Ultimaker S5 applications: Scaling up small batches

We start by looking at how the larger build volume and enhanced features of the Ultimaker S5 help manufacturers produce small batches of the products they need, when they need them.

The Ultimaker S5 is a complete professional 3D printing solution that offers both accuracy and reliability. With features like a larger build volume, dual extrusion you can depend on, and easy-touch control, it’s designed to be a workhorse so you can start printing as soon as possible.

With 3D printing, you can easily create parts on demand. While 3D printing is often used for creating individual prototypes, the Ultimaker S5 also opens up the possibility of using your desktop 3D printer for producing small batches of parts.

The benefit? Businesses can quickly create custom products on the spot, without outsourcing or tooling development time.

Bigger build volume, larger batches

A bigger build volume in a 3D printer is a feature that many businesses, like Ford, find indispensable. “In automotive, every second counts, so we are pleased to see that the Ultimaker S5 has a larger build volume which allows us to print larger jigs and fixtures or multiple manufacturing aids at once,” says Lars Bognar, Research Engineer Additive Manufacturing at Ford.

With a build volume two-thirds larger than our other 3D printers, the Ultimaker S5 gives users space to create and design models that suit their business needs. The increased volume of 333 x 240 x 300 mm (13 x 9.4 x 11.8 inches), up from the Ultimaker 3 volume of 215 x 215 x 200 mm (8.5 x 8.5 x 7.9 inches), lets business owners meet growing printing demands with a machine that fits compactly within their workspace.

The larger build plate really helps companies wanting to create smaller series of parts that suit a limited need. Doing this in-house reduces costs and means that you print only as many as you require.

Better workflow management

How else can the Ultimaker S5 scale up small batch runs? Through its enhanced ability to help you manage your workflow. Printing using Ultimaker Cura makes it easy for professionals to duplicate customized parts that can all be printed simultaneously. Our software makes it simple to prepare models for printing and integrates seamlessly with other leading CAD software.

From there, you can queue up your prints, as well as incorporate additional printers, and manage the entire process using Ultimaker's 3D printer management solution ‒ Cura Connect. It helps you schedule print jobs, monitor printing progress, and keep track of printer maintenance. As your business grows and the demand for additional prints increases, it's easy to scale up by simply adding more printers.

Reliability, accessibility, and accuracy are key traits that every business needs from its 3D printer to make sure that it works effectively and efficiently, adding value to a business. Throughout the lifecycle of a product, there are countless opportunities to utilize 3D printing and help improve a business’s workflow. Working alongside our customers, helping them solve their business problems, ensures that the world's transition to local digital manufacturing is seamless and dependable.