Changing Filament
What if you want to change the filament type or color? In fact, you just need to remove the filament and then load a new one.
Removing Existing Filament
1. Enter the material changing menu on the small screen > select "Material" > "Change".
2. Wait for the nozzle to heat up for about 1 minute to ensure the filament is melted before being retracted from the nozzle (the machine will automatically perform this step).
3. After the nozzle heats up, the feeding motor will automatically reverse and retract the filament. If the retraction is not complete, you can manually pull out the remaining filament.
Note! Before loading new filament, please make sure there is no filament residue in the Bowden tube and the feeding motor. You can loosen the clamp connecting the Bowden tube to the feeding motor, gently press the Bowden tube to pull it out, then use tweezers to remove any remaining filament, and finally reverse the operation to connect the Bowden tube back to the feeding motor.
Loading New Filament
Load the new filament in the same way as the first time you loaded filament. Make sure the new filament is placed on the spool holder in the correct direction (counter-clockwise).
1. Cut the tip of the filament into a sharp shape.
2. Insert the filament into the feeding motor and push it with force until the filament slowly enters the Bowden tube.
3. Before the filament reaches the first Bowden tube clamp, press the knob next to the screen to continue automatic feeding.
4. After pressing continue, the filament will quickly feed to the nozzle.
5. After the nozzle heats up to the preset temperature, the filament will automatically extrude from the nozzle.
During this process, you may hear some clicking sounds from the feeding motor. This is a normal phenomenon when the motor encounters greater resistance, so you don't need to worry. You can also push the filament slightly to help the motor feed.
Note! Do not touch the nozzle during heating to avoid burns.
Note! The color of the extruded filament may be different from the color you loaded at first. This may be due to residual filament from factory testing. Once the residual filament is completely extruded, the color will return to normal.
Print Bed Leveling
The levelness of the first print layer is very important, so it is recommended to regularly perform print bed leveling. Of course, if you find that objects can no longer be printed level on the print bed, or if the machine has been transported, it is recommended to perform print bed leveling to ensure that printed objects can adhere well to the print bed.
Height Setting
This is the first step in leveling. Rotate the knob next to the screen to move the print bed until the bed is about 1mm from the nozzle. The precise distance is not important, just make sure the bed and nozzle are close enough but not touching.
Initial Calibration
Perform initial calibration using the two calibration screws at the front of the print bed. Move the knob to the left to raise the print bed, and to the right to lower it. Again, keep the print bed about 1mm from the nozzle.
Fine-tuning
Use a calibration card for fine-tuning.
Place the calibration card between the print bed and the nozzle, then adjust the calibration screws while moving the calibration card to feel the friction between the print bed and the nozzle.
The nozzle will automatically select three points for you to repeat the same steps. Please adjust the friction between the print bed and the nozzle to be the same.
Note! When fine-tuning, do not push the print bed to avoid affecting accuracy.
Using Adhesives
Although the Ultimaker 2's heated bed allows objects to adhere well, when using 3D printing materials with high shrinkage and warping tendencies, a layer of adhesive is still needed on the glass plate to enhance the adhesion between the printed object and the glass plate.
When to Use
Depends on the material used or the size and shape of the object.
For example, adhesives are recommended for ABS and CPE because they are materials that tend to warp. Plastics shrink when cooled rapidly, and some plastics shrink more significantly, leading to warping or curling of the bottom (corners) of printed objects. ABS and CPE belong to this type of plastic, so adhesives should be used when printing with these plastics with higher shrinkage rates to prevent warping.
PLA plastic has a low shrinkage rate and hardly warps, so adhesives are not needed when printing. However, ensure that the glass plate remains clean, free of oil or dust, as these contaminants can prevent the plastic from adhering to the glass plate surface. Of course, there are situations where adhesives are needed for this type of plastic. If you are printing an object with a large and thin bottom surface, you may need to use an adhesive to prevent the object from coming loose.
How to Use
The Ultimaker 2 comes with a tube of adhesive. When using it, simply apply a thin layer of adhesive to the printing area before the glass plate heats up.
Tip! After applying the adhesive, you can use a damp cloth to lightly wipe it, allowing the adhesive to spread more evenly on the glass plate.
Recommended! The 3D printing special glue is an ABS warping nemesis!
Software and Firmware
For slicing software, we recommend the free software Cura. It can quickly and accurately slice your 3D files, allowing you to preview the printed product to ensure the accuracy of all details.
Installation
Download the Cura software from the Ultimaker official website to start the installation. The first time you open Cura after installation, you will be prompted to choose a 3D printer. Select Ultimaker 2 to start using the software.
Using Cura
1. Click "Load" to select the 3D object file (STL, OBJ, DAE, AMF)
2. Select your desired settings, Cura will automatically slice the model
3. After slicing is complete, click "Save GCode" to save the file. It is recommended to save the file to an SD card.
4. After saving, remove the SD card, insert it into the Ultimaker 2, and start printing.
For more Cura usage instructions, please refer to the article: [3D Printing Software] New Cura 2.1 Operation Tutorial!
Updating Firmware
The Ultimaker official website regularly releases updated versions of Cura and printer firmware. Please frequently check the official website to ensure your software and firmware are up-to-date.
Please follow the steps below to update the Ultimaker 2 firmware.
1. Connect your computer to the Ultimaker 2 with a USB cable.
2. Connect the Ultimaker 2 power cable and turn on the power.
3. Open Cura, select “Machine” > “Install default firmware” (please make sure the Cura Machine menu displays Ultimaker 2). Cura will automatically update your machine's firmware to the latest version.
Display and Control
After turning on the Ultimaker 2, the small screen will first display the Ultimaker logo and then enter the main menu. The main menu has three options: Print, Material, Maintenance.
Pressing the Print option will take you to the SD card, where you can select a file from the SD card to print.
Material
Pressing the Material option allows you to choose to change filament (Change) or material settings (Settings). If you select "Change", you just need to follow the filament changing steps explained earlier. If you select "Settings", you can further choose the material type, or press "Customize" to change the printing parameter settings for the material.
Maintenance
Pressing the Maintenance option allows you to select “Build plate” or “Advanced”. Selecting “Build plate” allows you to adjust the print bed level. “Advanced” contains many options for manually adjusting the machine.
Fine-tuning
The Ultimaker 2 allows you to fine-tune settings during printing, giving you complete control over the printing process to help you achieve the best print results. During printing, press the "Tune" option to adjust many settings. The adjustable items are the same as those in the "Advanced" option, such as print temperature and print speed. Or, press "Pause" to stop printing, change the filament, and then resume.
Source: https://ultimaker.com/en/support/16955-changing-filament
Translated by:3DMART Ltd.