PioCreat G5Ultra – FGF granule 3D printer 500×500×400 mm up to 420°C

PioCreat G5Ultra – FGF granule 3D printer 500×500×400 mm

Key advantages

• Working volume 500×500×400 mm for large details and series of elements in one session.
• Nozzle temperature up to ≤420°C (lower zone) and heated platform up to ≤120°C.
• Printing speed 0–220 mm/s and layers 0.2–1.0 mm for a balance between performance and detail.
• Nozzles 0.4–2.0 mm (option 3.0 mm; standard 0.8/1.0/2.0 mm).
• File transfer via USB drive or Wi-Fi and functions for resuming after power interruption/after material replenishment.

What is PioCreat G5Ultra and who is it for

PioCreat G5Ultra is a granule 3D printer with FGF (Fused Granulate Fabrication) technology, designed to work with thermoplastic pellets/granules and to produce large objects at high speed. The machine is aimed at prototyping teams, educational and research laboratories, design studios, and workshops that want fast working cycles and the ability to print details with coarser geometry (large ribs, housings, fixtures, models), without being limited by standard material rolls.

The key choice here is the working volume 500×500×400 mm: it allows for a reduction in the number of assemblies and adhesives for large products and shortens the fitting stages.

FGF with pellets: nozzles, layer, and material behavior

In FGF, the material is fed as granules and extruded through a screw mechanism. This is usually more suitable for thicker lines and larger layers, when the goal is performance and volume, not micro-detail. PioCreat G5Ultra supports layer thickness of 0.2–1.0 mm, which provides flexibility: thinner layers for more accentuated surfaces and thicker layers for speed and sturdy walls.

The diameter of the nozzle is directly related to the actual result: a larger nozzle means higher flow and a rougher surface, while a smaller one means better detail and a slower cycle. The documentation for G5Ultra specifies 0.4–2.0 mm (with an option of 3.0 mm), with standard nozzles being 0.8/1.0/2.0 mm.

The temperature capabilities are also critical for the granules: G5Ultra is specified with nozzle up to ≤420°C (lower zone) and ≤360°C (upper zone), as well as heated platform up to ≤120°C. This provides more freedom in choosing engineering thermoplastics and composites (according to the materials specified by the manufacturer), but also requires discipline in ventilation, safety, and profile settings.

Performance and workflow

In large-format printing, the goal is often to minimize "idle" hours: heating, leveling, samples, and repetitions. G5Ultra is specified with a printing speed of 0–220 mm/s and a manufacturer-specified maximum extrusion volume of up to 0.8 kg/h. In practice, this means that the machine is oriented towards rapid material accumulation for large details, especially with larger nozzles and layers.

Example workflow (practical sequence):

• Material preparation: select pellets of appropriate size and ensure they are dry.
• Loading: the machine operates with a hopper with a capacity of 3 L.
• Leveling and Z-offset: use automatic leveling and adjust Z compensation according to the instructions.
• Preheating: set temperatures for the nozzle and platform according to the material.
• Slicing: prepare G-code in the selected slicer.
• Transfer and start: submit the file via USB drive or Wi-Fi and start the task.
• Monitoring and refilling: if necessary, add material; the documentation specifies functions for resuming after refilling and after a power interruption.

Software, formats, and connectivity

The manufacturer indicates compatibility with slicers Piocreat_Slicer, Cura, and Simplify3D. For G5Ultra, the manual specifies model formats STL, OBJ, AMF. Connectivity/file transfer is described as USB and Wi-Fi (USB drive / Wi-Fi).

Piocreat Slicer (according to the software manual) supports the import of multiple 3D formats (including STL/OBJ/3MF/PLY, etc.) and works with G-code (.gcode) – useful if you maintain a mixed fleet of machines and want a unified workflow for preparing and reviewing trajectories.

For the computer environment, the documentation for G5Ultra specifies Windows XP/7/8/10 and Mac/Linux_x64. Piocreat Slicer is also described as available for Windows/Mac/Linux, covering typical CAD/workstations in engineering teams.

Professional application scenarios

• Prototyping of housings and enclosures: the large volume allows for full-size prototypes and fewer assemblies during iterations.
• Templates, fixtures, and clamps: larger nozzles and layers accelerate the production of auxiliary equipment for manufacturing processes.
• Mold models and forming elements: suitable when the goal is quick geometry and subsequent machining/grinding, rather than a "showroom" finish from the machine.
• Material tests: the manufacturer positions the system for testing various granules and composites (including GF/CF variants according to the specified lists).
• Education and demonstrations: the visible working process with granules (loading, extrusion, temperatures) is convenient for training in manufacturing technologies and materials.

Limitations, best practices, and maintenance

Pellet size: in screw extruders, the size and uniformity of pellets are critical. The troubleshooting guidelines specify a recommended size of 2–5 mm; overly large particles can lead to feeding issues.

Moisture in the material: in many thermoplastics, moisture worsens extrusion stability and surface quality. Good practice is drying and closed storage of granules, especially for engineering materials.

Flow/retraction settings: in granule extrusion, retraction and flow significantly affect edge cleanliness and buildup during trajectory changes. Start with conservative profiles and adjust one variable at a time.

Support and safety: the machine operates at high temperatures and moving mechanisms. Follow the cleaning and maintenance instructions (disconnect from power when cleaning, operate in a ventilated area, etc.).

Technical specifications