How to print with UltiMaker CPE
This article contains information about UltiMaker 2.85 mm CPE material. Similar quality cannot be guaranteed with third-party filaments. This material can be used on the UltiMaker Original+, 2+, 3, S series, and UltiMaker Factor 4, but is not compatible with the Method, Sketch, or Replicator.
CPE (co-polyester) is a chemical-resistant and relatively tough material widely used for functional prototyping and modeling. This co-polyester is similar to PETG, but with enhanced chemical resistance. Here you will learn how to achieve the best print quality with UltiMaker CPE.
The information provided here applies to UltiMaker CPE. For information about how to print with CPE+, please visit this page.
UltiMaker CPE is available in the following colors:
- Black
- White
- Dark Gray
- Light Gray
- Transparent
- Blue
- Green
- Yellow
- Red
UltiMaker CPE has been phased out (all colors). Spools are available while supplies last.
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In this article:
- Compatibility: Information about printer, print core, and dual material compatibility
- Printing recommendations: Overview of the advised temperatures, adhesion, and environment
- Maintenance and troubleshooting: Advice for printer maintenance and material storage
- Health and safety: Important information about printing safely with UltiMaker CPE
Related articles for UltiMaker CPE:
Compatibility
UltiMaker CPE can be printed on all UltiMaker 3D printers that use 2.85 mm filament and have a heated build plate. This includes the Factor 4, S series, UltiMaker 3, UltiMaker 2+ Connect, 2 and 2+ series, and the UltiMaker Original+. On UltiMaker 3D printers that use print cores, you print CPE with the AA or AA+ variant.
| Printer | Compatible print cores and nozzles |
|---|---|
| UltiMaker Factor 4 | AA 0.25, AA 0.4, AA 0.8 |
| UltiMaker S6 and S8 | AA+ 0.4, AA 0.25*, AA 0.4*, AA 0.8* |
| UltiMaker S3, S5, and S7 | AA 0.25, AA 0.4, AA 0.8 |
| UltiMaker 3 series | AA 0.25, AA 0.4, AA 0.8 |
| UltiMaker 2+ Connect | 0.25, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 |
| UltiMaker 2+ series | 0.25, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 |
| UltiMaker 2 series | 0.4(no other nozzle sizes available) |
| UltiMaker Original+ | 0.4(no other nozzle sizes available) |
Printer and print core compatibility notes
- UltiMaker CPE has optimized settings for the Pro Bundle (including the Air Manager and Material Station). This ensures a good end-of-filament and end-of-print experience in the Material Station and an optimal build environment with the Air Manager. Please make sure to use the latest version of UltiMaker Cura and keep the printer's firmware up to date.
- Compatibility for CPE on the UltiMaker S6 and S8 with the AA print cores (0.25, 0.4, and 0.8) has been added in Cura 5.11. Download the latest version from the UltiMaker website.
- UltiMaker CPE is not supported on the Ultimaker 2 Go and Ultimaker Original because they lack a heated build plate. Printing CPE on a cold build plate is highly likely to fail due to warping.
Dual material combinations
On dual-extrusion UltiMaker printers (Factor 4, S series, and UltiMaker 3), CPE can also be printed in combination with support materials or with a different color CPE. See the overviews below:
Support materials:
- PVA
- Breakaway
- Self-support (CPE)
Dual combinations:
- CPE (dual color)
CPE only supports dual color prints, as CPE does not adhere well to other materials. The not supported combinations have not been verified, since limited use cases are available. Results are dependent on the model type that is used.
Printing recommendations
Always use the latest version of UltiMaker Cura and make sure that your 3D printer is updated with the latest firmware version to include the correct material profile for UltiMaker CPE.
Temperatures
The recommended nozzle temperature for CPE is between 230 and 260 °C. The exact temperature per profile can be found in UltiMaker Cura and depends on the printer, nozzle size, and profile you select. The build plate temperature also slightly differs per printer and nozzle size, but is always between 70 and 85 °C. The build plate temperatures for CPE on UltiMaker S series printers are increased from Cura 4.9 onwards to 85 °C to ensure reliable adhesion.
The temperatures are automatically set correctly based on the printer, nozzle size, and profile you select in UltiMaker Cura.
Adhesion
UltiMaker CPE adheres well to the flexible build plate, used on Factor 4 and some S series printers; no glue is required.
For the glass build plate, ensuring proper adhesion can be a bit trickier. Although UltiMaker CPE adheres well to the glass plate, it does tend to warp. For optimal adhesion and glass plate protection, it is important to use the correct adhesion method.
