If you notice signs of under-extrusion or the material has completely stopped extruding, this could indicate a clogged nozzle. In such cases, cleaning the print core is often an effective solution. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you clean the print core of your Ultimaker S5.
Cleaning filament (recommended for the best results) or regular PLA filament
Pliers
Bowden tube removal tool (optional)
On the Ultimaker S5 touchscreen, navigate to the Print Core Cleaning option in the menu.
Choose the print core you want to clean. In this guide, we will be cleaning Print Core 2.
Select Cleaning Filament as the material for the cleaning process. You can also use regular PLA filament, but cleaning filament is recommended for optimal results.
The printer will begin to heat the print core to the appropriate temperature.
During this process, it will attempt to retract the material from the print core.
Troubleshooting Tip: If the material doesn't retract from the print core, it's possible that it has been ground away inside the feeder. In this case, manually remove the filament.
Push the feeder lever upwards and pull the filament out by hand to remove any filament that may have been ground away.
To begin the cleaning procedure, you need to disconnect the Bowden tube from the print head.
Start by removing the clamp clip holding the tube in place.
Next, push down on the tube coupling collet while pulling the Bowden tube upwards and out of the print head.
Insert the cleaning filament into the print head. Use pliers to gently push it in.
Apply pressure for about one second to force the filament through the nozzle.
Pull the filament out with a quick, firm pull. This helps remove any debris or degraded material in the nozzle.
Cut off the tip of the filament after each pull. This will ensure that the next pull uses clean material.
Repeat this hot pull process until no more degraded material is visible on the filament tip.
Once the filament tip is clean, wait for the print core to cool down before proceeding.
Insert the cleaning filament into the print head until you feel some resistance.
Apply gentle pressure to extrude some material through the nozzle.
Hold the filament with pliers for the duration of the progress bar on the screen. This step helps prevent air bubbles from forming as the material cools.
After the process is complete, release the filament and let the print core cool.
Once the print core has cooled, firmly hold the filament with pliers and pull it out with a quick, firm action.
Inspect the filament’s tip. If it is clean and cone-shaped, the cold pull has been successful.
If the tip is not clean, repeat the cold pull process until the filament tip is properly cleaned.
Once the print core is clean, reinsert the Bowden tube into the print head.
Secure the Bowden tube by reattaching the clamp clip.
Your print core is now clean and ready to be used for your next print!
By following these steps, you will ensure your Ultimaker S5 print core is properly cleaned, allowing you to continue printing with high-quality results. Regular maintenance like cleaning the print core can help avoid extrusion issues and extend the life of your 3D printer.