Ultimaker 3 9676 Extended 3D Printer Review

The Ultimaker 3 9676 Extended 3D Printer has everything we wanted from its earlier models, thanks to Ultimaker really paying attention to previous comments from its user base.

With an enhanced heating plate, even better quality finish, and an overall easy to complete set-up, this printer has become a real joy to work with.

Thanks to the open source software, Cura, there is a large user base for Ultimaker 3D printing, making for a large group of people who already spent a lot of time figuring out what the deal is about this device – meaning, less work and research for you!

Of course, this wouldn’t be an Ultimaker 3 review without us mentioning the bad stuff as well. Our biggest gripe is the long waiting time when it comes to printing.

Large and complicated designs especially, tend to come out slowly, and while there is no arguing with the end results, we’re sure that some people just don’t have the patience to sit around waiting for their prints to finish.

While this really is a matter of personal taste, is the time cost enough to make us reject this 3D printer out of hand?

We gathered the info and are prepared to leave the choice to you, so be sure to check out what makes this Ultimaker 3 better than the previous generation.

Ultimaker 3 9676 Extended 3D Printer: The Details

Specs

• Weight:2 lbs.
• Dimensions:4 x 13.5 x 23.2 inches.
• Print Dimensions:5 x 8.5 x 7.9 in or 7.8 x 8.5 x 7.9 in. when using the dual-extruder mode.
• Filament Types: ABS, HIPS, PLA, PVA, PETG, and Nylon.
• Ready to Print?: Initial assembly and set-up amount to around 30 minutes and up to an hour.
• Compatibility: Printer software requires Cura compatibility.

How Does it Work

The Ultimaker 3 9676 Extended 3D Printer has had some significant upgrades in comparison to its earlier generations.

It comes out of the box almost completely ready to use. The only real bit of assembling you need to do is to insert the glass plate – and then you can fire up your machine.

Our careful estimation of installation time mostly has to do with the leveling of the glass plate. While this process goes smoothly most of the time, there have been cases where the glass plate did not level correctly and required some manual intervention.

The overall look of the Ultimaker 3 is sleek and white; the exterior looks somewhat plastic but, at the same time, manages to be more futuristic instead of tacky.

The finish of the core components is of high quality, while the overall build makes it suitable as a desktop printer. Because of its general measurements, you’ll find that printing out tall models is easier than with more squat printers, while wider variations could ask for a bit more navigation.

Accessories

Ultimaker 3 9676 Extended 3D Printer was recently revamped to be more friendly towards new users.

As such you’ll find a wide array of accessories made specifically to help you get started. These accessories are :

• 3 Print Cores.
• 2 x AA Build Material Core.
• 1 x BB Support Material Core.
• 350gr. Spool of Silver PLA.
• 350gr Spool of PVA Dissolvable Support.
• USB key.
• Glue stick.
• Grease.
• Hex wrenches.
• Cables.
• Cura.
• Ultimaker app.
• A calibration card to level the build plate.
• Lifetime expert support from Shop3D.ca.

Features

High-Quality Finish

With as few as 20 microns when it comes to print quality, and with a high of 200 microns, you’ll find that the print quality of this 3D printer is unrivaled.

In combination with the various other features, you’ll find this aspect makes for the smoothest end result you could imagine.

Duel Extractor

The two extruder heads on the Ultimaker 3 Extended provide a service that is not unique but isn’t widespread either.

With two separate extruder heads, you can choose between either printing with two different colors to get a real wow-effect or to use one for builder material and the other for dissolvable support.

By pressing a lever, you can swap these out easily, making clean-up simple should any clogging occur.

Heated Build Plate

The heated build plate is another aspect in which the Ultimaker has improved on the original design. The glass plate is now stiffer, reducing vibrations and ensuring the bottom and overall finish are both of higher quality.

If you can’t detach your prints once they’ve finished, removing the glass plate is easy and allows for more maneuverability.

Optimized Cooling

3D printers have to accomplish a lot of work and can overheat quickly. While printing in an open and well-ventilated space often helps, the best solution is still a good cooling system.

The two radial fans and fan shrouds are quiet and ensure that your print is going to be its best possible version.

Active Leveling 

The Ultimaker tries to make things easier for hobbyists by including active leveling, a sensor built right into the machine that detects the slightest changes in your bed level and adjusts the z-height to compensate.

While this isn’t always a foolproof process, we do appreciate a machine that likes to lend a helping hand.

