3D Printing
News Videos Newsletter Contact us
Home / 3D Printers / The Battle at the top: Zortrax M200 vs Ultimaker 2+
qidi

The Battle at the top: Zortrax M200 vs Ultimaker 2+

October 12, 2017

The Zortrax M200 and the Ultimaker 2+ are very often rated as the top 3d printers of 2017. Both belong to the prosumer category, which means that they are suited to professional designers and small businesses. Nevertheless, there’s nothing against their use in home workshops, even by amateurs. Despite occupying similar positions in the ranking, both printers can be characterised by different features. This article is intended to emphasize them and help in choosing the right printer for specific needs.

Best 3D Printers 2024
Related Story
Best 3D Printers – Buyers Guide

What are the key specifications of the M200?

The Zortrax M200 has been featured in numerous 3D Printer guides. It is a well-known Polish brand which is successful all over the world. The M200 printer can definitely be featured in the Plug ‘n’ Play category. Its automated platform leveling couldn’t make the calibration process easier. The build volume of M200 (200mm x 200mm x 180mm) gives you enough space for reasonably sized objects. The perforated build platform also deserves credit for mitigating the material’s tendency to warp, even without using any external glues or tapes. The minimum layer height of the M200 is 90 microns, which should be enough, even for professional desktop solutions. The build quality of Zortrax is worth mentioning as well. Its solid aluminum case, with the availability of closing sides, makes the construction stable and minimizes exterior negative effects. On the other hand, the M200 printer is not open-source, unlike many other 3D printers. Any modifications are very limited, and only one slicer can be used. However, Zortrax recently announced to change some parameters in their software, making it a little bit easier to experiment with 3rd party filaments.

Related Story
Ideas Disruptivas use Zortrax M200 to preserve Mexican art

zortrax m200

The core features of the Ultimaker 2+

The Ultimaker 2+ is the younger brother of the very popular and appreciated Ultimaker 2. The new model was upgraded based on feedback from the market. A very-good printer was made even better. The Ultimaker 2+ features a solid case with an open front and semi-translucent sides. The fan system was optimized, making the cooling and airflow very efficient. The temperature sensors and heating system were also improved. Thus, the Ultimaker has no problems with any type of filament. The build volume of 223mm x 223mm x 305mm is sufficient enough for pretty much all purposes. One of the best features of the Ultimaker 2+ is the minimum layer height of 20 microns. Therefore, it provides the possibility to effect really precise printings. Going further, it is worth mentioning that the Ultimaker is open-source, as it comes with both hardware and software. There is no limitation on modifying our device and the use of any slicer you want, which makes it possible to control every parameter of the printing process. Consequently, the Ultimaker 2+ gives us top quality, still leaving the scope for advanced users to personalize and upgrade their devices.

Which should you choose?

To sum up, both the described 3d printers would be a great choice, and totally worth the money spent. However, to make it a bit easier, you should pay more attention to the Zortrax M200 if you are a rather non-technical person and want a pure Plug ‘n’ Play device for your home or business (e.g. artist’s studio). On the other hand, if you have some background in 3d printing and want to make some modifications to the 3d-printing process, you should consider investing in the Ultimaker 2+. Therefore, both printers are the top shelf choice for individual recipients. Every single hobbyist would be very happy with Zortrax, those more advanced with 3d printing should appreciate Ultimaker as well. However, when it comes to professional applications of 3d printers, M200 seems to be leading the way. When buying several printers for the industry, reliability of Zortrax makes a huge difference, because every second of production’s stoppage equals wasted money. The infallibility and convenient maintenance make Zortrax trustworthy and tip the scales in its favor for industrial customers. Nevertheless, these are only basic suggestions, and every potential buyer should analyse his needs and specifications of both printers.

Share:
WhatsApp Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Buffer Reddit E-mail
Join our newsletter

Our newsletter is free & you can unsubscribe any time.

