Only then can every print be perfect.
Let's take a look at how Ultimaker's official 3D printer maintenance is done for the Ultimaker 3.
Only then can every print meet your expectations!
【Table of Contents】
I. Updating firmware
II. Lubricating the axles
III. Keeping the printer clean
IV. Maintaining the BB print core
I. Updating firmware
Ultimaker 3 regularly releases the latest versions of firmware.
To keep your Ultimaker 3 up to date, it is recommended to regularly update the firmware. This can be done on the Ultimaker 3 (when connected to the internet) or via USB.
① Update on the printer
1. Connect the printer to the network via WiFi or Ethernet.
2. Go to [System] → [Maintenance] → [Update firmware]. The Ultimaker 3 will retrieve and install the latest firmware from the network, which will take a few minutes.
②Update via USB
1. Download the firmware files from 【File 1】, 【File 2】
2. Put the firmware files into the USB drive.
3. Insert the USB drive into the Ultimaker 3.
4. Go to [System] → [Maintenance] → [Update firmware].
5. If there are firmware files in the USB drive, the Ultimaker 3 will detect them. Select the file to start the firmware update.
II. Lubricating the axles
To properly maintain the Ultimaker 3 and keep it running smoothly, it is recommended to lubricate the axles regularly. In the Ultimaker 3 accessory box, you can find Unilube for the X and Y axles and Magnalube for the Z axle.
★Note: Lubricate the axles regularly, especially in countries with high humidity or very dry climates.
① X and Y axles
If you notice slight bumps on the surface of your 3D prints or feel that the X or Y axles are dry, it is recommended to apply some Unilube to the X and Y axles. Apply one drop to each X and Y axle, and manually move the print head to distribute the oil evenly across the entire axle.
★Note: Only apply Unilube to the X and Y axles. Using other oils or Magnalube may affect the coating of the axles.
② Z axle
Magnalube (the lubricant provided with the Ultimaker 3) can be used to lubricate the Z axle. This should be done approximately every six months. Apply about 10 drops of lubricant along the entire lead screw and move the heated bed up and down to distribute the lubricant evenly.
★Note: Do not apply Magnalube to any other axles, as this will affect the operation of the Ultimaker 3.
III. Keeping the printer clean
To achieve optimal printing results, keeping the Ultimaker 3 clean is very important. Therefore, do not use the Ultimaker 3 in rooms prone to dust accumulation, and remove any small material fragments that may be present in the printer.
In addition, some parts of the Ultimaker 3 require more cleaning. For instructions on this, please see below:
① Cleaning the glass plate
After many prints, there may be too much adhesive stuck to the glass plate. This can lead to an uneven printing surface, so it is recommended to clean the glass plate periodically. When doing so, please ensure that the Ultimaker 3 is turned off and the heated bed has cooled down.
To clean the glass plate, follow these steps:
1. Manually move the heated bed to the bottom of the Ultimaker 3.
2. Open the clips at the front of the heated bed.
3. Remove the glass plate from the heated platform by sliding it forward.
4. Clean the glass plate with warm water and wipe it dry with a cloth. If necessary, you can also use soap.
5. Place the glass plate back onto the heated bed and close the front heated bed clips to secure it.
② Cleaning the nozzle
When using the Ultimaker 3, the nozzle may become dirty with material stuck to it during printing. Although this will not damage the printer, it is recommended to keep the nozzle as clean as possible for better printing results.
To remove plastic from the outside of the nozzle, it is recommended to follow these steps:
1. Heat the nozzle to 150°C to soften the external plastic. This can be done by going to [Material/Print core] → [Print core (x)] → [Set temperature] and then using the scroll wheel to change the temperature.
2. When the nozzle is hot, carefully remove the material with tweezers.
★Note: Do not touch the nozzle. Be careful when cleaning the nozzle as it will be hot.
③ Cleaning the feeder
After many hours of printing, or when material has been ground down, some material debris may remain in the feeder. To prevent these debris from entering the bowden tube and print head, it is important to clean the feeder in such cases. This can be done by blowing out the debris from the feeder or by using a vacuum cleaner.
IV. Maintaining the BB print core
Clogged print core
If no material flows from the print core for at least 10 minutes, the print core may become clogged due to dirt or carbonized material. In this case, please clean the print core by performing the method described below.
Using Ultimaker 3 cleaning filament is the most effective way to clean and unclog the print core. If you don't have Ultimaker 3 cleaning filament, you can use PLA.
①Preparation
1. Go to System → Maintenance → Clean print core to start the cleaning procedure.
Note: The print core will automatically move to the front right corner.
2. Select the print core to clean: print core 1 or print core 2.
3. Select the material you want to use: Ultimaker 3 cleaning filament or PLA.
4. Before proceeding to the next step in the printer menu, please read the following instructions carefully to ensure the procedure is performed correctly. Confirm and then continue.
5. Wait for the printer to heat up the print core and retract the filament until the very end of the bowden tube is visible.
Note: If the material does not retract, it may be crushed and get stuck in the feeder. In this case, manually remove the material as described below.
6. Remove the bowden tube from the print core. First, remove the clip and then push the tube down until the bowden tube moves upwards and out of the print core. Confirm and then continue.
②Hot pull
1. Insert the filament (Ultimaker 3 cleaning filament or PLA) into the print core until you feel some resistance.
2. Hold the filament with pliers and gently apply pressure to the material for ±1 second, allowing it to extrude from the nozzle or until you can no longer push.
Note: Pliers should be used to prevent the cleaning filament from breaking and causing injury to your hands.
Note: It is almost impossible to apply too much pressure.
3. Pull out the Ultimaker 3 cleaning filament with a quick tug.
4. Cut off the tip of the freshly pulled filament.
5. Check the color and shape of the cleaning filament tip and compare it to the image below. The goal is to have a clean tip.
6. Repeat this hot pull method until no more degraded material is visible on the tip of the Ultimaker 3 cleaning filament. The tip of the filament should be as clean as the example on the right.
7. Once the tip of the filament is clean, use pliers to manually push some filament through the print core and then pull it out again. Confirm and continue.
③Cold pull
1. Insert the Ultimaker 3 cleaning filament into the print core by hand until you feel some resistance.
2. Hold the cleaning filament with pliers and gently apply pressure to extrude some material. Confirm and continue.
3. Maintain pressure on the cleaning filament with pliers until the progress bar is complete.
4. Release the cleaning filament and wait for the print core to cool down.
5. Hold the cleaning filament with pliers and pull it out with a quick tug.
6. Pull out the Ultimaker 3 cleaning filament.
Check the tip of the cleaning filament for a clean, conical shape, as shown on the right.
Note: If the tip of the cleaning filament is not clean, repeat the hot or cold pull cleaning steps.
④Reassembly
1. Reinsert the bowden tube into the print core and secure it with the clip, while maintaining pressure until reinsertion is complete. Confirm and continue.
2. Wait for the Ultimaker 3 to complete the cleaning procedure.
This concludes the three-part tutorial.
Don't forget to maintain your Ultimaker regularly!
If you have any questions, feel free to call us at 3DMART.
We are professional Ultimaker 3 assistants trained by Ultimaker headquarters!
We are not afraid of being stumped by your questions, only that you don't ask! XD😆😆😆