Ultimaker S-line material compatibility
The UltiMaker S3, UltiMaker S5, and UltiMaker S7 come with two AA print cores and one BB print core. The AA print cores can be used for printing build materials and Breakaway support material. The BB print core can be used for water-soluble support material (PVA).
The UltiMaker S-line printers support all UltiMaker materials that are currently available, of which most can be printed with the 0.25, 0.4, and 0.8 mm print core sizes. Several dual-material combinations are possible.
Note: The UltiMaker S3 and UltiMaker S5 are also compatible with print core types CC and DD. The CC print cores are not included in this table as these are not used for Ultimaker materials. For more information about the CC print core, please visit this page. The DD print cores are used for printing Ultrafuse® Support Layer material, included in the Metal Expansion Kit. The UltiMaker S7 is also compatible with CC print cores, but not currently with the DD core, because the UltiMaker S7 is not compatible with the Metal Expansion Kit (learn more here).
Tip: The icons in the table reflect the compatibility and support of the combination. Officially supported (✔), not supported (X), or experimental (exp). Results are dependent on the model type that is used.
Tip: The icons in the table reflect the compatibility and support of the combination. Officially supported (✔), not supported (X), or experimental (exp). Results are dependent on the model type that is used. For more information on why a material combination is listed as experimental, visit the How to print guides of these materials.
UltiMaker materials vs third-party materials
Although the UltiMaker S-line printers have an open material system, the use of UltiMaker material on the printer is recommended. All UltiMaker materials have been tested extensively and have optimized profiles in UltiMaker Cura to ensure the best print result.
Using UltiMaker materials will also allow you to benefit from the NFC detection system. UltiMaker spools are automatically recognized by the UltiMaker S3, UltiMaker S5, and UltiMaker S7, and this information is directly transferred to UltiMaker Cura when connected via the network. This allows for a seamless connection between the printer and UltiMaker Cura software.
Tip: The same integration is offered for UltiMaker Certified Materials.
The UltiMaker S3, UltiMaker S5, and UltiMaker S7 also support printing with third-party materials. Check the UltiMaker Marketplace for compatible material profiles for the best results. For other materials, you can create custom material profiles manually.
Note: Not all materials are compatible with the Material Station. Always check the Marketplace profiles and the spool dimension.
Print recommendations
Each material requires different settings for optimal results. If you use UltiMaker Cura to prepare your model, these settings are automatically set correctly if the correct print core(s) and material(s) are selected.
For the UltiMaker S3 and UltiMaker S5: It is also recommended to apply a thin layer of glue (using the glue stick from the accessory box) or an adhesion sheet to the glass build plate before starting a print. This will ensure that your print adheres reliably to the build plate, and also prevents the glass build plate from chipping when removing materials.
For the UltiMaker S7: Most materials can and should be printed directly on the (clean) flexible build plate. Only use an additional adhesive when specifically recommended by the material manufacturer (for a PEI surface).
For detailed instructions on which settings and adhesion methods to use per material, consult the How to print guides per material, or check the page on glue type recommendations.
Tip: Ensure to use the latest version of UltiMaker Cura for the most up-to-date print profiles.