I. Touchscreen
II. Materials
III. Using Cura
IV. Starting a Print
V. Removing the Printed Object
VI. Removing Support Material
VII. Changing Filament and Nozzles
VIII. Build Plate Calibration
IX. XY Offset Calibration
X. Lift Switch Calibration
I. Touchscreen
You can control the Ultimaker S5 using the touchscreen located at the front of the printer.
The first time you turn on the Ultimaker S5, the printer will start a setup wizard. After that, the main menu will be displayed when the printer is turned on.
Interface
The main menu offers three options, represented by the icons below:
Status Overview
The status overview is automatically shown next to the main menu. From here you can start a print from USB, or view the print progress when printing.
Configuration Overview
The configuration overview displays the current settings of the printer. Here you can see which print cores, materials, and build plate are installed, and allows you to change the settings.
Main Menu Overview
The main menu overview contains three sub-menus: Settings, Maintenance, and Network. In the printer settings menu, you can change general settings such as language.
In the maintenance menu, you can perform the most important maintenance and calibration processes, in addition to storing maintenance records.
The network menu allows you to change network settings or perform Wi-Fi setup.
II. Materials
Material Compatibility
The Ultimaker S5 comes with two AA print cores and one BB print core. AA print cores can be used for printing build materials and breakaway support materials.
BB print cores can be used for water-soluble support materials (PVA).
The Ultimaker S5 supports all current Ultimaker materials, most of which can be printed with all print core sizes (0.25, 0.4, and 0.8 mm). The overview below shows which materials are compatible with which print core sizes.
This compatibility table is for single extrusion prints.
For possible dual extrusion material combinations, please refer to the table below.
Although the Ultimaker S5 has an open material system, it is recommended to use Ultimaker materials on the printer. All Ultimaker materials have been extensively tested and optimized in Ultimaker Cura to ensure optimal print results. Therefore, it is recommended to use one of the default profiles in Ultimaker Cura for the highest reliability. Using Ultimaker materials also allows you to benefit from the NFC detection system. The Ultimaker S5 automatically identifies Ultimaker filaments, and when connected to the network, this information can be directly transmitted to Ultimaker Cura, achieving seamless connection between the printer and Ultimaker Cura software.
Printing Recommendations
Each material requires different settings for optimal results. If you prepare your model using Ultimaker Cura, these settings will be automatically selected correctly if the correct nozzle, material, and build plate type are chosen. Ensure you are using the latest version of Ultimaker Cura for the most up-to-date print profiles.
For all materials supported on the Ultimaker S5, you must use a glass or aluminum build plate for adhesion.
If you are using a glass build plate, it is recommended to apply a thin layer of glue (using the glue stick from the accessory box) or an adhesive sheet to the glass build plate before starting the print. This ensures your printed object adheres reliably to the build plate and prevents the glass build plate from chipping when removing the material.
✔Friendly Reminder: When changing the build plate, you need to change the build plate settings on the printer.
For detailed instructions on which settings and adhesion methods to use for each material, please read the Material Comparison Guide article.
III. Using Cura
Preparing to print with Ultimaker Cura
Interface
After adding the Ultimaker S5 to Ultimaker Cura, the main interface will be visible. Here is an overview of the interface.
1. Open File
2. Adjustment Tools
3. Non-printable Area
4. 3D Model
5. Navigation Mode
6. Printer, Material, Print Core, and Build Plate Settings
7. Print Settings (Recommended Mode)
8. Model Information
9. Print Job Information (Print Time and Material Usage)
10. Print over network, or save to file, or USB stick
Slicing a Model
To slice a model in Ultimaker Cura:
1. Load your model by clicking the "Open File" icon.
2. In the sidebar (right side of the screen), check if the material, print core, and build plate are correct.
3. Use the adjustment tools to position, scale, and rotate the model.
4. Select the desired settings under "Print Settings" (layer height/print speed, infill, support, and build plate adhesion).
5. To view the results of the selected settings, change the view mode from "Solid View" to "Layer View."
6. In the bottom right corner, choose to print over the network, save the file, or save to USB, depending on your printing method.
