UltiMaker print cores should be cleaned periodically for optimal print results. Material can sometimes get stuck inside the nozzle and degrade. This can cause extrusion problems or even completely block the print core. Some materials are more prone to degradation and blocking the nozzle, such as PVA and composite materials.
To prevent problems, you can perform the print core cleaning procedure according to the recommended maintenance schedule below:
| Print core type | Recommended cleaning frequency |
|---|
|
Print core AA / AA+
|
No scheduled preventive maintenance required.
Tip: Cleaning the print core preventively is recommended when switching to a material with a very different printing temperature.
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|---|
|
Print core BB
|
Every ~ 400 printing hours.
|
|---|
|
Print core CC / CC+
|
Every ~ 100 printing hours. Learn more here.
Note: For metal filaments, it is recommended to clean the print core after every print for the highest reliability. For the CC 0.4 core in combination with large fiber composites, it is also recommended to clean after each print to prevent a build-up of fibers.
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|---|
|
Print core DD
|
After every print, or when the print core is not going to be used for > 24 hours. Learn more here.
|
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|
Print core HT
|
Every ~ 100 printing hours.
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|---|
Using UltiMaker cleaning filament is the most effective way to clean and unclog print cores. For certain printers, you can use PLA instead if you do not have UltiMaker cleaning filament at your disposal. Note that this is not supported on the UltiMaker S6 or S8.
Tip: You can see the total number of printing hours in the About this printer menu and you can mark maintenance actions, including print core cleaning, in the Digital Factory.
Note: The AA and BB print cores can have long lifespans and are known to function well for over 2000 printing hours when properly maintained. The CC, DD, and HT print cores are intended for abrasive composite materials. Despite their durability, they have a limited lifespan, which strongly depends on the materials used.
Cleaning print cores on the UltiMaker S5
Tip: A step-by-step guide to performing the cleaning procedure (hot and cold pulls) can be found on this page.
