Only then can every print be perfect.
Let's take a look at how Ultimaker 3 officially maintains its 3D printer.
Only then can every print meet your expectations!
【Table of Contents】
1. Updating Firmware
2. Lubricating the Axles
3. Keeping the Printer Clean
4. Maintaining the BB Print Core
1. Updating Firmware
Ultimaker 3 regularly releases new firmware versions.
To keep your Ultimaker 3 up to date, it's 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 download 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] and [File 2].
2. Place the firmware files on a USB drive.
3. Insert the USB drive into the Ultimaker 3.
4. Go to [System] → [Maintenance] → [Update firmware].
5. If there are firmware files on the USB, the Ultimaker 3 will detect them. Select the file to start the firmware update.
2. Lubricating the Axles
To properly maintain the Ultimaker 3 and keep it running smoothly, it's recommended to lubricate the axles regularly. In the Ultimaker 3 accessory box, you can find Unilube for the X and Y axes and Magnalube for the Z axis.
★Note: It is especially important to lubricate the axles regularly in countries with high humidity or very dry climates.
① X and Y Axes
When you notice slight protrusions on the surface of your 3D prints, or when the X or Y axis feels dry, it's recommended to apply some Unilube to the X and Y axes. Apply one drop to each X and Y axis, and manually move the print head to distribute the oil evenly along the entire axle.
★Note: Only apply Unilube to the X and Y axes. Using other oils or Magnalube may affect the coating of the axles.
② Z Axis
Magnalube (the lubricant provided with the Ultimaker 3) can be used to lubricate the Z axis. This should be done approximately every six months. Apply about 10 drops of lubricant along the entire lead screw and move the build plate up and down to distribute the lubricant evenly.
★Note: Do not apply Magnalube to any other axis, as this will affect the operation of the Ultimaker 3.
3. Keeping the Printer Clean
To achieve optimal printing results, keeping the Ultimaker 3 clean during use is very important. Therefore, avoid using the Ultimaker 3 in dusty rooms and remove any small pieces of material 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 glue accumulated on the glass plate. This can lead to an uneven printing surface, so it's recommended to clean the glass plate periodically. When doing so, always ensure that the Ultimaker 3 is turned off and the build plate has cooled down.
To clean the glass plate, follow these steps:
1. Manually move the build plate to the bottom of the Ultimaker 3.
2. Open the clips at the front of the build plate.
3. Remove the glass plate from the build 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 build plate and close the front build plate 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. While this won't damage the printer, it's recommended to keep the nozzle as clean as possible for better printing results.
To remove plastic from the outside of the nozzle, 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 fragments may remain in the feeder. To prevent these fragments from entering the bowden tube and print head, it's important to clean the feeder in such cases. The fragments can be blown out of the feeder or removed with a vacuum cleaner.
4. Maintaining the BB Print Core
Print core blockage
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, clean the print core by following the method described below.
Using Ultimaker 3 cleaning filament is the most effective way to clean and clear print core blockages. 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 you want 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's menu, carefully read the following instructions to ensure the procedure is performed correctly, then confirm to continue.
5. Wait for the printer to heat 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 is possible that the material will be crushed and 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 away from the print core. Confirm to 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, squeezing it out of the nozzle or until you can no longer push.
Note: Pliers are required 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 pull.
4. Cut off the tip of the recently pulled filament.
5. Check the color and shape of the cleaning filament tip and compare it with 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 filament tip is clean, manually feed some filament through the print core with pliers and pull it out again, then confirm to continue.
③Cold Pull
1. Manually insert the Ultimaker 3 cleaning filament into the print core until you feel some resistance.
2. Clamp the cleaning filament with pliers and gently apply pressure to extrude some material, then confirm to 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. Clamp the cleaning filament with pliers and pull it out with a quick pull.
6. Pull out the Ultimaker 3 cleaning filament.
Check the tip of the cleaning filament for a clean conical tip, as shown on the right.
Note: If the tip of the cleaning filament is not clean, repeat the hot pull or cold pull cleaning steps.
④Reassembly
1. Reinsert the bowden tube into the print core and secure it with the clip, maintaining pressure until reinsertion is complete, then confirm to continue.
2. Wait for the Ultimaker 3 to complete the cleaning procedure.
This concludes the three-part tutorial.
Everyone, remember to maintain your Ultimaker regularly!
If you have any questions, feel free to call 3DMART to ask us.
We are professional Ultimaker 3 assistants trained by Ultimaker headquarters!
We're not afraid of your questions, only if you don't ask! XD😆😆😆