✔Friendly Reminder: When printing with supports, you can choose which extruder to use for the support structure. This allows you to print models on the Ultimaker S5 with PVA support, breakaway support, or build material support.
✔Friendly Reminder: If creating a dual-color print, you must specify the material colors for the model and merge the models before slicing.
For more instructions on how to use Ultimaker Cura, please refer to the Ultimaker Cura tutorial article.
IV. Starting a Print
Starting a print with Cura Connect
The Ultimaker S5 can be printed via Wi-Fi or network. This can be done using Cura Connect in Ultimaker Cura when your Ultimaker S5 and computer are connected to the same network.
To start a print via Cura Connect:
1. Connect your Ultimaker S5 to the network via Wi-Fi or Ethernet (if not already done):
2. In the network menu, enable Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
3. In Ultimaker Cura, go to Settings > Printers > Manage Printers.
4. Click the "Connect via network" button.
5. Select your Ultimaker from the list of displayed printers and click "Connect." This printer is now the group host.
6. Slice your 3D model in Ultimaker Cura.
7. Click "Print via network" to start the print.
✔Friendly Reminder: Once printing begins, you can monitor it by opening the "Monitor" tab at the top of the Ultimaker Cura screen or by using the Ultimaker app.
This allows you to view the print progress and control your Ultimaker S5 remotely.
✔Friendly Reminder: When sending multiple print jobs, Cura Connect automatically adds them to the print queue.
Refer to the Cura Connect manual for a more detailed explanation of its features.
Printing with USB
When printing over the network is not possible, 3D print files can still be transferred to your Ultimaker S5 via USB.
1. Insert the USB into your computer.
2. Slice your 3D model in Ultimaker Cura. Ensure that the material, print core, and build plate settings in Ultimaker Cura match the settings on your Ultimaker S5.
3. Press the "Save to removable drive" button to save the print file to the USB (GCODE, GCODE.gz, or UFP).
4. Remove the USB from Ultimaker Cura and then from your computer.
5. Insert the USB into the USB slot on the Ultimaker S5.
6. Go to the status overview menu and select the file you want to print.
V. Removing the Printed Object
After 3D printing is complete, the object must be removed from the build plate. There are several ways to do this, depending on the type of build plate (glass or aluminum).
⚠Please note: When using a brim, be aware of the risk of cutting yourself when removing the printed object from the build plate. After removing the object from the build plate, use a deburring tool to remove the brim.
Waiting for the object to cool down
If printing directly onto the plate without adhesive, simply allow the build plate and printed object to cool down after printing. The material will contract as it cools, allowing you to easily remove the printed object from the build plate.
Using a scraper
If your printed object remains adhered to the build plate after cooling, use a scraper to remove it. Place the scraper under the printed object, keeping it parallel to the build plate to avoid scratching the plate. Apply some force to remove the object. The scraper can also be used to carefully remove any remaining print material from the build plate, such as brims or support structures.
⚠Please note: Remove the build plate from the printer to avoid damaging the build plate clips.
Using Water
If you used glue to print on the build plate and the two methods above do not work, use water to remove the printed object.
Remove the build plate from the printer. If the build plate is still hot, be careful not to burn yourself. Quickly cool it with cool tap water on the back of the plate. The print material will shrink more than with normal cooling. Once cool enough, the object will release itself.
Alternatively, you can use warm water on the print side of the plate to dissolve the glue. Once the glue is dissolved, it will be easier to remove. If using PVA, place the build plate in water to dissolve the PVA. This will make the object easier to remove.
VI. Removing Support Material
Dissolving PVA Support
PVA support structures can be removed by dissolving the PVA in water. This takes several hours and leaves no residue.
1. Submerge the object in water
Place the printed object with PVA in water, and the PVA will slowly dissolve. This process can be accelerated by using:
Warm water. Warm water will reduce the dissolving time. When using PLA as the build material, ensure the water temperature does not exceed 35°C, otherwise parts of the PLA may deform. Never use water above 50°C, as it increases the risk of burns.
Agitation. Use circulating water to reduce dissolving time. Moving water can dissolve PVA much faster (in some cases, within three hours, depending on the amount of support material used).
