Information

Title	Cleaning the UltiMaker 2+ Connect

URL Name	1667410986997

Article Details

Answer

For the best print results, it is important to keep the UltiMaker 2+ Connect clean while using it. It is advised not to use the UltiMaker 2+ Connect in a room where it can easily be covered with dust, and to remove small pieces of material that might accumulate in the printer. Besides this, there are a few parts in the UltiMaker 2+ Connect that might require more regular cleaning.

At least once a month, clean the UltiMaker 2+ Connect components following the instructions below:

Tip: If the accordions do not expand when you click on them, please refresh the page.

Glass build plate

For optimal adhesion of your prints to the glass build plate, it is important that the glass is thoroughly clean, or has a nice even layer of glue applied to it. It is recommended to clean the glass plate after several prints, or at least once a month.

Caution: Always make sure that the build plate has cooled down. Ensure the build plate is lowered to the bottom of the Z axis. Turn off the printer or ensure that the UltiMaker 2+ Connect cannot start a new print job before removing the build plate.

Before starting a new print, always check the surface of the build plate. At least once a month, clean the build plate thoroughly by taking the following steps:

1. Remove the glass plate	Ensure that the build plate is at the bottom of the printer. Open the two build plate clamps at the front and slide out the glass plate.
2. Clean with water	Use lukewarm water and a non-abrasive sponge to clean the build plate and remove any adhesives. If necessary, some detergent can be used to remove adhesives, or alcohol gel can be used to get rid of any fatty substances.
3. Dry the plate	Leave the plate to air dry, or wipe it down with a (microfiber) cloth. Ensure that the plate is fully dry before reinstalling it in the printer.
4. Apply adhesive	For most materials, it is recommended to apply a thin layer of glue to the glass plate. This improves the adhesion of printed models to the build plate. Alternatively, an adhesion sheet can be used.
5. Reinstall the glass plate	Slide the glass plate back into the printer until it snaps into the build plate clamps at the back. Close the front two build plate clamps to secure the glass build plate.


Remove the glass plate from the printer	Clean the glass with a sponge

Tip: To ensure good adhesion of your next print, it is recommended to re-level the build plate after repositioning the glass plate.

Nozzle

While using the UltiMaker 2+ Connect, material can get stuck to the outside of the nozzle and degrade. Although this will not usually damage your printer, it is recommended to keep the nozzle clean in order to achieve the best print results.

Before starting a new print, always check the nozzle. At least once a month, remove the plastic from the outside of the nozzle by taking the following steps:

Caution: This procedure requires heating up the nozzle. Be careful and do not touch the nozzle with bare hands. Protective (thermal) gloves are advised. Ensure the UltiMaker 2+ Connect is disconnected from the Digital Factory or made unavailable for new print jobs.

On the display, navigate to Maintenance, then Set nozzle temperature.
Use the controls to set the target temperature to 150 °C.
Wait for the material on the outside to soften. When the nozzles are hot, carefully remove the material with tweezers.
Lower the nozzle temperature to 0 °C and wait for the nozzle to cool down.

Bowden tube

Particles in the Bowden tube can impede smooth movement of the filament or mix colors. Clean the Bowden tube at least once a month, or after experiencing an issue with filament grinding. To clean the Bowden tube, it must be disconnected from the print head and feeder.

Caution: Turn off the printer or ensure the UltiMaker 2+ Connect cannot accept new print jobs through the Digital Factory.

1. Unload material	Remove the material from the Bowden tube. Navigate to Materials, then Unload material and pull out the filament (or check the in-depth instructions for unloading material on the UltiMaker 2+ Connect on this page).
2. Remove the Bowden tube	Remove the clamp clips from the tube coupling collets at the print head and feeder and pull out the Bowden tube from both ends. The cable clips that hold the Bowden tube to the print head cable do not have to be removed, you can leave them in place.
3. Clean the tube	Push a small piece of sponge or tissue through the tube with a length of filament until it comes out of the other side. Ensure that any debris from the tube does not fall inside the printer.
4. Reinstall the Bowden tube	Push the ends of the Bowden tube back into the print head and feeder. Ensure the tube is fully inserted and secure it with the clamp clips.

When the tube is cleaned and reinstalled, you can load the material again.

Tip: For detailed instructions on cleaning the Bowden tube, visit this page.

Inside of the printer

Small pieces of material can gather inside the printer. Leaving larger objects on the bottom panel can lead to errors, as they prevent the build plate from homing properly. Remove small particles regularly from the inside of the printer by taking the following steps:

1. Raise the build plate	You can lift up the build plate manually, or do so via the UltiMaker 2+ Connect menu. Navigate to Maintenance, then Move build plate and select the up arrow to raise the build plate all the way up.
2. Clean the bottom panel	Clean the inside of the printer with a microfiber cloth or (handheld) vacuum cleaner. Remove all dust and pieces of filament. Pay extra attention to the area around the Z limit switch as obstructions here can cause print problems.
3. Lower the build plate	Lower the build plate again (manually or via the menu by pressing the down arrow). You can also simply exit the menu by pressing the X icon in the top-right corner, which will automatically lower the build plate back to the home position.

Caution: Before lowering the build plate, make sure the printer is clear from objects and hands to prevent them from getting stuck under the build plate

Air Manager

The UltiMaker 2+ Connect Air Manager is a great asset to keep the printer clean. The components of the Air Manager (the cover and the front enclosure) should be cleaned regularly to remove dust or fingerprints. They can be cleaned by using a dry, or if necessary, a somewhat moist (microfiber) cloth.

Cleaning the UltiMaker 2+ Connect