If you’re searching for a high-quality 3D printer, one from Ultimaker or Raise3D might have likely made it to your list. The 3D printers made by both companies are incredibly precise and high-quality, and they work with a wide variety of filaments. With the Raise3D Pro3 and the Ultimaker S5, they offer two amazing yet expensive printers.
At a distance, you’d think that both printers are mostly similar but when you take a closer look, you’ll find that the Pro3 offers many more features than the S5 at a significantly lower cost. These include its own intelligent assistant, amazing user interface, its built-in cover, and HEPA filter, to name a few. While the S5 is an amazing printer in and of itself, it does not offer many of the features that the Pro3 has and comes at a much higher cost, with the need to purchase add-ons like the air manager.
In this article, we’ve examined both 3D printers in greater detail to help you choose which is the superior model. Both the benefits and drawbacks of the two 3D printers will be covered in detail.
Ultimaker S5
For many years, Ultimaker has served as a reputable manufacturer of 3D printers. Additionally, they supply 3D printer software and extras like filaments. Their headquarters are in the Netherlands, although they primarily manufacture in the USA.
The Ultimaker S5 has a touch screen and a substantial build volume. In addition to the display being simple to use, it is also colored. Its enclosed structure provides additional benefits. It allows silent operation and shields critical components from dust. The Ultimaker S5 makes 3D printing enjoyable. It is an FDM/FFF printer and produces amazing print outputs that are consistent and precise. It is currently among the most well-liked FDM 3D printers available.
A wide range of filaments can be used with the extruder on the Ultimaker S5. The nozzle cannot block so quickly as a result, and the printing outcomes are better. Additionally, it makes 3D printer maintenance easier, especially for the extruder.
Raise3d Pro3
The Pro3 first does not appear to be all that different from its predecessor. This is due to the company’s decision to preserve the distinctive appearance of its 3D printers. If you’ve seen a Raise3D printer, you know they’re not easily confused with products from other brands.
However, if you check the Raise3D Pro3 more carefully, you will notice that it differs significantly from its predecessor. For instance, the bottom side has been redesigned to enhance printer stability and facilitate user contact.
Ultimaker S5 vs. Raise 3D Pro3
Build Volume
The Ultimaker S5 has a build volume of 330mm x 240 mm x 300mm for a total volume of 23.7 liters. This applies to both single and dual extrusion modes. On the other hand, the Raise 3D Pro3 has a build volume of 300mm x 300mm x 300mm which totals 27 liters in single extrusion mode and 255mm x 300m x 300mm totaling 22.9 liters in dual extrusion mode.
In other words, in single extrusion mode, it can beat the Ultimaker S5 but slightly loses out in dual extrusion mode. If you don’t need a lot of Z height, you can choose the Raise3d Pro 3.
Extruder Temperature
According to the specifications, the Ultimaker S5 can have a maximum temperature of 280°C or 536°F whereas the Pro3 can go up to 300°C/572°F. Although, it’s still not high enough for hard filaments it’s higher than the S5.
Related: Why Does Your 3D Printer Stop Extruding?
Print Bed Temperature
The Ultimaker S5 can have a maximum print bed temperature of up to 140°C/284°F which is significantly higher than the Pro3’s 120°C/248°F.
Bed Leveling
The Pro3 printer has a feature called mesh leveling with flatness detection. What this does is that before each print job, the printer measures the build plate and then compensates for any measured offsets during printing. This feature gives the Pro3 a slight edge over the S5 because it only measures the area necessary for the print job at hand instead of the entire build plate which is time efficient.
User Interface
The Ultimaker S5 features a 4.7-inch colored touch display which is mounted at the bottom of the printer. However, this display shows a very limited number of things; for instance, during the print job, the intuitive UI only shows a progress bar and the remaining time for the print to be completed.
On the other hand, the Pro3 series comes with a 7-inch colored touch display. It also allows monitoring of print status including temperature, time remaining, number of layers printed, number of layers to be printed, etc. There are many configuration settings available through the display menu as well as the option to set time lapses for the prints, show flatness of the build plate, and much more. Raise 3d has also added an intelligent assistant named Eve which guides you through maintenance steps and troubleshooting methods for some common issues that may occur while printing such as bad calibration, clogged nozzle, or bad settings.
The wealth of information and features available through the display gives the Pro3 a definite edge over the S5.
Related: Bed Adhesion: The Ultimate Guide
Closed Build Volume
The Pro3 series comes with a cover on top and a HEPA filter installed which gives it a closed build volume out of the box. This is often a requirement at many workplaces for safety regulations. You can add a cover and HEPA filter to the S5 but you’d have to pay for the air manager add-on. The add-on comes at a substantial cost. Additionally, the door and back cover of the Pro3 is equipped with magnets which allow sensors to recognize when the closed build volume is open and automatically pause the print. This is great for safety purposes. The Ultimaker S5 does not come with this feature. Build Plate
The Ultimaker S5 comes with a glass plate that is held in place by two clips in the front of the printer whereas the Pro3 comes with a flexible steel plate with BuildTak applied. While the BuildTak needs to be replaced every once in a while, it eliminates the need for adhesives which are commonly used on the glass plate of the S5. The flexibility of the steel plate allows easy removal of the print. Of course, there is also the option to purchase a glass plate for the Pro3 as an add-on, something that the S5 does not currently allow.
Print Core
The S5 features a print core system. It allows users to easily replace the nozzles depending on the required diameter and type of the nozzle, whether it be brass, steel, or ruby-tipped nozzles. On the other hand, the Raise3d Pro3 has its own exchangeable hot end system that allows it to do the same quick and easy removal and mounting as the S5.
Switching Mechanism
When printing with two nozzles, you need a switching mechanism in order to remove the inactive nozzle first. For this, the Ultimaker S5 offers a mechanical switch. When the nozzle needs to be switched, the print head drives past a metal bracket in one of the corners of the build volume and then continues printing. On the other hand, the Pro3 series uses an electronic lifting system with a separate motor dedicated to moving the nozzle with high speed and precision without any unnecessary excess movement. This removes the need to drive across the build volume for every nozzle switch saving a lot of time, especially during a long print job. This feature is negligible if you only print single nozzle prints.
Related: Are 3D Printer Nozzles Universal?
Filament Runout Sensor & Recovery
As you’d expect when buying any expensive printer, both these models come with a Filament runout sensor. However, only the Pro3 comes with the recovery after power loss feature. This allows the printer to recover and continue from where it left after a power outage. The S5 does not come with this feature and would need backup to mitigate the effects in the event of a power outage.
Filament
Both printers are open systems, that is to say, that third-party filament can be used with no issue. The only difference is that the S5 is only able to use 2.85mm filament (which is typical for Bowden printers) whereas the Pro3, being a direct drive printer, uses 1.75mm filament.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make money with a 3D printer?
Yes, you can earn money with a 3D printer by selling objects that have been created through the technology, digital goods, or even by providing a 3D printing service in your town.
Is PLA food safe?
PLA is regarded as food-safe because it is a pure substance and contains no hazardous compounds.
What is the strongest 3D filament?
One of the toughest consumer filaments available is polycarbonate (PC). When printed appropriately using an enclosure and an all-metal hot end, PC may produce incredibly strong items.
Verdict
While both the S5 and Pro3 are amazing printers, it is without a doubt that the Pro3 comes with many more amazing features that the S5 does not offer. What comes as a surprise, however, is that the Pro3 is significantly cheaper than the S5, even if you exclude the S5’s add-on cost of the air manager. In our objective opinion, in this comparison, Pro3 easily takes the win.
