UltiMaker Print Cores Explained: AA, BB, CC & + Cores
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What is an Ultimaker Print Core?
If you've ever used an UltiMaker S-Series or Factor 4 printer, you've already relied on a Print Core — even if you've never thought twice about it. The Print Core is the heart of the extrusion system: a single-piece assembly that houses the nozzle, heating element, and a small circuit board, all snapped together in one spring-loaded unit you can swap in seconds.
Unlike traditional 3D printers where changing a nozzle means wrestling with hex wrenches at high temperatures, UltiMaker's design lets you swap cores with your bare hands. That's not a gimmick — it's a workflow revolution for teams running multiple materials or switching between precision and speed on the same machine.
💡 Print Cores are compatible with all UltiMaker S-Series printers and the Factor 4. Your core choice directly determines your material compatibility, surface quality, and print speed ceiling.
Why the Right Core Matters
Choosing the wrong core doesn't just slow you down — it can mean clogged nozzles, failed prints, and wasted material. UltiMaker designed four distinct core families precisely because no single nozzle can optimally handle engineering-grade abrasives, water-soluble supports, and standard PLA at the same time.
Each core type is engineered from different materials, with different internal geometries, to match a specific class of filaments. Getting this match right is one of the highest-impact decisions in your print workflow, and it's a question we help customers navigate every day at 3D3 Technology.
AA, BB, CC & + Cores Explained
There are four Print Core families. Each has a specific job — here's exactly what that job is:
General-Purpose Build Material
The workhorse. Compatible with the vast majority of UltiMaker materials — PLA, Tough PLA, ABS, ASA, CPE, Nylon, PC, and more. If you're printing your main part geometry, start here.
Dedicated Support Material
Engineered specifically for PVA and Breakaway support materials. Internal geometry prevents moisture-sensitive PVA from degrading in the hotend. Pair with an AA Core for hands-free dual-material support printing.
Abrasive & Composite Materials
Built with hardened steel where standard brass would wear out rapidly. If you're printing carbon fiber, glass fiber, or particle-filled composites, a CC Core is the only way to get consistent, long-term results.
High-Speed Printing
Designed for throughput. The + Core unlocks UltiMaker's high-speed print profiles, pushing productivity without sacrificing the dimensional accuracy your applications demand.
The takeaway: AA for most builds, BB for supports, CC for abrasives, + for speed. Most professional teams keep at least one of each on hand so the printer is never the bottleneck.
Nozzle Sizes & When to Use Them
Print Cores come in four nozzle diameters: 0.25 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.6 mm, and 0.8 mm. Nozzle size is the single biggest lever for trading detail against speed.
| Size | Best For | Trade-Off | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.25 mm | Intricate geometry, fine text, jewelry, dental | Slowest print times | ★☆☆☆ |
| 0.4 mm | General-purpose; most UltiMaker profiles default here | Balanced all-rounder | ★★☆☆ |
| 0.6 mm | Functional prototypes, large structural parts | Visible layer lines at close range | ★★★☆ |
| 0.8 mm | Large-volume parts, jigs, fixtures, rapid iteration | Lower resolution surface | ★★★★ |
A common professional workflow: prototype quickly with a 0.8 mm core to validate fit and function, then switch to 0.4 mm or 0.25 mm for the final part. Because swapping cores takes under a minute, this is genuinely practical — not just theoretical.
AutoDetect: The Circuit Board That Thinks for You
Every UltiMaker Print Core contains a small circuit board on its rear face. The moment you seat the core into the print head, the printer reads it, identifies the core type and nozzle size, and automatically loads the appropriate print profiles and temperature ranges.
This AutoDetect system eliminates a whole category of user error. You can't accidentally run PLA profiles on a CC Core loaded with carbon fiber. You can't forget to update settings when swapping nozzle sizes mid-project. The printer simply knows what's installed and configures itself accordingly.
For teams with multiple operators or high print-job turnover, this is not a minor convenience — it's a quality control feature baked directly into the hardware.
How to Choose the Right Print Core
Ask these four questions:
1. What material am I printing? Standard UltiMaker materials → AA Core. Support material (PVA, Breakaway) → BB Core. Carbon fiber or glass-filled composites → CC Core. Speed is the priority → + Core.
2. How detailed does the output need to be? Fine detail or small features → 0.25 mm. Everyday functional prints → 0.4 mm. Large structural parts where time matters → 0.6 mm or 0.8 mm.
3. Am I printing supports on a dual-extruder machine? Pair an AA Core in one head with a BB Core in the other. PVA supports dissolve in water, leaving clean, hands-free support removal with zero post-processing marks.
4. Is throughput a priority? The + Core paired with UltiMaker's high-speed profiles can dramatically reduce your cost-per-part in production or rapid-iteration workflows.
🔧 Not sure what's right for your specific application? The 3D3 Technology team works with engineers and manufacturers across New England to match cores and materials to real-world requirements. Reach out — we're happy to talk through your use case.
Ready to Optimize Your Print Setup?
3D3 Technology is your local UltiMaker expert. We supply Print Cores, help you select the right configuration, and support you after the sale.
Shop Print Cores at 3D3Tech.com Email Our TeamThe Bottom Line
UltiMaker Print Cores aren't interchangeable accessories — they're a precision system. The spring-loaded, AutoDetect design makes swapping effortless; the four core families (AA, BB, CC, and +) cover every serious material and workflow; and the four nozzle sizes give you granular control over the detail-vs-speed trade-off that defines every print job.
If you're running an UltiMaker S-Series or Factor 4 and treating all cores as the same, you're leaving performance on the table. Visit 3D3 Technology or email sales@3d3tech.com to get the right cores matched to your materials and application.