Ultimaker 2 Extended - Our First 3D Printer

The video serves as an in-depth first look at the Ultimaker 2 Extended, a high-end fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printer. It opens by establishing the context of the acquisition and the team’s enthusiasm for entering the 3D printing space, noting that Shapeways had previously sufficed for their needs but that the Ultimaker 2 Extended offers significant capabilities worth exploring. The speaker explains core FDM principles, describing how the printer extrudes filament from a heated nozzle to build objects layer by layer, and emphasizes the improved print volume, speed, and precision associated with the Extended model. Several real-world print tests follow, including quick, practical GoPro mounts and more intricate parts such as a shroud and a large scaled item, demonstrating the machine’s tolerance for overhangs, intricate notches, and detailed features. The host reflects on print times, with longer, higher-quality jobs taking several hours to complete, while noting that Cura’s time estimates tend to be more accurate than the printer’s own readout. The narrative balances excitement with practical caveats, acknowledging the substantial cost of ownership, the learning curve, and the ongoing maintenance required to achieve consistent results, ultimately framing 3D printing as both a hobby and a potential home tool. The video closes with a call to the audience for support and hints at future 3D printing content, underscoring a desire to broaden their project scope and showcase more prints and builds as they grow comfortable with the technology.

Topics · technology · 3d printing · review · maker culture