UltiMaker S6 - Product variants
The UltiMaker S6 is a dual-extrusion 3D printer based on fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology. Designed for precision and efficiency, the UltiMaker S series creates 3D objects from a wide range of polymers. Whether printing with a single material, multiple materials or colors, or combining a build material with a dedicated support material, the S6 offers versatile capabilities for complex applications.
The UltiMaker S6 is the latest addition to the UltiMaker S series. It builds on the S5's great legacy, maintaining its core versatility and modular design, but includes powerful innovations like the UltiMaker Cheetah for up to 4x speed, substantially better bed leveling for reliable first layers, and dual drive gripper feeders.
Build plate variants
The UltiMaker S6 is available in two variants, with two different build plate options: a glass build plate or a flexible build plate. Both versions offer reliable print performance, but each has characteristics suited to different preferences and use cases.
The build plates on these product variants are not interchangeable. It is not possible to install a glass build plate on the flexplate variant or vice versa, because the Z stages are different.
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Flexible build plate This product variant has a heated build plate with 25 magnets, to ensure an optimal hold on the steel, PEI-coated flexible build plate. The pins ensure perfect and effortless alignment, while the buildplate detection sensor will prevent accidentally starting prints if the printer is not ready. Most materials adhere well to the surface of the flexible build plate without the need for glue, and part removal has never been easier. | Glass build plate This variant uses the same Z stage as the UltiMaker S5. It features a heated build plate with metal clamps to ensure a stable placement of the glass build plate. In addition to the advanced active leveling process, this printer also offers a three-point manual leveling procedure for an optimal calibration of the build plate. Glass is very suitable for specific applications and can offer a smooth finish on the bottom surface. Note that most materials benefit from a thin layer of glue applied to the glass build plate. |
Compatible accessories
The UltiMaker S6 is compatible with the optional S series accessories: the Air Manager and the Material Station. These can be used individually, together, or not at all, depending on your workflow needs.
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Air Manager The Air Manager improves safety and print quality with an enclosed top and filtration that removes up to 95% of ultrafine particles. | Material Station The Material Station enables 24/7 uninterrupted printing by automatically managing up to six spools in a humidity-controlled chamber. |
The combination of the printer with Air Manager and Material Station is also referred to as the UltiMaker S6 Pro Bundle.
Workflow impact
The different configurations may have alternative workflows. The UltiMaker S6 installation and user manual includes instructions for both product variants and possible configurations. Below, a few workflow difference examples are listed:
- Printer installation: When installing the printer, also install the Air Manager and/or Material Station (if relevant). In combination with the Material Station, not all printer accessories are used. This includes the anti-slip feet and the spool holder.
The Air Manager and Material Station can also be added and installed later at any time.
- Hardware accessories: The flexible build plate is already placed on the build platform at the factory. The glass build plate is included in the printer accessories, and must be installed before first use.
- Loading material: If the UltiMaker S6 is used without add-ons or with only the Air Manager, load materials onto the spool holder at the back of the printer. With the Material Station, the spool holder is not used. Load up to six spools in the material bays, conveniently from the front of the machine.
- Build plate preparation: Before starting a print, ensure that the build plate is properly prepared. Most materials adhere well to the flexible build plate without glue, but it is important that the surface is properly cleaned (with IPA). For the glass build plate, it is recommended to apply a thin layer of glue for most materials. See the How to print guides per material type, or learn more about adhesives on the different build plate types.
- Removing the print: To remove the print from the flexible build plate, take the build plate from the printer and slightly bend it so the print pops off. For the glass build plate, it may be necessary to use a tool such as a scraper to remove the print. Always remove the glass plate from the printer first; do not use excessive force or tools inside the printer.
- Calibrations: The UltiMaker S6 variant with the glass build plate has a manual leveling option. This is not available on the flexplate variant (the magnetic build plate position is not adjustable). Both printer variants have an advanced active leveling process that automatically takes place before every print.
There is no distinction between the build plate variants and the accessories for print preparation, neither in UltiMaker Cura or the Digital Factory cloud slicer (Cura Cloud).