Only a few regular maintenance actions are required for optimal performance of the printer. The following preventive maintenance schedule is based on 3000 printing hours per year. Please note that the maintenance frequency should be adjusted if the printer is used more.
Maintenance actions are recommended to be performed by Instructed users, but Ordinary users may also perform maintenance actions provided they carefully follow the provided instructions. If special skill levels, tools, or precautions are required, this is mentioned in the detailed instructions.
Tip: See the Safety and compliance page or the UltiMaker Factor Series user manual for an overview and description of the different user levels.
Note: Ensure the printer is unable to accept new print jobs while performing maintenance.
Yearly schedule
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Frequency
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Topic
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Instructions
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Effects if not performed
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Every print
(or as required)
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Clean the printer
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Keep the printer clean for optimal printing results. This includes the flexible build plate, nozzles, glass components, purge buckets, and bottom panel.
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Discoloration in print, adhesion issues, build plate homing errors
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Every 3 months
(or 750 printing hours) |
Lubricate the lead screw
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Clean the lead screw using a cloth or paper towel, then re-apply a small amount of grease. Move the build plate up and down to equally distribute the grease.
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Build plate drops, inaccurate Z movement, thick lines in print
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Check the nozzle cover
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The nozzle cover shields the print cores from cold airflow from the fans. Check both sides of the cover for tears or damage from heat. If it is damaged, replace the nozzle cover.
Note: Check more frequently in combination with high-temperature materials.
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Filament backflow into print head, print core temperature errors, extrusion problems
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Clean the feeders
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Open the material feeders in the print head and use a small brush to clean the feeder grip wheels for optimal performance and reliability.
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Filament particles in print, feeding problems, filament slips
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Retension the belts
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Loosen each of the four belt tensioner bolts, check that the indicator is within the indicated range, then retighten the bolts.
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Inaccurate movements, dimensional inaccuracy, layer shifts, skewed X beam
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Every 6 months
(or 1500 printing hours)
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Check the purge rubbers
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The nozzles are wiped on the purge rubbers during the prime/deprime process. Check if these parts are worn and replace them if necessary. High-temperature materials like PPS CF can increase wear.
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Purging issues, filament dragged onto build plate
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Lubricate the Z shafts
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Clean the Z shafts using a cloth or paper towel, then re-apply a small drop of oil to the Z shafts. Move the build plate to equally distribute the oil.
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Inaccurate Z movement, thick lines in print
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Every year
(or 3000 printing hours) |
Check the Bowden tubes
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Materials can slightly scratch the inside of the Bowden tubes and the ends of the tubes can get damaged by the tube coupling collets. Check them once a year and replace them when they are damaged.
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Filament particles in print, extrusion problems, feeding problems
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Lubricate the linear guide rails
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Clean the linear guide rails on the X beam and either side of the gantry with a cloth or paper towel, then inject a small amount of lubricant into the bearing. Repeat for all linear bearings.
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Inaccurate movements, dimensional inaccuracy, increased wear on belts and bearings
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Replace the air filter
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The Air Manager filter should be replaced after 3000 hours. Open the filter box to take out the used filter and place it in a (resealable) bag. Install the new filter and close the filter box.
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Suboptimal filtering, reduced air quality
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Additional maintenance actions
In addition to the regular maintenance schedule listed above, please also see the following recommendations:
- Firmware: Keeping the firmware up to date is a vital part of printer maintenance. Periodically, new firmware versions will be released for the UltiMaker Factor 4 and Factor 4 Plus, which can contain additional functionalities, workflow improvements, and stability upgrades. Install the latest firmware when available to ensure your printer is equipped with the latest features. Learn more here.
- Print cores: 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. Learn more here.
- Material storage: Opened material spools must be stored properly when not in use. If material is stored incorrectly, it may affect its quality and usability. When opened material spools are removed from the Material Station, keep them cool and dry, out of direct sunlight, and in a re-sealable bag with the silica gel desiccant provided. Learn more here.
Maintenance Kit
The UltiMaker Factor Series Maintenance Kit contains everything you need to perform routine service actions according to the preventative maintenance schedule. You are also provided with a variety of spare parts so you are prepared for the unexpected. Learn more about the Maintenance Kit here.