Pliers. You can speed up PVA dissolution by placing the printed object in water for about 10 minutes, then using pliers to remove most of the support. When the printed object is returned to the water, only the remaining PVA needs to dissolve.
2. Rinse with clean water
Once the PVA support is completely dissolved, rinse the printed object with water to remove any excess PVA.
3. Allow the object to dry
If necessary, allow the printed object to dry completely and perform additional post-processing on the build material.
4. Wastewater disposal
PVA is a biodegradable material, and in most cases, disposing of the water is easy. Flush hot water from the tap for about 30 seconds to remove any excess saturated PVA water and avoid clogging issues.
Removing Breakaway Support
When printing with Ultimaker Breakaway as support material, post-processing is required to remove the support structure.
⚠Please note: It is recommended to wear protective gloves if the support structure has sharp corners or is large.
1. Tear off the internal support structure
First, use flush cutters to remove the walls of the support structure. This allows you to quickly remove most of the internal support structure.
2. Pull breakaway support from the build material
After removing most of the support structure, the remaining parts can be pulled away from the build material. Use pliers to grip the corners of the breakaway support and carefully place them beneath it, then bend upwards. Repeat this for several corners to loosen the support around the model's corners. Afterwards, pull the Breakaway support from the model.
3. Peel off the last traces from the model
Sometimes after pulling breakaway support from the build material, the last layer of support material may still be present. If this happens, use pliers to peel off its edges. Any residual marks on the model can be removed with tweezers.
VII. Changing Filament and Nozzles
Changing Material
Changing material on the Ultimaker S5 is easy by following the steps in the menu. In addition to changing material, you can also choose to only load or unload material. Before inserting material, confirm that the compatible print core is installed.
1. Go to the Settings menu, select the material you want to use, and then select Change.
2. Wait for the print core to heat up and unload the material.
3. Remove the material from the feeder and spool holder.
4. Place the new material on the spool holder.
5. Wait for the Ultimaker S5 to detect the material.
6. Insert the end of the material into the feeder, gently pushing until the feeder grips the filament and you see the material in the feeding tube.
7. Wait for the Ultimaker S5 to heat the print core and load the material into the print head.
8. Confirm that the new material is extruding from the print core.
9. Wait a moment for the nozzle to cool down.
✔Reminder: When using third-party materials, you can manually select the material type.
Changing Print Cores
Changing print cores on the Ultimaker S5 is easy by following the steps in the menu. In addition to changing print cores, you can also choose to load or unload print cores.
1. Go to the Settings menu, select the print core you want to change, and then select Change.
2. Wait for the print core to heat up, unload the material, and then wait for it to cool down again.
3. Open the glass door and the print head fan.
4. Squeeze the lever to slide the print core out of the print head, carefully remove the print core.
5. Insert the print core by squeezing the print core lever and sliding it into the print head slot until you hear a click.
6. Carefully close the print head fan bracket.
7. Wait for the Ultimaker S5 to load the material into the nozzle.
⚠Please note: Do not touch the contact points on the back of the print core with your fingers.
✔Reminder: Ensure the print core is completely vertical when removing or installing it, so it can smoothly slide into/out of the print head.
✔Reminder: The print core may have a ring around it. Remove this nozzle ring before using the print core in the Ultimaker S5.
✔Reminder: You cannot change both material and nozzle at the same time. If you want to change both, you must first unload the material, then change the print core, and then load the new material.
Changing the Build Plate
When switching from a glass build plate to an aluminum build plate, or vice versa, the build settings in the printer must also be changed.
1. Go to the Settings menu and select Build Plate.
2. Press "Select" type to change the build plate type to the type of build plate currently in your Ultimaker S5.
VIII. Build Plate Calibration
When using the Ultimaker S5, build plate calibration should be performed first to ensure effective adhesion between the printed object and the plate. If the distance between the nozzle and the build plate is too large, your printed object will not adhere properly to the glass plate. On the other hand, if the nozzle is too close to the build plate, it can prevent material extrusion.
