Ultimaker 3D printers are benchtop industrial machines from the Netherlands, meeting EU standards. The main production line is located in Zaltbommel, Netherlands. As a global company with dual ISO certifications, Ultimaker ensures that every Ultimaker 3D printer provided to its customers is high-efficiency and high-quality. Of course, Ultimaker also utilizes its own 3D printing tools to assist in production. (Further reading: Ultimaker, a leader in 3D printing, receives two ISO international certifications )
The components that make up the Ultimaker 3D printer must first pass through quality control. Each part is measured and tested to ensure that everything meets standards. A small number of custom-made parts come from China, while the majority of the rest are from Europe. For example, in bearing testing, if a bearing is not perfectly round or is bent and cannot pass the vernier caliper test, the part will be cancelled. If there are too many defective products in the same batch, the entire batch will be returned to the supplier.
Parts that pass the test are categorized into their respective warehouses. When parts are needed, the management system generates a list, and employees use a scanner to record each item taken, which is then automatically deducted from the inventory.
Assembling an Ultimaker 3D printer begins with a single outer panel, each containing bearings, nuts, and various components before assembly. Every step of the process is recorded on the system, which provides feedback on relevant data at each production stage to improve efficiency.
(The panel is equipped with accessories before assembly and inspection.)
(The extension rod of the assembly tool ensures that each insert is perfectly perpendicular to the assembly panel.)
The assembled frame must be placed perfectly flat on a surface and free of any cosmetic defects. After certification, it is sent to the main production area for installation of components such as feeders, nozzles, and heating platforms; the main production area is a completely anti-static environment to prevent damage to any internal electronic components.
Their method for maintaining production efficiency is called "poka-yoke"—commonly known as "mistake prevention"—where each component of the 3D printer is placed sequentially in its own dedicated foam compartment. This method allows operators to quickly identify faulty or defective parts and prevents similar-looking parts from being confused; for example, bearings of different lengths can only be placed in their designated compartments.
The foam partitions are stacked in the box in the order of assembly. The top layer of parts must be installed in the 3D printer before the next layer begins to keep the production line running smoothly.
Ultimaker produces approximately 400 slider parts daily, consisting of two separate plastic bodies that must have their bushings pressed together and belts and springs clamped together before being assembled into a 3D printer . The production of these components used to be entirely manual, but with the help of 3D printing fixtures, assembly is much easier and production is much more efficient.
The foolproof foam also prevents tools from being lost. In addition, they use their own 3D printers to manufacture auxiliary tools—these jigs and racks are designed to better meet the needs of users.
Core components of 3D printing
After the 3D printing nozzles are manually assembled, they are placed in a press for sealing. Different AA, BB, and CC printing nozzles have their own dedicated workstations, and finally, quality inspection is carried out.
Ultimaker places great importance on product safety. All 3D printers must comply with international safety standards and regulations. The Ultimaker S5, in particular, must pass a pressure circuit test to ensure that it can be used independently and safely.
