as already mentioned, zortrax is a very reliable plug n play machine. Very good quality. But only zortrax materials should be used. 3rd party abs may work. Nothing to set. Not even print temperature. Good choice if you want print results.
Ultimaker is open source and much more flexible. Can print various materials. Many settings. Some can be changed even while print is running. Good choice if you like to play with it. Quality can even be a little bit better than zortrax, but printing slower.
As these helpful members mentioned, there are software updates and a couple hardware changes (v1-v2 hot end) however, what has not been mentioned is that there were multiple hardware changes to
1. the extruder cable
and one change to
2. the perforated build plate (thicker)
So in reality it is not just a software change, some of the hardware does change from v1-v4.
I have absolutely LOVED using the Zortrax m200! So much that we started reselling them!
If you have any more questions regarding v1, v2, v3, or v4 of the printer, please email me at:
With an after market Z-Temp addition to the Zortrax M200, it can print any material that is on the market.
I have found in my business that I have had some with Ultimakers that needed a quality print, hired my M200 to print it for them. I am sure the ultimaker can do quality but with so many tweaks needed to the settings to get that quality print, I wouldn’t even attempt to delve into that world. lol
Zortrax is a great printer and if you need to have reliable printer, with filament formulated for the specific printer for the best quality prints and don’t want to spend time on thinking about parameters and settings - buy M200. After reading all entry, clarification is needed as folks mixing software, microcode and plain hardware. 1). Z-Suite is exactly 1.4.1.(commonly called v4), printer had 2 versions, first at original Kiskstarter with rounded extruder cable, quickly replaced with flat cable (by the way you should print kit keeping extruder flat cable and plastic extruder feeder together to prevent cable being damaged - see attached picture). 2). Both HotEnds v1 and v2 are supported by Z-Suite 1.4.1, both plates v1 (thinner) and v2 (thicker) are supported by Z-Suite 1.4.1 3). M200 hardware and functionality changes are driven by new microcode, again nothing to do with Z-Suite as software is compatible with new and “old” hardware, microcode is really much more important to be current…
New plate is better in preventing warping (model and plate itself, made from aluminium) and is more evenly heated. New Z-Suite version is solving bugs, changing some functions available during slicing, adding more precise slicing algorithm etc.
New microcode is adding new function like filament load and unload, time of print, progress and so on visible on LCD screen. yes, you should have latest versions of ZSuite and Microcode, but if you can buy older without at bargain price, go for it as every thing you can download from Zortrax web site. Confusion is created by some of the distributors, resellers as they proclaimed different version of Printer by bundling HotEnd v2, Plate v2 and sometimes side covers together and selling it as v4 or “Professional”. All parts can be acquired separately and assembled into your printer, again nothing to do with Z-Suite.
Base printer in US is around $1,990.00, other elements varies. New printer generally are shipped by Zortrax with HotEnd v2 and plate v2 and side covers can be purchased separately, as they help preventing model warping.
I own a Zortrax and what your talking about is Firmware that runs the machine, always get the latest version of software and firmware, that way your kept up to date.
As far as the Zortrax Machine goes, I cannot fault it, I have had it running for a year now and no trouble at all, compare a Zortrax to an Ultimaker, I would not put them in the same bucket, Zortrax to me is superior, Industrial grade Prints that I cannot fault.
I have several machines from different makers and about 6 of my own built, Zortrax stands above all, I would have no hesitation in buying a Zortrax over any brand.
Other Filaments can be run in a Zortrax, but you need an add on from :
I thought at some point they had wifi in version x. I know they also improved the platform between certain versions. I have the latest version 4. It’s the best printer I had by far. I had a RepRap and Form 1+. The Zortrax has been printing for over 20 hours now without a single problem.