✔Reminder: Ensure there is no excess material under the nozzle and that the build plate is clean before starting a print or calibrating the build plate, otherwise it may be inaccurate.
Active Calibration
At the start of a print, the printer automatically performs active calibration to create a perfect first layer. During active calibration, the Ultimaker S5 will create a detailed height map of the build plate surface. This information is used to compensate for any inaccuracies in the build plate when printing the first layer. The height of the plate can be adjusted during printing.
⚠Caution: Do not touch the Ultimaker S5 during active calibration, as it may affect the calibration process.
Manual Calibration
Manual adjustment can be performed when the horizontal distance of the build plate is too far for active calibration.
1. Go to the Main Menu > Maintenance > Build Plate > Manual Calibration.
2. Wait for the Ultimaker S5 to prepare the manual adjustment program.
3. Use the touchscreen controls to move the build plate until the distance between the first nozzle and the build plate is approximately 1mm. Confirm that the nozzle is close to the build plate without touching it.
4. Adjust the front right screw to be roughly flush with the front of the build plate. There should be approximately 1mm distance between the nozzle and the build plate. Confirm to continue.
5. Repeat step 4 for the front left screw and confirm.
6. Place the calibration card between the nozzle and the plate. Use the touchscreen controls to adjust the build plate position until some friction is felt when moving the calibration card.
7. Place the calibration card between the nozzle and the front right of the build plate. Adjust the screw until some friction is felt when moving the calibration card.
8. Repeat step 7 for the front left and confirm to continue.
After calibrating the build plate with the first nozzle, the second nozzle needs to be aligned to ensure the correct height for both nozzles. To do this, simply use the calibration card to set the correct height.
1. Place the calibration card between the second nozzle and the base. Use the controls to adjust the build plate position until some resistance is felt when moving the calibration card.
2. Wait for the printer to complete the manual adjustment process.
⚠Please note: When fine-tuning with the calibration card, do not apply force to the build plate, as this may lead to inaccurate calibration.
IX. XY Offset Calibration
In addition to the vertical offset, the horizontal distance between the nozzles in the X and Y directions also needs to be configured. While the print cores provided with the Ultimaker S5 are already calibrated, you will need to perform XY offset calibration again when the printer detects a new combination. This calibration only needs to be done once; after that, the information will be stored on the printer. Correct XY calibration will ensure that the two colors or materials are well-aligned.
To perform the calibration, you will need an XY calibration sheet, which you can find in the accessory box or download:
Glass Plate
Aluminum Plate
Before starting the calibration, confirm that 2 print cores and materials are installed, and that the correct XY calibration sheet is selected.
To start calibration:
1. Go to Main Menu > Maintenance > Print Head > XY Offset Calibration and select Start Calibration.
2. The Ultimaker S5 will print a grid pattern on the build plate. Wait until it is complete.
3. After the Ultimaker S5 cools down, remove the build plate from the printer and align it with the XY calibration sheet. Confirm that the printed grid is precisely placed on/under the two rectangles on the paper.
✔Friendly Reminder: If you are performing XY calibration on a glass build plate, you must place the glass build plate on top of the paper XY calibration sheet. For an aluminum build plate, place the transparent XY calibration sheet on top of the plate.
✔Friendly Reminder: It is important that the XY offset print adheres to the build plate and shows no signs of underextrusion. If it does, it is recommended to repeat the calibration print.
X. Lift Switch Calibration
The switch bracket can raise and lower the second print core. For successful dual extrusion, it is important that the print core switching function works well. When the Ultimaker S5 leaves the factory, the power switch is already calibrated, but if necessary, calibration can also be performed manually.
To perform switch calibration:
1. Go to Main Menu > Maintenance > Print Head > Calibrate Lift Switch and select Start Calibration.
2. Move the lift switch on the side of the print head towards you.
3. Move the print head so that the lift switch fits into the switch bracket. Confirm when complete.
4. Wait for the print head to return to its original position and test the lift switch.
5. Does the lift switch lower and raise the print core? If yes, press OK to complete calibration. If no, select No to perform calibration again.
Original link:https://ultimaker.com/en/resources/52592-touchscreen