The Metal Expansion Kit is compatible with the UltiMaker S series 3D printers (UltiMaker S3, S5, and S7) and Factor 4. However, there are some important notes on compatibility regarding the Air Manager, Material Station, and the flexible build plate. Please see below:
Air Manager
The Air Manager is strongly recommended when using the Metal Expansion Kit, for both air filtration and heat retention. The Air Manager is an add-on for the UltiMaker S5. The UltiMaker S7 has an integrated Air Manager. The UltiMaker Factor 4 also has an integrated air management system.
Caution: The Air Manager filters ultrafine particles released during 3D printing. However, with the Metal Expansion Kit, also potentially hazardous fumes (VOCs) can be released during printing. Therefore, it is important to apply adequate ventilation. Learn more here
Material Station
The metal filament (Ultrafuse® 17-4 PH) in the Metal Expansion Kit is not compatible with the S series Material Station, since depriming does not work reliably. The print profiles and compatibility information of Ultrafuse® 17-4 PH can be found on the UltiMaker Marketplace.
If you want to use the Metal Expansion Kit on an UltiMaker S5 or S7 that currently has a Material Station installed, the Material Station must be disconnected or uninstalled first. You can learn how to do this on this page: Uninstalling the Material Station
Note: This does not apply to Factor 4, even though this printer has an integrated Material Station. The filament path is much smoother compared to the S series Pro Bundle due to a different merger, and Factor 4 has a direct drive print head. This offers a more reliable experience with metal filament.
Flexible build plate
The Metal Expansion Kit was initially not considered compatible with the UltiMaker S7 due to its flexible build plate. To release the part from the build plate, the plate must be placed in water. This is not recommended for the flexible build plate, as this could cause deterioration and rust. However, after extensive testing, this risk was deemed low. The flexible build plate can be placed in water to release the metal parts, but it is important that the plate is dried thoroughly afterward.
Note: Do not bend the flexible build plate to release the metal parts. The 'green' parts are very fragile and could break.
Please also note that the flexible build plate does not fit in the release tray that was originally included with the Metal Expansion Kit, as this was originally designed for the smaller glass build plates. The tray has been updated in later revisions of the Metal Expansion Kit.
Print cores
The print cores required for printing metal are included in the Metal Expansion Kit, but can also be purchased separately. The following print cores should be used:
- Metal filaments including Ultrafuse® 17-4 PH should be printed with a CC 0.4 or CC 0.6 print core.
- The Ultrafuse® Support Layer should be printed with a DD 0.4 print core.
Note: Ultrafuse® Support Layer material and the DD 0.4 print core are only available in selected regions.
