The information in this article applies to the UltiMaker Factor 4.
Each Factor 4 comes with two AA print cores. The AA print cores can be used to print (non-composite) build materials and Breakaway support material. Additional materials and print cores can be purchased separately, as Factor 4 supports all current UltiMaker (2.85 mm) materials and UltiMaker print cores.
Besides the AA print core, the following types are also available:
UltiMaker material and print core compatibility
The overviews below show you which material is compatible with which print core size. This compatibility table is based on single-extrusion prints.
The AA print core is available with nozzle sizes 0.25, 0.4, and 0.8 mm.
Print core AA
| 0.25 mm | 0.4 mm | 0.8 mm |
|---|
|
PLA
|
✔
|
✔
|
✔
|
|
Tough PLA
|
✔
|
✔
|
✔
|
|
PETG
|
✔
|
✔
|
✔
|
|
ABS
|
✔
|
✔
|
✔
|
|
Nylon
|
✔
|
✔
|
✔
|
|
CPE
|
✔
|
✔
|
✔
|
|
CPE+
|
X
|
✔
|
exp
|
|
PC
|
exp
|
✔
|
exp
|
|
TPU95A
|
X
|
✔
|
✔
|
|
PP
|
exp
|
✔
|
✔
|
|
Breakaway
|
X
|
✔
|
X
|
The BB print core is available with nozzle sizes 0.4 and 0.8 mm.
Print core BB
| 0.4 mm | 0.8 mm |
|---|
|
PVA
|
✔
|
✔
|
The CC print core is available with nozzle sizes 0.4 and 0.6 mm.
Print core CC
|
0.4 mm
|
0.6 mm
|
|---|
|
PET CF
|
✔
|
✔
|
|
Nylon CF Slide
|
✔
|
✔
|
The HT print core is only available with a 0.6 mm nozzle.
Print core HT
|
0.6 mm
|
|---|
|
PPS CF
|
✔
|
|
Nylon CF Slide
|
✔
|
Tip: The icons in the table reflect the compatibility and support of the combination. Officially supported (✔), not supported (X), or experimental (exp). Results are dependent on the model type that is used.
Dual material compatibility
For an overview of possible dual-extrusion material combinations, take a look at the table below:
| | PLA | TPLA | PETG | ABS | Nylon | CPE | CPE+ | PC | TPU | PP | PET CF | PPS CF | Nylon CF Slide | PVA | Breakaway |
| PLA | ✔ | ✔ | / | / | / | / | X | X | exp | X | / | X | X | ✔ | ✔ |
| TPLA | | ✔ | / | / | / | / | X | X | exp | X | / | X | X | ✔ | ✔ |
| PETG | | | ✔ | / | / | / | X | X | exp | X | / | X | X | ✔ | ✔ |
| ABS | | | | ✔ | / | / | X | X | exp | X | / | X | X | exp | ✔ |
| Nylon | | | | | ✔ | / | X | X | exp | X | / | X | / | ✔ | ✔ |
| CPE | | | | | | ✔ | X | X | exp | X | / | X | X | exp | ✔ |
| CPE+ | | | | | | | ✔ | / | X | X | / | X | X | exp | ✔ |
| PC | | | | | | | | ✔ | exp | X | / | / | X | X | exp |
| TPU95A | | | | | | | | | exp | X | exp | exp | exp | exp | exp |
| PP | | | | | | | | | | ✔ | X | X | X | X | X |
| PET CF | | | | | | | | | | | ✔ | / | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Nylon CF Slide | | | | | | | | | | | | | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| PPS CF | | | | | | | | | | | | / | exp | ✔ | X |
| PVA | | | | | | | | | | | | | ✔ | ✔ | X |
| Breakaway | | | | | | | | | | | | | | / | / |
Tip: The icons in the table reflect the compatibility and support of the combination. Officially supported (✔), not tested (not a logical combination) (/), not supported (no chemical compatibility) (X), or experimental (exp). The material interlocking feature in the latest UltiMaker Cura can greatly improve adhesion between non-similar materials. Results are dependent on the model type that is used. For more information on why a material combination is listed as experimental, visit the How to print guides of these materials. For combinations with TPU95A, make sure to pre-dry TPU to limit oozing.
UltiMaker materials vs third-party materials
Although Factor 4 has an open material system, the use of UltiMaker material on the printer is recommended. All UltiMaker materials have been tested extensively and have optimized profiles in UltiMaker Cura to ensure the best print result.
Using UltiMaker materials will also allow you to benefit from the NFC detection system. UltiMaker spools are automatically recognized by the UltiMaker Factor 4, and this information is directly transferred to UltiMaker Cura when connected via the network. This allows for a seamless connection between the printer and UltiMaker Cura software.
Tip: The same integration is offered for UltiMaker Certified Materials.
The UltiMaker Factor 4 also support printing with third-party materials. Check the UltiMaker Marketplace for compatible material profiles for the best results. For other materials, you can create custom material profiles manually.
Note: Not all materials are compatible with the Material Station. Always check the Marketplace profiles and the spool dimensions.
Print recommendations
Each material requires different settings for optimal results. If you use UltiMaker Cura to prepare your model, these settings are automatically set correctly if the correct print core(s) and material(s) are selected.
Tip: Ensure to use the latest version of UltiMaker Cura for the most up-to-date print profiles.
Most materials can and should be printed directly on the (clean) flexible build plate. Preparing the build plate with a spray such as 3DLAC Plus could help improve adhesion if a brim is not used. Only use an additional adhesive such as glue when specifically recommended by the material manufacturer (for a PEI surface).
For detailed instructions on which settings and adhesion methods to use per material, consult the How to print guides per material, or check the page on glue type recommendations.
