Monoprice MP Ultimate 2

The Monoprice Ultimate 2 is an FDM/FFF (Fused Deposition Modeling) printer with a cartesian x-y-z motion mechanism that uses 4 stepper motors: two of them are used to move the extruder in x-axis and y-axis. One more is used to move the print bed up/down on the z-axis and one more is used to extrude the filament through the hot end.

The Monoprice Ultimate 2 comes fully enclosed with a transparent front and top door used to provide access to the print bed and give visibility of the print status. The front door has an open/close sensor that can pause the printing when the door is open preventing temperature fluctuations.

The interior cabin also hides LED lights and  space for the spool filament. The LED lights are very convenient when monitoring printing status. On the other hand, the spool filament is placed next to the printing bed. Its installation is not easy at all since there is not much space for it. The filament is driven through the run-out sensor to the direct extruder system.

The maximum print volume is 4.5 Liters (200 x 150 x 150 mm). That is big enough to handle most of the printing objects found in Mito3D. The print bed is made of glass and can be heated up to 100 ºC to prevent wrapping in most printing materials. The bed is also removable as the glass is surrounded by a steel frame that is attached to the z-axis frame with strong magnets. 

The MP Ultimate 2 interface is not as good as shown in other Monoprice printers. It is not a touchscreen display but it uses a spinning knob that is very intuitive when navigating through the different menus. The LCD display is more like a Prusa Printer, it also shows current printing status which is also very convenient. 

The print can be run from different sources: USB or microSD card. The printing files can be generated by most slicing softwares, although Monoprice provides a Cura profile in the microSD card to set the printer straight away

This printer has plenty of special features. The most notorious is the sturdy and enclosed frame that provides a completely controlled print environment for the printer, free from dust, moisture, and debris in the air. 

The door sensor is another extra feature of this printer. It makes each print safer and more stable in regards to temperature control as it will pause the printer if the door is open.

The run-out sensor is very convenient to prevent material waste and wasted prints. It is placed inside of the printer next to the spool filament location. 

Inside of the cabinet the spool filament up to 1 Kg is also located. Users complain about the poor access given to set it up.  

The Ultimate 2 also has the automatic levelling function to ensure that no recalibrations will be required after a few prints. 

Another good feature is the quick release removable nozzle. No screws will be required when the nozzle needs to be replaced or cleaned.

Regarding the printing bed, it is made of glass which helps to print a smooth and high quality first layer. Additionally, the glass spreads the heat very well to prevent wrapping. 

Finally, it is also important to highlight the magnetic system used to remove the glass bed. It is excellent when trying to clean or take a printed object off the printer.

In terms of print quality, the Monoprice Ultimate 2 produces good and consistent results out of the box. It is also very reliable so printing failures are not common at all. It does not require many tweaks to achieve great and smooth surfaces. However, if you are looking for jewelry or dentist prototype prints, this is not exactly a printer for you and you may want to check SLA technology printers.

The perfect definition of this printer is “plug-and-print 3D printer''. It comes fully assembled and with plenty of extra features that help users to experience a friendly interaction with the printer. With all the sensors installed, no prints will be ruined. This makes the printer incredibly efficient and reliable. 

Out of the box it really makes good prints with a removable magnetic heated bed and a quick release nozzle. Basically, this printer is made for beginner users that want to get into the 3D printing world.

Mito3D Search Engine has also looked through all internet to find the best upgrades and modifications to print for the Ultimate 2 3D printer. Click this link and check how many modifications users have made to improve your 3D print experience and performance with the Monoprice MP Ultimate 2.