The information in this article applies to UltiMaker S series printers, including the UltiMaker S3, S5, and S7. This page describes how to install the second print core before first use, during the welcome setup.
Note: The process and print core compatibility for the UltiMaker S6 and S8 are different. The S6 and S8 are shipped with two AA+ print cores, which are already installed in the print head.
Introduction
UltiMaker S series printers use two print cores in the print head, which are interchangeable. There are different types of print cores:
- Type AA: for printing build materials and UltiMaker Breakaway material
- Type BB: for printing water-soluble support material
- Type CC: for printing composite materials
- Type DD: for printing Ultrafuse® Support Layer material (in combination with the Metal Expansion Kit)
The print cores contain information on a small chip (EEPROM), so that the printer always knows which print cores are installed and which materials can be used with this print core.
Additional print core types include the AA+, CC+, and HT cores, but these are not supported on the UltiMaker S3, S5, and S7. Learn more about print cores here:
Print core and printer compatibility
Install the second print core
The UltiMaker S3, S5, and S7 are shipped with two print cores AA 0.4 (one is already installed in print head slot 1) and one print core BB 0.4. This means that it is possible to print with two build materials or with a build and support material. During the welcome setup, the second print core must be installed.
Tip: The welcome setup requests you to install the BB 0.4 print core. You can also load a different print core if you prefer, but the display will instruct you to change to BB 0.4. Simply exit the welcome setup after all other steps have been completed if you want to use a different print core type.
Go to Print core 2, select Start, and follow the steps on the display.
- Open the glass door(s) of the printer.
- Next, open the print head fan bracket and press Confirm.
- Install the second print core (BB 0.4) in print head slot 2 by squeezing the black lever of the print core upwards and sliding it into the print head until you hear a click.
- Carefully close the print head fan bracket and Confirm to proceed with the welcome setup.
Caution: Do not touch the contact points on the back of the print core with your fingers.
Tip: Make sure you keep the print core completely vertical while installing it so it will smoothly slide into the print head. If it does not click into place, give it a gentle push.
Note: If you skip this step during the welcome setup, you will not be able to load material into the second extruder. You will also not be able to start a single-extrusion print. S series printers always require two print cores to be installed. Continue to install the second print core via the Configuration menu.
If you want to change one or both of the print cores later on, you can easily do so via the assisted procedure in the display menu. Learn more about changing print cores here:
S series - Change print cores
