Build to last: The importance of quality in 3D printer components

In today’s manufacturing environments, unexpected downtime can lead to significant costs. Additive manufacturing helps reduce this risk by enabling fast, flexible in-house production of spare parts. But not all professional 3D printers are engineered to the same standards – component quality and build precision vary widely, and these differences matter when reliability is on the line.

At UltiMaker, quality components are at the heart of our business. That’s why we have extended a 24-month warranty on the UltiMaker S6 printer.

Let’s deep-dive into why quality components matter when choosing a printer, and which components to look out for.

Why component quality matters in 3D printing

Good quality hardware is key for a long-lasting FDM printer. While a low-cost FDM printer might sound appealing, especially with tight budgets and cost-saving measures, chances are that you are buying into something short-lasting. The cumulative cost of poor-quality components ranges from more downtime, frequent replacement, and failed prints. This is why taking a closer look at the hardware is necessary.

Modularity that supports longevity

Replacing worn-out components isn’t just better for the environment and your budget - it also extends the printer’s overall lifespan.

For professional use - whether it’s low-volume production, spare parts, or jigs and fixtures - availability matters as much as print quality. In a production environment, downtime is driven by two factors: how long a machine runs before something fails (mean time between failures) and how quickly it can be restored to operation (mean time to repair).

Lower-quality printers often use materials and designs that shorten the time between failures and make repairs more complex - if they are repairable. In contrast, UltiMaker printers are engineered with high-quality components to maximize uptime, and their modular design makes servicing straightforward.

Thanks to the replaceability of UltiMaker parts, such as the feeder, your printer can serve you for years, even in heavy use.

Minimizing downtime and maximizing uptime: Durability with quality components

Quality components are vital for minimizing downtime and keeping the printer up and running when needed. By investing in a 3D printer with quality parts and hardware, you can expect:

• Reduced maintenance and repairs: High-quality components are inherently more durable and designed for longevity. For example, robust bearings, hardened steel nozzles, quality fans, and industrial-grade electronics are less prone to wear and tear or premature failure. This reduces the frequency of maintenance, part replacements, and unexpected breakdowns, extending the machine's lifespan and reducing repair costs.
• Fewer print failures: Quality components directly impact print success rates. Misprints, adhesion issues, and mechanical failures often stem from component deficiencies. By mitigating these issues, high-quality parts drastically reduce wasted material, time, and energy associated with failed prints, leading to higher overall efficiency.
• Faster troubleshooting: While even the best machines may occasionally encounter issues, printers with well-engineered components often have clearer diagnostics and easier access for troubleshooting. This allows for quicker identification and resolution of problems, bringing the machine back online faster.
• Optimized workflows & overall printer performance: A reliable 3D printer with quality components seamlessly integrates into production workflows. Operators can trust the machine to perform as expected, reducing the need for constant monitoring and intervention. This allows for more efficient allocation of human resources and enables "lights-out" manufacturing for certain applications. Quality components work synergistically to optimize the entire printing process, leading to faster print times, improved material utilization, and reduced energy consumption.

Critical components for a durable 3D printer

A durable 3D printer is more than just a sturdy frame -it’s a careful balance of robust hardware and smart internal systems working together to ensure precision, reliability, and longevity.

Internal systems

While sturdy hardware is essential, a professional 3D printer’s true durability also depends on the intelligence built into its internal systems. These software-driven and electronic controls work behind the scenes to optimize performance, reduce unnecessary strain, and protect critical components.

For UltiMaker, secure internal components are a key pillar. Advanced features like the UltiMaker Cheetah motion planner optimize movement, increase smoothness, and contribute to consistently high-quality prints. Pre-tested print profiles on UltiMaker Cura can reduce unnecessary movement and harsh accelerations, extending the life of bearings, belts, and motors.

Hardware components

Let’s take a closer look at some of the hardware components that play a vital role in keeping a professional 3D printer running smoothly over years of use, and how UltiMaker printers are built for this purpose.

1. Power supply

For your professional 3D printer to work, you need power. Having a reliable and stable power supply will ensure that your device will run when you need it to.
UltiMaker uses Mean Well power supply for a consistent power delivery to prevent failures from power issues.

2. Motors

Having a quality motor provides precise control and reliability. UltiMaker S series is powered by MOONS motors, trusted for their accuracy, durability, and quiet operation, so you can achieve consistent print results with minimal downtime.

3. Bearings

Bearings are a small but important component. They allow motion components to move with as little resistance as possible. Thanks to the Cheetah motion planner, the forces on the motion system are as minimal as possible, which in turn reduces the wear and tear. Lower-quality bearings degrade quickly under continuous use, leading to increased friction, heat buildup, and wear.

UltiMaker printers are built with premium-grade bearings, selected specifically for their low-friction performance and long-term durability. This results in smoother motion, reduced maintenance, and a longer lifespan for your entire motion system.

4. Print core

The print core is the heart of extrusion, and it takes a lot of wear over time - especially in lower-end systems where the material and build quality can’t stand up to long-term use. Worn-out nozzles or inconsistent heating elements lead to clogs, extrusion issues, and ultimately, failed prints.

At UltiMaker, we’ve tested our print cores far beyond their expected operational lifespan. The result is a system that delivers consistent, high-quality extrusion across countless prints, with the durability to match. Whether you're printing prototypes or production parts, our print cores are built to keep up.

5. Gripper wheels

Precision-made hardened gripper wheels in 3D printers are designed to provide reliable filament feeding with minimal wear over time. Their hardened surface ensures a consistent grip on the filament and improving print quality. This durability makes them ideal for long-term, high-volume printing.

Why UltiMaker extends the warranty to 24 months

When you invest in a 3D printer, you’re not just buying a machine - you’re trusting it to deliver quality and reliability over time. That’s why UltiMaker offers a 24-month warranty on the S6 printer - double the industry standard.

Here’s what you get with an UltiMaker S6:

• Premium EU-made components: From the Mean Well power supply to hardened axles and precision bearings, we’ve selected materials that prioritize performance over cost.
• Certified production: Our manufacturing follows strict quality standards to ensure consistency in every unit. By being ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified, UltiMaker demonstrates commitment to both environmental sustainability and industrial maturity, while meeting customer and regulatory requirements.
• Continuous quality control: Each printer is thoroughly tested and verified before it reaches your workspace.
• Proven platform: The S6 builds on over six years of experience with the successful S5 platform, trusted by professionals worldwide.
• Renewed electronics: The new UltiMaker Cheetah motion planner delivers faster, smoother, and more accurate prints with 37.5× more processing power, an upgraded motion controller (16 MHz to 600 MHz) offering 128× more RAM, and improved motion execution. Its System-on-Module now features a 1.8 GHz quad-core processor (up from 1 GHz dual-core) with double the RAM, enhancing UI responsiveness and data handling.
• Future-proof electronic platform: Significant increase in processing power and memory allows for future motion control optimizations, improved print algorithms, and long-term firmware updates, ensuring the S6 continue to evolve with new capabilities over time.

This extended warranty isn’t just about covering parts - it’s a commitment to performance, peace of mind, and long-term value for your business.

UltiMaker: Made to print, built to last

If you are looking for a reliable 3D printer where quality meets speed, UltiMaker might be the choice for you. With a decade of experience, UltiMaker delivers the reliability you need in a demanding environment. From solving spare part supply chain issues to quick in-house tooling, additive manufacturing gives you the freedom to innovate.