozzle cover can cause temperature inconsistencies or errors, or lead to print failures, which may also damage your printer (such as a flooded print head).

The AA and AA+ print cores don't generally need preventive cleaning with the hot and cold pull procedure. However, it can help to clean the print core when switching to or from a material that requires a very different printing temperature to prevent clogging.

When the filament is subjected to moisture, the filament should be dried at 80 °C for 10-20 hours, depending on the moisture level. Always ensure to properly store the spools when not in use. Place the spool in a resealable bag, in a cool and dry place, and out of direct sunlight.

For a reliable loading process, especially when using the Material Station, ensure the filament has a clean, pointy tip. Use cutting pliers or wire cutters to remove any bent or damaged sections from the end of the spool, then cut the filament at an angle. A double cut will create a sharp tip that feeds smoothly.

Health and safety

UltiMaker CPE+ emits a low level of gases and particles when 3D printed in accordance with the temperatures in the table above. To ensure a comfortable and healthy working environment, we recommend 3D printing in a well-ventilated area.

Tip: For more information, download the safety data sheet for UltiMaker CPE+ here.

Caution: CPE+ requires high temperatures for both the nozzle and the build plate. Never reach inside the printer while it is in operation, and never touch heated components.

Factor 4 and S series printers include clear visual indicators to show when it is safe to touch:

• Build plate: When the build plate temperature is above 60 °C, an orange warning bar appears at the top of the display. The bar disappears once the build plate cools to a safe temperature. Keep in mind that 60 °C can still feel warm to the touch, so handle the build plate with care.
• Print cores: The print core status is indicated by the LEDs behind the cores. When a print job is not in progress but a print core is still hot (heating up or cooling down), the LED glows or pulses orange. When it turns blue, the print core has cooled and is safe to handle.