The UltiMaker Factor 4 and Factor 4 Plus are precision dual-extrusion printers with a unique nozzle lifting system. For accurate movements, several of the components in the motion system (and in the gantry in particular) must be calibrated. This includes the XY offset between the print cores, the gantry skew, the switch bay, and the purge location. The printer contains guided and/or automated processes for these calibrations. All these processes can be found in the printer's Options menu (Gear icon).
This page provides a short overview of the available calibrations on Factor Series printers with links to detailed instructions.
Tip: No manual calibration of the build plate is required; the active leveling process is performed automatically at the start of every print.
Caution: When performing any of these calibration procedures, always keep hands clear of the build volume until all components have stopped moving.
Lift switch calibration
The switch bay in the front-right corner of the gantry enables the second print core to be lifted and lowered. It is important that the print core switching functions well for active leveling and a correct nozzle alignment in dual-extrusion prints. The lift switch is already calibrated at the factory, but calibration can also be performed manually if needed. In the Options menu, go to Maintenance → Print head → Calibrate lift switch and select Start calibration. Follow the instructions on the display and use the controls to align the position of the print head.
Factor Series - Lift switch calibration
Note: If multiple calibration processes are needed, particularly after hardware changes (e.g. gantry changes, belt replacement, skew correction), always perform the lift switch calibration first. Other calibrations use both print cores and require successful nozzle switching to be completed.
Gantry calibration
The movements of the print head in the X and Y directions are controlled by the gantry. The UltiMaker Factor Series printers can run a gantry calibration procedure to achieve optimal dimensional accuracy. In the Options menu, navigate to Maintenance → Frame & motion → Calibrate gantry. Follow the instructions on the display. This calibration is done automatically and does not require input from the user.
Factor Series - Gantry calibration
Purge location calibration
Before and after each print, the print cores are primed above the purge buckets. The position of the nozzle should be accurately aligned with the rubber above the purge buckets. This can be calibrated when necessary. To perform this calibration, both print cores must be installed, and you need a small mirror. This calibration works best when the tips of the nozzles are clean. In the Options menu, navigate to Maintenance → Frame & motion → Calibrate purge location. Follow the instructions on the display and use the controls to align the position of the print head above the purge rubbers.
Factor Series - Purge location calibration
XY calibration
The horizontal distance between the nozzles of the two print cores in the X and Y directions needs to be configured. A correct XY calibration will ensure that the two colors or materials align well. The print cores that are supplied with the UltiMaker Factor Series printers are already calibrated. For any new combination of print cores, an XY offset calibration must be performed. The printer will then store this calibration value internally.
Ensure two print cores are installed before starting the calibration, and there is at least one material pre-loaded for each extruder. You will also need the XY calibration guide as a reference. Start this calibration when prompted, or, in the Options menu, go to Maintenance → Print head → Calibrate XY offset and select Start calibration. Follow the instructions on the display and on the paper calibration guide to enter the correct offset values.
Factor Series - XY calibration
Z spindle calibration
The movements of the build plate, or Z stage, are controlled by the Z motor with a long lead screw. This screw could have small imperfections that would cause an offset in the Z direction (although usually imperceptible). Each motor is pre-calibrated at UltiMaker's manufacturing facilities, and the calibration value is shown on a sticker on the back panel (under the cover panel).
Note that this is not a regular calibration; this value only has to be entered after replacing the Z motor or electronics, or after a firmware recovery. In the Options menu, navigate to Maintenance → Frame & motion → Calibrate Z spindle scale and enter the value shown on the sticker.
Z spindle - Scaling factor
