I. Touchscreen
II. Materials
III. Using Cura
IV. Starting a Print
V. Removing Printed Objects
VI. Removing Support Materials
VII. Changing Filament and Nozzles
VIII. Print Bed Calibration
IX. XY Offset Calibration
X. Lift Switch Calibration
I. Touchscreen
You can control the Ultimaker S5 using the touchscreen on the front of the printer.
When you first 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 displayed next to the main menu. From here you can start a print from USB, or check the print progress during a print.
Settings Overview
The settings overview shows the current configuration of the printer. Here you can see which print cores, materials, and build plate are installed, and allows you to change 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, in addition to storing maintenance records, you can also perform the most important maintenance and calibration processes.
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 printing.
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 recognizes Ultimaker filament, and when connected to a network, this information can be directly transmitted to Ultimaker Cura, achieving a seamless connection between the printer and Ultimaker Cura software.
Printing Recommendations
Each material requires different settings for optimal results. If you use Ultimaker Cura to prepare your model, these settings will be automatically selected correctly if the correct nozzle, material, and print bed type are chosen. Make sure to use the latest version of Ultimaker Cura for the latest 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 print bed, 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 print bed before starting to print. Ensure that your printed object adheres reliably to the print bed and that the glass print bed is protected from shattering when removing materials.
✔Friendly Reminder: When changing the print bed, you need to change the print bed 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 for Printing with Ultimaker Cura
Interface
After adding the Ultimaker S5 in Ultimaker Cura, the main interface can be seen. 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 Print Bed Settings
7. Print Settings (Recommended Mode)
8. Model Information
9. Print Job Information (Print Time and Material Usage)
10. Print via Network, or Save to File, or USB Drive
Slicing Models
To slice a model in Ultimaker Cura:
1. Load the model by clicking the open file icon.
2. In the sidebar (right side of the screen), check that 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, select print via network, save file, or save to USB, depending on the printing method.
✔Friendly Reminder: When printing with supports, you can choose which support structure the extruder should use to print. This allows you to print models with PVA support, breakaway support, or build material support on the Ultimaker S5.
✔Friendly Reminder: If creating a dual-color print, you must specify the material colors for the model and merge the models before completing the slice.
For more instructions on how to use Ultimaker Cura, see the Ultimaker Cura tutorial article.
IV. Starting a Print
Starting a Print with Cura Connect
The Ultimaker S5 can print 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 displayed list of 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 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.
See the Cura Connect manual for a more detailed description of features.
Printing with USB
When printing via 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. Make sure 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 USB (GCODE, GCODE.gz, or UFP).
4. Eject the USB from Ultimaker Cura and remove the USB from your computer.
5. Insert the USB into the USB slot on the Ultimaker S5.
6. From the status overview menu, select the file you want to print.
V. Removing Printed Objects
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.
Wait for the Object to Cool Down
If printing directly onto the platform without using adhesive, simply cool the build plate and printed item after printing. The material will shrink as it cools, allowing you to easily remove the printed object from the build plate.
Using a Spatula
If your printed object remains stuck to the build plate after cooling, use a spatula to remove it. Place the spatula under the printed object and keep it parallel to the build plate to avoid scratching the build plate. Apply some force to remove the object. The spatula can also be used to carefully remove remaining parts of the print 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 printed with glue on the build plate and the above two methods 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 running water on the back of the plate. The printed material will shrink more than with normal cooling. Once cool enough, the object will release itself.
Alternatively, you can dissolve the glue with warm water on the print surface of the plate. 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 Materials
Dissolving PVA Supports
PVA support structures can be removed by dissolving the PVA in water. This takes several hours and leaves no traces.
1. Immerse 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 a build material, make sure the water temperature does not exceed 35°C, otherwise parts of the PLA may deform. Never use water above 50°C, as this increases the risk of burns.
Agitation. Using agitated running water reduces the dissolving time. Moving water allows PVA to dissolve more quickly (in some cases, within three hours, depending on the amount of support material used).
Pliers. You can accelerate PVA dissolution by immersing the printed object in water for about 10 minutes, then removing most of the support with pliers. 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. Let the Object 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 Supports
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 Away Internal Support Structures
First, use diagonal 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 grasp the breakaway support at a corner, carefully place it underneath, and then bend it 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 the breakaway support from the build material, the last layer of support material may still remain. If this happens, use pliers to peel its edges. Any remaining traces on the model can be removed with tweezers.
VII. Changing Filament and Nozzles
Changing Materials
Materials can be easily changed on the Ultimaker S5 by following the steps in the menu. In addition to changing materials, you can also choose to only load or unload material. Before inserting material, make sure the correct 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, pushing gently until the feeder grips the filament and you see the material in the bowden 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 for the nozzle to cool down.
✔Reminder: When using third-party materials, you can manually select the material type.
Changing Print Cores
Print cores can be easily changed on the Ultimaker S5 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: Make sure the print core is completely vertical when removing or installing it, so it can slide smoothly into/out of the print head.
✔Reminder: Print cores may have a ring around the nozzle. Remove this nozzle ring before using the print core in the Ultimaker S5.
✔Reminder: You cannot change both material and nozzle simultaneously. 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 match the type of build plate you have in your Ultimaker S5.
VIII. Print Bed Calibration
When using the Ultimaker S5, print bed calibration must be performed first to ensure effective adhesion between the printed object and the bed. If the distance between the nozzle and the print bed is too large, your printed object will not adhere properly to the glass bed. On the other hand, if the nozzle is too close to the print bed, it can prevent material extrusion.
✔Reminder: Make sure there is no excess material under the nozzle, and that the print bed is clean before starting a print or when calibrating the print bed, 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 print bed surface. This information can be used to compensate for any inaccuracies in the first layer of the print bed. This can be done by adjusting the height of the bed during printing.
⚠Caution: Do not touch the Ultimaker S5 during active calibration, as it may affect the calibration process.
Manual Calibration
When the print bed's horizontal distance is too far for active calibration, manual adjustment can be performed.
1. Go to 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 roughly level the front 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 platform. Use the touchscreen controls to adjust the position of the print bed until you feel some friction when moving the calibration card.
7. Place the calibration card between the nozzle and the front right of the print bed. Adjust the screw until you feel some friction when moving the calibration card.
8. Repeat step 7 for the front left and confirm to continue.
After calibrating the print bed with the first nozzle, the second nozzle needs to be aligned to ensure correct height settings 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 position of the print bed until you feel some resistance when moving the calibration card.
2. Wait for the printer to complete the manual adjustment procedure.
⚠Please note: When fine-tuning with the calibration card, do not apply force to the print bed, as this may lead to inaccurate calibration.
IX. XY Offset Calibration
In addition to vertical offset, the horizontal distance between nozzles in the X and Y directions also needs to be configured. While the print cores supplied 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 can only be done once; after that, the information will be stored on the printer. Correct XY calibration will ensure good alignment of two colors or materials.
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, ensure that 2 print cores and materials are installed, and that the correct XY calibration sheet is selected.
To start the 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 finished.
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 above/below 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 under-extrusion. If it does, it is recommended to repeat the calibration print.
X. Lift Switch Calibration
The switch bracket allows the second print core to move up and down. For successful dual extrusion prints, it is important that the print core switching function works well. The power switch is already calibrated when the Ultimaker S5 leaves the factory, and manual calibration can also be performed if needed.
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 done.
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 the calibration. If not, select No to perform the calibration again.
Original Link:https://ultimaker.com/en/resources/52592-touchscreen