UltiMaker Presents Factor 4 Plus

UltiMaker has launched the Factor 4 Plus, an industrial-grade platform offering faster speeds than the standard Factor 4. It delivers high-performance printing for continuous factory production in the manufacturing and defense sectors.

Industrial-ready platform built for continuous production

Built to support a range of production‑grade applications, the Factor 4 Plus delivers manufacturing aids including custom jigs and fixtures, and spare parts using high-performance materials, such as PPS-CF high-heat and chemical-resistant composites. Additionally, UltiMaker TRACE (Technical Reporting And Certification Engine) automatically validates every print, ensuring the quality-assurance standards of end-use production.

“When I talk directly with our customers, one message comes through consistently: speed is great, but proving the quality of the part is the real challenge,” says Arjen Dirks, UltiMaker chief technology officer. “Pulling validation data straight from the hardware gives customers the confidence and traceability they need to scale additive manufacturing into true production environments.”

“The Factor 4 Plus reflects UltiMaker’s focus on solving the real production challenges facing manufacturers and defense teams today,” says Andy Middleton, senior vice president EMEA and Global Marketing at UltiMaker. “This is not about adding another machine to the portfolio. It is about listening closely to the market and delivering the speed, traceability, resilience, and affordability customers need to scale additive manufacturing in demanding, real-world environments.”

Adapted for field and defense requirements

Strengthened for the practical demands of defense use, the Factor 4 Plus operates in harsh or remote environments, thanks to the improved ruggedized architecture of the new gantry system, which absorbs vibration at high print speeds, according to Ultimaker. Where TRACE supports quality assurance in manufacturing, in defense it provides what's needed to deploy parts quickly in the field, Ultimaker adds.

By continuously recording key print parameters, including extrusion behavior and chamber temperatures, TRACE creates a CAD-validation report that can be reviewed immediately to support fast deployment and ensure components meet standards. The system also offers a self-contained setup that requires minimal training, making it suitable for rapid use in forward operations or temporary field sites, Ultimaker notes.

High-speed performance for modern production

The Factor 4 Plus achieves a speed boost over the standard Factor 4 through its advanced Cheetah motion planner, which removes abrupt changes that cause vibrations, enabling faster production with dimensional accuracy. It is also fully compatible with new AA+ and CC+ high-flow print cores. 

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.