Factor Series - Print cores

The UltiMaker Factor Series printers use two print cores in the print head, which can easily be changed. There are different types of print cores:

• Type AA: For printing build materials
• Type AA+: For printing build materials at high flow rates (supported on Factor 4 Plus)
• Type BB: For printing (water-soluble) support material
• Type CC: For printing composite materials
• Type CC+: For printing composite materials at high flow rates (supported on Factor 4 Plus)
• Type DD: For printing ceramic support material (in combination with the Metal Expansion Kit)
• Type HT: For printing high-temperature materials such as UltiMaker PPS CF

The print cores contain information on a small chip so that the printer always knows which print cores are installed and which materials can be used with these cores.

Tip: Learn more about UltiMaker print cores in general, or their compatibility with different printers and materials.

Note: The regular AA and CC print cores can be used on the Factor 4 Plus, but you will not benefit from the increased speeds.

Included print cores

Factor Series printers ship with two print cores already installed in the print head. The Factor 4 includes two AA 0.4 print cores, and the Factor 4 Plus includes two AA+ 0.4 print cores in the print head (a CC+ 0.6 print core is included separately in the box).

You can use these pre-installed print cores for the first use. It is possible to install different print cores if other types were purchased separately. However, for the first print, it is strongly recommended to start with the default setup.

Note: Factor Series printers, like all UltiMaker dual-extrusion printer models that use print cores, always require two print cores to be installed in the print head when starting a print, even for single-extrusion print jobs.

Change print cores

Print cores can be easily changed on the UltiMaker Factor Series printers by using the procedure from the menu. The printer will guide you through the steps. You can also choose to only load or unload a print core.

1. In the Configuration menu, select the print core you want to change and select Change.
2. Wait for the print head to stop moving before opening the glass door of the build chamber.
3. Gently open the print head bracket. Select Confirm when completed.
4. Squeeze the black print core grip upward and slide the print core out of the print head.

Note: Do not touch the contact points on the back side of the print core with your fingers. Always only hold the print core at the front grips.

5. Insert a different print core by squeezing the black grip upward and sliding it into the print head slot until you hear a click. If needed, you can give it a gentle push to ensure it sits in position well.
6. Close the bracket and select Confirm when completed.

Note: Keep your hands out of the build chamber after selecting Confirm, as the print head will move back to its home position.

After changing the print cores, close the build chamber door again. The printer automatically detects the type of print core that was installed. When the printer is connected to a network, the changed configuration information will automatically be available in UltiMaker Cura.

Note: It is recommended to always use the process in the menu to change or unload print cores. Manually removing a print core while it is active (heating up or cooling down) will lead to errors. Reboot the printer to resolve the error.

Tip: When installing a BB print core to use with water-soluble PVA material, it is recommended to place this in slot 1 of the print head for increased reliability.