Ultimaker 3 9676 Extended 3D Printer Review

The Positives

Suitable for Desktop Printing

This printer has the perfect base size to fit on your desktop or any smaller side table.

The square shape, in general, makes it easy to find a good spot to place this printer, and while it’s important that the cooling system can get access to plenty of air, this will be the only thing you really need to take into account.

This makes the Ultimaker 3 9676 a great option for those who are short on space, or those looking to move their 3D printer from room to room or class to class.

Weighing in at just over twenty pounds, it won’t be a hassle to move, and won’t be overbearing on any surface. Whether you’re in a dorm, office or studio, this printer won’t be a bother.

Cura Software

The Cura software is free to download and very beginner-friendly to get started with. At the same time, there are close to 200 settings that can be tinkered with, allowing this software to grow right alongside you.

Since this software is also used by several other 3D printing manufacturers, there is no shortage of handy online tutorials, as well as an impressive online community that can help with any questions you might have.

If you’re using this printer as a starter device, learning to craft on a well-known software gives you access to a ton of information, and it will be easier to move up in printers when the time comes.

Flawless Printing

There’s no other way of saying this, but the Ultimaker 3 manages to print out nearly flawless 3D models, which is of course exactly what we’re looking for.

Not only do designs come out beautifully, but this machine does a great job at getting the job done fast.

Some users noted that there were able to get a set of prints done in no time, and some users were able to finish a project within minutes of setting up the printer.

If you’re looking for a device that truly performs, the Ultimaker 3 won’t let you down.

Easy to Maintain and Customize

Whether you’re a beginner or expert hobbyist, you won’t find it too hard to use the Ultimaker 3 Extended 3D printer.

Users found it easy to put together, with a number of videos and information on the Ultimaker website to help.

This machine also does a great job at reaching the heart of tinkerers, since it’s easy to take apart, making it super easy to maintain and customize.

It’s easy to disassemble, with minimal tools required, so users can easily become an expert on 3D printing in no time.

Live Monitoring

Busy crafters (and curious ones) know just how beneficial having a camera onboard your 3D printer can actually be.

The Ultimaker 3 includes a live monitoring option, allowing you to watch your projects come to life from wherever you are.

This comes in handy when crafting bigger projects that take some time to complete. You’ll be able to know when your attention is needed while tending to other things.

The Negatives

Spool Exclusive

Like many 3D printers, Ultimaker has also chosen to create their Ultimaker 3 in a way that it works almost exclusively with Ultimaker spools.

While this doesn’t come as a surprise, it would have been nice to at least have the option to shop around.

Price

Despite the small cons, all the positives do come at a price, a high one. The Ultimaker 3 9676 is definitely not an option for those on a budget.

Priced well into the thousands, you can expect this printer to set you back, which can be deterring for budget crafters or those just starting out.

If the price isn’t an issue though, then you should definitely consider the positives about this printer.

Here’s a video showing what the Ultimaker 3 9676 Extended looks like out of the box and in action.

Overall Verdict

The Ultimaker 3 is a 3D printer that excels in the most important aspects of a device of its kind.

It’s easy to set-up and use, the print quality is nothing short of superb, and the software itself is intuitive as well as readily accessible since it can count on a large user base.

Because of this, it is a good teaching tool and definitely worth looking into if you’re a hobbyist with extra dispensable income.

The Ultimaker spools really guarantee ease of use, but some may not like being limited in options, while others may be deterred by this printer’s price-tag.

If you don’t mind paying for an easy high-quality finish though, the Ultimaker 3 9676 Extended is the best 3D printer for you.

Where to Buy the Ultimaker 3 9676 Extended 3D Printer

Ultimaker has definitely made a splash on the market with the Ultimaker 3 9676 Extended 3D Printer.

Customers and enthusiasts alike have raved about this machine’s performance and this company’s keen eye for design.

This isn’t the only 3D printer to have come out of this brand; they have a number of high-end machines under their belt. They’re very first printer is way behind them now, though they’ve stayed true to their branding and style.

Thanks to their success, many retailers have chosen to display this brand proudly on their shelves, making the Ultimaker 3 9676 available both in-store and online.

While it’s best to check technology and specialty stores, you can kick-start your search with the following online retailers.

• Ultimaker (from $4,295)
• 3D Universe (from $4,295)
• DELRAY Systems (from $4,295)

But of course, you can also find this 3D printer on Amazon.

That’s a wrap on our Ultimaker 3 review. Curious to give it a try?