olsson block
Staying true to its open and collaborative philosophy, desktop 3D printer manufacturer Ultimaker, is to include community invention, the Olsson Block, a new heating block created for Ultimaker 3D printers, with every Ultimaker2 and Ultimaker2 Extended purchase this month.
Produced by community member Anders Olsson, the new heater block offers Ultimaker customers an elevated and more efficient printing process. As opposed to the original solid heater block, the Olsson Block features removable and interchangeable hot-end nozzles allowing for users to quickly switch nozzles between prints.
“We work closely together with our community to innovate our products,” explained Siert Wijnia, founder and CTO of Ultimaker. “Many innovations at Ultimaker are community powered, ensuring it’s not just about what we believe is important, but also what our users want to see and use.”
The Olsson Block simplifies the process of switching nozzles by allowing users to simply screw in the new nozzle and have the machine ready to print in a matter of seconds. For a smaller, smoother, highly detailed print, Ultimaker recommends the 0.25mm nozzle and for a faster print, the 0.80mm nozzle. This is ideal for users who regularly change materials and are now able to easily switch nozzles.
The Olsson Block will be bundled with both the Ultimaker2 and the Ultimaker2 Extended machines. Included in the kit will be The Olsson Block, a socket, a screw driver and four nozzles in the following sizes: 0.25, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8mm.
Last month, TCT spoke to Paul Croft from the UK division of the Ultimaker brand who said the company sees collaboration and input from its thriving community, like the Olsson Block, as vital components for taking the industry to the next level.
