If you need to uninstall and reinstall the printhead on your Ultimaker S5 or S3, whether for maintenance or replacing the printhead, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process. Follow the instructions carefully to ensure proper handling and installation.

What You Will Need:

• A 2mm hex head screwdriver

• Small flathead screwdriver (optional)

• The replacement printhead (if applicable)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Uninstalling the Printhead

1. Remove the Clamp Clips:

   • Slide the clamp clips out from underneath the collets. These clips should slide out sideways with ease, but be careful not to drop them.

2. Release the Bowden Tubes:

   • Press down on the collet with two fingers and pull up on the Bowden tube to release it. Do the same for the second tube. Once released, tuck the tubes out of the way.

3. Unscrew the Printhead:

   • Use a screwdriver to unscrew the two back screws located at the top of the printhead.

   • These screws have a very small threaded portion, so be sure to set them aside safely once removed.

4. Remove the Cable Cover:

   • Pull the cable cover vertically up off the printhead and set it aside.

5. Release the Printhead Cable:

   • Use your screwdriver to apply pressure on the clip located at the back of the printhead cable.

   • This will help release the cable from the printhead PCB. Once the tension is removed, the cable should easily pull out.

   • For a close-up, press forward on the top of the clip towards the middle to release it from the bottom.

   • Tip: This step is easier to perform while the printhead is still inside the printer, as you won’t need to hold the printhead in place.

6. Unseat the Plastic Blocks:

   • Your printer has four plastic blocks on the long belts (white or black plastic).

   • Apply firm pressure with your thumb or finger to tilt the blocks and unseat them. You should hear a strong click when the blocks are unseated, which is normal. These need to be a tight fit to function correctly.

7. Remove the Printhead:

   • With the plastic blocks unseated, carefully rotate the printhead 45 degrees while holding the printhead shafts.

   • Pull the printhead up and out through the top of the printer, making sure not to bump the bracket open.

Reinstalling the Printhead

1. Insert the Long Printhead Shaft:

   • Take the long printhead shaft and slide it sideways through the printhead.

2. Insert the Short Printhead Shaft:

   • Take the short printhead shaft and slide it through the front of the printhead.

   • Tilt the printhead at a 45-degree angle and slide it back into the printer, ensuring it fits between the belts.

3. Seat the Printhead:

   • Rest the long axis of the printhead on top of the sliding blocks on the left and right.

   • Ensure the short axis is positioned between the belts at the front and back. Apply firm pressure until it pops down into place. This may require a bit of force, but ensure that the blocks go in straight.

4. Seat the Front and Back Blocks:

   • Once the left and right blocks are seated, go ahead and seat the front and back blocks. These may also be a tight fit, so apply gentle pressure as needed.

5. Ensure Proper Alignment (For Ultimaker S5 Only):

   • If you are working with an Ultimaker S5, make sure the printhead is off-center to avoid the printhead shaft catching on the magnet.

6. Reinstall the Printhead Cable:

   • Reconnect the printhead cable to the back of the printhead, ensuring that the cable connector clicks into place.

7. Reinstall the Cable Cover:

   • Slide the cable cover back into place over the printhead. Ensure that it is properly aligned and fully seated.

8. Reinstall the Screws:

   • Replace the two screws at the top of the printhead and tighten them securely.

9. Reattach the Bowden Tubes:

   • Push the Bowden tubes back into the collets and ensure they are seated properly.

10. Reinstall the Clamp Clips:

    • Slide the clamp clips back underneath the collets sideways, securing the Bowden tubes in place.

Calibration (If Installing a New Printhead)

• If you’ve installed a new printhead or completed a repair, ensure to run the Lift Switch Calibration and XY Offset Calibration before starting any prints.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can successfully uninstall and reinstall the printhead on your Ultimaker S5 or S3. This process ensures that your printer is in top working condition, whether you're performing regular maintenance or replacing the printhead. Happy printing!