This must be the shared sentiment of many novice 3D printing users! Don't worry! We've heard you.
We are proud to present: Ultimaker 2 - Novice Unboxing Guide!
From unboxing to setup, and then to 3D printing your first object, clear videos with complete explanations will help you quickly overcome the beginner's hurdle!
Unboxing
Beginning Unboxing:
The Ultimaker 2 is shipped in a specially designed durable package. Please follow the steps below to correctly unbox it to ensure the reusability of the packaging.
Unfasten the Straps:
Unfasten the straps to remove the accessories box. Open the accessories box, and you will see a quick start guide.
Remove the Styrofoam Packaging:
First, you will find a roll of PLA and a sample print on the styrofoam panel at the front of the machine. Remove them.
Second, remove the styrofoam panels from the front and back of the machine.
Finally, remove the styrofoam panel from beneath the machine.
Note! When moving, please grasp the machine frame and do not apply force to the belts and the moving axis of the print head.
Remove the Protective Kit:
Lift the print platform with both hands and remove the protective air cushion from underneath.
Cut and remove the cable tie next to the print head.
Your Ultimaker 2 is now ready for use.
Contents:
The following accessories are included in the Ultimaker 2 package:
1. Power adapter and power cord
2. Spool holder
3. Glass plate
4. Filament x1
5. USB cable
6. Glue stick
7. Lubricant
8. Hex wrenches (1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm)
9. Calibration card
10. Sample prints
11. Spare components (heating element, PT100 temperature sensor)
Assembly
Spool Holder:
First, insert the upper part of the spool holder into the socket at the back of the machine, then push down the spool holder to engage the latch.
Glass Plate:
The glass plate is the print surface onto which the Ultimaker 2 prints objects.
Open the two metal clips at the front of the print platform using a hex wrench.
Gently slide the glass plate onto the print platform until it clicks into the two metal clips at the back of the platform.
Finally, close the metal clips at the front of the platform, and you're done.
Note! The edges of the metal clips are sharp; it is recommended to use a hex wrench to open them.
Power Supply:
The final step of assembly is connecting the power cord. Before connecting, make sure the machine's switch is in the OFF position.
Connect one end of the power cord to an outlet and the other to the machine; when plugging into the machine, insert the flat side up.
Note! The edges of the metal clips are sharp; it is recommended to use a hex wrench to open them.
Calibration
Platform Leveling:
The Ultimaker 2 screen will guide you step-by-step through the print platform leveling process. It is very important that the first layer extrudes well and adheres to the print platform. If the distance between the platform and the nozzle is too far, the extruded filament will not adhere well to the platform; if the distance is too close, the filament will not be able to extrude from the nozzle.
Before starting calibration, the Ultimaker 2 needs to perform a homing setting. In this part, the print head and platform will move automatically to set themselves. After completion, you can proceed with the leveling according to the subsequent steps.
Height Setting:
This is the first step of leveling. Rotate the knob next to the screen to move the print platform until it is about 1mm from the nozzle. The exact distance is not critical, just ensure the platform is close enough but not touching the nozzle.
Initial Calibration:
Perform initial calibration using the two calibration screws at the front of the platform. Turn the knob left to raise the platform, and right to lower it. Again, aim for a distance of about 1mm between the platform and the nozzle.
Fine-tuning:
Use the calibration card for fine-tuning.
Place the calibration card between the platform and the nozzle. Adjust the calibration screws while moving the calibration card to feel the friction between the platform and the nozzle.
The nozzle will automatically select three points for you to repeat the same steps. Adjust the friction between the platform and the nozzle to be consistent.
Note! When fine-tuning, do not push the platform to avoid affecting accuracy.
Loading Filament
Placing Filament:
Place the filament on the spool holder in a counter-clockwise direction.
Loading Filament:
Cut the tip of the filament to a sharp point.
Insert the filament into the feeder motor and push with force until the filament slowly enters the Bowden tube.
Before the filament reaches the first feeder tube clamp, press the knob next to the screen to continue automatic feeding.
After pressing continue, the filament will quickly reach the nozzle.
After the nozzle heats up to the preset temperature, the filament will automatically extrude from the nozzle.
During this process, you may notice some clicking sounds from the feeder motor. This is a normal phenomenon when the motor encounters greater resistance, so there's no 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 filament extruded initially may differ from what you loaded. This might be residual filament from factory testing. Once the residual filament is completely extruded, the color will return to normal.
Printing
First Print:
After completing print platform leveling and loading filament, you can start your first print. Ultimaker has preloaded several print files on the included SD card; please select one to start your first print.
After selecting a print file, the Ultimaker 2 will automatically home the print platform and nozzle again, and begin heating the nozzle and heated bed. This process takes approximately 5 minutes.
During printing, the screen will display the print progress and remaining time. After printing is complete, please wait for the platform to cool down before removing the object.
TIP: To help the printed object adhere better to the platform, you can apply a thin layer of glue stick to the platform.
Source: https://ultimaker.com/en/support/157-unboxing
Translator: 3DMART Ltd.