PEI / ULTEM Settings for UltiMaker S8

Temperature Settings

Start with the nozzle at 300°C and the bed at 140°C. If you see poor layer adhesion, increase the nozzle temperature by 5°C increments. If you experience stringing, decrease the nozzle temperature by 5°C. For the first layer, you can increase the bed temperature by 5°C for better adhesion, then let it drop back to 140°C for subsequent layers.

The PEI / ULTEM filament has a recommended nozzle temperature range of 350-400°C and a bed temperature range of 130-160°C. The UltiMaker S8 supports nozzle temperatures up to 300°C and bed temperatures up to 140°C. See the compatibility notice above for details.

Speed & Quality

The UltiMaker S8 supports high-speed printing at up to 600 mm/s. For PEI / ULTEM, we recommend 15-30 mm/s for general printing. Start with the lower end for quality-critical prints and increase for draft prints. Always print the first layer at 25-50% of your normal speed for better adhesion.

For quality-critical prints like miniatures or display pieces, reduce the speed to 15 mm/s and use a 0.12-0.16mm layer height. For draft or rapid prototyping, you can push the speed to 30 mm/s with a 0.24-0.28mm layer height. The standard 0.2mm layer height at 23 mm/s provides the best balance of speed and quality for most prints.

Bed Adhesion

PLA adheres well to PEI sheets (smooth or textured) without any adhesive. If using a glass bed, apply a thin layer of glue stick or hairspray. Clean the bed with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) before each print for consistent adhesion.

Common Issues with PEI / ULTEM on UltiMaker S8

Here are the most common problems you may encounter when printing PEI / ULTEM on the UltiMaker S8, along with proven solutions:

• Stringing: Lower nozzle temperature by 5°C and increase retraction distance slightly
• Warping (rare): Increase bed temperature to 60°C, use a brim, and clean the bed with IPA
• Poor layer adhesion: Increase nozzle temperature by 5°C and check if filament is wet
• Brittle prints: Filament may be old or moisture-damaged; try drying at 50°C for 4-5 hours

Tips for Best Results

Follow these expert tips to get the best possible prints with PEI / ULTEM on your UltiMaker S8:

• Print a temperature tower to find the sweet spot for your specific PLA brand
• Store filament in an airtight container with desiccant when not in use
• Clean the bed with IPA before every print for consistent adhesion
• Use 100% cooling fan from layer 2 onward for best overhangs and bridging
• PLA is great for prototyping but avoid leaving prints in hot cars or direct sunlight

Support Settings

For prints requiring supports with PEI / ULTEM, use tree supports for easier removal and less scarring. Set a 0.15-0.2mm Z-distance between support and model. If you have a dual-extruder setup, consider PVA (for PLA/PETG) or HIPS (for ABS) as dedicated water/solvent-soluble support material.

PEI / ULTEM at a Glance

UltiMaker S8 Specifications

The UltiMaker S8 features a 330 x 240 x 300 mm build volume with a maximum print speed of 600 mm/s. It uses a direct drive extruder system, which provides better control over flexible and specialty filaments. The hotend can reach 300°C and the heated bed supports temperatures up to 140°C.