Is Ultimaker 3 end of life?

[Thevirus 0]

Hello,

I have a question about ultimaker 3. Is this printer end of life?

And if so, for how long can get spare parts for this printer?

 

Thank you in advance

[Dim3nsioneer 557]

Yes, the Ultimaker 3 is not produced anymore. There might be some units left in the warehouses of distributors and resellers.

Spare parts can be provided five years after a model is discontinued. That means you get spare parts but maybe you have to buy an assembly, i.e. more than just the parts you actually have to replace.

[SandervG 1,521]

Hi, the Ultimaker S3 is obviously taking over some space that the Ultimaker 3 previously held, but in a more updated and advanced state. This also has its affect on the availability and longevity of the Ultimaker 3. Exact details about how this affects existing customers, service and spare parts will follow in the upcoming weeks. But rest assured, there will be spare parts available for some time even after the sales has stopped. Hope this helps! 

[JohnInOttawa 104]

While this may early, perhaps it is early enough to implement.

 

Having just completely stripped, cleaned and reassembled a UM3X, I realise that, with parts, this printer can be renewed to essentially brand new condition indefinitely.  The challenge OEMs face on legacy items is often how to produce parts cost effectively going forward. OEM's processes are often geared to large production runs and the lines don't pay below a certain volume, so get repurposed to putput the current products.

 

A lesson I learned from my (now retired) job was that parts that became impractical for OEMs to produce represented opportunities for aftermarket producers under licence.  I'm not talking about the knockoff market here, but authentic parts to original spec using qualified materials.  Anyone who has seen a 1940s vintage aircraft flying around is watching that supply chain in action.

 

I would argue that the timing is right for Ultimaker to seek aftermarket partners who can produce authentic parts under licence.  Not just for the UM3, but possibly for the UM2Go (and even the heated bed upgrade for the UMO since we are on this subject). Personally, I would far rather trust my sustainability to a licenced aftermarket producer than AliExpress.

 

So what, exactly, goes away with parts support ends for the UM3/3x?    The motherboard, printhead, print bed/support plate and possibly print blocks seem like opportunties.  I'm not sure about steppers or Z screws.  I guess in time there would have to be a firmware branch maintained.

 

Feeders already have aftermarket upgrades. Print Cores continue to be produced for the S3/S5 line.

 

Perhaps a crazy notion - but the UM3 is a backbone not easily replaced.  Taken another way, a perfect gateway to the S5, so perhaps in everyone's interest to keep this machine alive as long as possible.

 

Thanks for your consideration

John

 

 

[SandervG 1,521]

Hi @JohnInOttawa, thank you for your message and apologies for my slow response. We will still provide spare parts for a few years after sales stopped, so you shouldn't worry yet. But when that ends this might be an option, we're looking into it. Thanks for bringing it up! 

[JohnInOttawa 104]

Thanks for listening to my suggestion! 

All the best

John