Latest posts

Laser-Assisted Cold Spray Technology Enhances Material Deposition Process

Researchers at the University of Cambridge's Center for Industrial Photonics have developed a new additive manufacturing technique called laser-assisted cold spray (LACS). The... read more »

3D Printing Metal
Laser-Assisted Cold Spray Technology Enhances Material Deposition Process

Titomic Netherlands Secures Strategic Funding to Advance Cold Spray 3D Printing Technology

Titomic Limited, an Australian company specializing in cold spray additive manufacturing, has received €800,000 in funding from the Netherlands' 3D Print Kompas program.... read more »

3D Printing Metal
Titomic Netherlands Secures Strategic Funding to Advance Cold Spray 3D Printing Technology

3D-Printed Insects Help Scientists Map the Limits of Mimicry in Nature

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have developed a method to 3D print life-sized, color-accurate insect models for biological research. The team, led... read more »

Environmental

University of Hong Kong Scientists Explore Growing Organs with 3D Printing Technology

Researchers at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) are working to combine 3D-printed respiratory tissue with lab-grown organoids to create functional airways for... read more »

Bioprinting
University of Hong Kong Scientists Explore Growing Organs with 3D Printing Technology

SHINING 3D Unveils EinScan Rigil with Tri-Mode Scanning for Pro-sumer Flexibility

SHINING 3D has launched its newest flagship 3D scanner, the EinScan Rigil — touted as the world’s first 3D scanner featuring Tri-Mode operation... read more »

News
SHINING 3D Unveils EinScan Rigil with Tri-Mode Scanning for Pro-Level Flexibility

ETH Zurich 3D Prints Recycled Plastic Structure for Swiss Ice Cream Shop

ETH Zurich students have completed a 3D-printed ice cream shop in the Swiss Alpine village of Mulegns. The project, called Gelateria, was designed... read more »

Construction
ETH Zurich 3D Prints Recycled Plastic Structure for Swiss Ice Cream Shop

Hugo Launches 3D Printed Loafers with Zellerfeld

Hugo, the younger brand under Hugo Boss, has partnered with 3D printing company Zellerfeld to create a fully 3D-printed loafer. The shoe is... read more »

Fashion
Hugo Launches 3D Printed Loafers with Zellerfeld

3D Printed Resin Combines Rubber Flexibility with Plastic Strength, Surprising Scientists

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a 3D printing method that can create objects with both soft and hard... read more »

News
3D Printed Resin Combines Rubber Flexibility with Plastic Strength, Surprising Scientists

LPE Supports Queen’s Propulsion Laboratory with 3D Printed Rocket Engine Chamber

Students at Queen's University Belfast have developed what they describe as Ireland's first student-built liquid rocket engine. The Kelvin Mk.1, named after Belfast-born... read more »

3D Printing Metal
LPE Supports Queen’s Propulsion Laboratory with 3D Printed Rocket Engine Chamber

Social

  • Facebook Facebook 3D Printing
  • Linkedin Linkedin 3D Printing
Join our newsletter

Our newsletter is free & you can unsubscribe any time.

Featured Industries

  • Automotive
  • Aerospace
  • Construction
  • Dental
  • Environmental
  • Electronics
  • Fashion
  • Medical
  • Military
  • QIDI Tech X-Max 3

    • - Print size: 325 x 325 x 315 mm
    • - fully enclosed
    More details »
    $799.00 QIDI Store
    Buy Now
  • QIDI Plus4

    • - Print size: 305 x 305 x 280 mm
    • - print temperature of 370°C
    More details »
    $799.00 QIDI Store
    Buy Now
  • Snapmaker Artisan Premium 3-in-1

    • - Print size: 400 x 400 x 400 mm
    • - comes with enclosure
    More details »
    $2,999.00 Snapmaker
    Buy Now
  • QIDI Tech Q1 Pro

    • - Print size: 245 x 245 x 245 mm
    • - 600mm/s max speed
    More details »
    $449.00 QIDI Store
    Buy Now

Company Information

  • What is 3D Printing?
  • Contact us
  • Join our mailing list
  • Advertise with us
  • Media Kit
  • Nederland 3D Printing

Blog

  • Latest News
  • Use Cases
  • Reviews
  • 3D Printers
  • 3D Printing Metal

Featured Reviews

  • Anycubic Photon Mono M5s
  • Creality Ender 5 S1
  • The Mole 3D Scanner
  • Flashforge Creator 3 Pro

Featured Industries

  • Automotive
  • Aerospace
  • Construction
  • Dental
  • Environmental
  • Electronics
  • Medical
  • Military
  • Fashion
  • Art
2025 — Strikwerda en Dehue
  • Home
  • Join our mailing list
  • Contact us
Blog
  • Latest News
  • Use Cases
  • Reviews
  • 3D Printers
  • 3D Printing Metal
Featured Industries
  • Automotive
  • Aerospace
  • Construction
  • Dental
  • Environmental
  • Electronics
  • Medical
  • Military
  • Fashion
  • Art
Company Information
  • What is 3D Printing?
  • Contact us
  • Join our mailing list
  • Advertise with us
  • Media Kit
  • Nederland 3D Printing