For simple prints on a glass build plate, apply a thin layer of glue to the glass plate, using the glue provided in the accessory box of your 3D printer. In addition to its adhesive properties, the glue serves as a protective layer for the glass plate. Not using the glue results in a high risk of chipping the glass plate when removing the print.
To minimize warping when printing more complex prints with UltiMaker CPE, it is recommended to apply a thin layer of Magigoo original to the glass plate.
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For UltiMaker CPE, the use of glue is recommended to improve adhesion and thereby prevent the chance of print failure and printer damage. Additionally, the use of glue can prevent over-adhesion, which could otherwise lead to damage to the glass plate. It is not advised to print directly on a clean glass plate with UltiMaker CPE.
In preconfigured UltiMaker Cura profiles, the default build plate adhesion method is a brim. A brim is made of a few extra printed lines around the 3D print on the initial layer to improve adhesion and avoid warping.
After printing, wait until the build plate has cooled down completely before removing the 3D print. CPE uses a build plate temperature of up to 85 °C; the display of Factor 4 and S series printers will show a warning bar until the build plate has cooled down below 60 °C, but it is recommended to wait until the plate has cooled down fully to make print removal easier and to prevent deformation.
Print environment
UltiMaker CPE filament prints reliably and normally does not require any additional printer accessories, unless you are printing large or thin-walled objects.
For printers with an open front, a front enclosure could help to avoid layer splitting in your 3D prints and provides a controlled print environment for more consistent and reliable results. A front enclosure is included in the Advanced 3D Printing Kits for the Ultimaker 2+ and Ultimaker 3, and for the UltiMaker 2+ Connect, a front enclosure is included with the Air Manager.
For UltiMaker S series printers and Factor 4, the door(s) protect the material from unwanted air flows within the print environment. Always keep the door(s) closed during printing.
Maintenance and troubleshooting
For the best results with UltiMaker CPE (as with any material), apply general maintenance to your UltiMaker printer(s). Find the recommended preventive maintenance schedule for your printer type here:
Because CPE uses higher nozzle temperatures than, for example, PLA, this can increase the wear on the nozzle cover (Factor 4, S series, and UltiMaker 3). Regularly check the nozzle cover for signs of wear and replace it if needed. Printing with a damaged or missing nozzle cover can cause temperature inconsistencies or errors, or lead to print failures, which may also damage your printer (such as a flooded print head).
The AA and AA+ print cores don't generally need preventive cleaning with the hot and cold pull procedure. However, it can help to clean the print core when switching to or from a material that requires a very different printing temperature to prevent clogging.
When the filament is subjected to moisture, the filament should be dried at 65 °C for 4-8 hours, depending on the moisture level. If the filament has absorbed moisture, you may notice excessive stringing or oozing in the print. Always ensure to properly store the spools when not in use. Place the spool in a resealable bag, in a cool and dry place, and out of direct sunlight.
For a reliable loading process, especially when using the Material Station, ensure the filament has a clean, pointy tip. Use cutting pliers or wire cutters to remove any bent or damaged sections from the end of the spool, then cut the filament at an angle. A double cut will create a sharp tip that feeds smoothly.
Health and safety
UltiMaker CPE emits low levels of gases and particles when used in accordance with the recommended temperatures in UltiMaker Cura. To ensure a comfortable and healthy working environment, we recommend 3D printing in a well-ventilated area.
The UltiMaker S7, S8, and Factor 4 feature integrated air management systems for increased safety and air quality. For the UltiMaker S5, S6, and 2+ Connect, consider installing the optional Air Manager: S series Air Manager and 2+ Connect Air Manager
For more information, download the safety data sheet for UltiMaker CPE here.
UltiMaker CPE uses relatively high temperatures for both the nozzle and build plate. Never reach inside the printer while it is in operation, and never touch heated components.
Factor 4 and S series printers include clear visual indicators to show when it is safe to touch:
- Build plate: When the build plate temperature is above 60 °C, an orange warning bar appears at the top of the display. The bar disappears once the build plate cools to a safe temperature. Keep in mind that 60 °C can still feel warm to the touch, so handle the build plate with care.
- Print cores: The print core status is indicated by the LEDs behind the cores. When a print job is not in progress but a print core is still hot (heating up or cooling down), the LED glows or pulses orange. When it turns blue, the print core has cooled and is safe to handle.