This article guides you through all the steps necessary to correctly install the UltiMaker S6. It is important to choose a suitable location for your 3D printer, and some hardware components must be installed before powering on the printer for the first time.
There are two different product variants (flexible and glass build plate), and different configurations are possible (including the S series accessories: the Air Manager and Material Station). If certain steps are only required for specific configurations, this is mentioned in the instructions.
In this article:
- Location: Choose a suitable location to install your UltiMaker S6.
- Unboxing: In case you haven't done so already, a link to the unboxing instructions.
- Hardware installation: How to install several of the hardware components.
- Accessories (optional): How to install the Air Manager and Material Station.
Location
Choosing the right location for your 3D printer is the first step for a successful setup. The surface, placement, and environment can all affect the reliability of the printer and the quality of the prints. Additionally, good accessibility for general operation and maintenance purposes ensures a positive experience for all who work with the UltiMaker S6. Take the following recommendations into account:
Surface
- The surface must be flat, stable, and level. This ensures a secure and solid placement of the printer and prevents vibrations from affecting the print process.
- Ensure that the desk or workbench is strong enough to support the printer:
- UltiMaker S6: The total weight of the printer, including materials, is up to ~25 kg (55 lbs).
- Air Manager: The Air Manager adds ~ 4 kg (8 lbs).
- Material Station: The Material Station, including materials, adds up to 22 kg (48 lbs).
- Take proper precautions to prevent the printer from falling. Especially if the surface is smooth, ensure to place the anti-slip feet on the bottom edges of the UltiMaker S6 panels. Additionally, a higher edge around the desk can prevent the printer from accidentally being knocked down.
Placement
Ensure there is sufficient space around the printer for airflow and material handling:
- Spool holder: If the UltiMaker S6 is used without Material Station, the materials are loaded at the back of the printer. Ensure there is at least 20 cm (8 in) behind the printer to fit the spool holder.
- Material handling: (also without Material Station) Ensure you have good access to the spools and feeders at the back of the printer. It is best to leave enough room behind the printer, but if this is not possible (e.g. the UltiMaker S6 is installed close to a wall), make sure it is possible to rotate the printer on its installation surface to access the back.
- Material Station: If the UltiMaker S6 is used with the Material Station, there should be at least 10 cm (4 in) of clearance behind the dehumidifier exhaust.
- Air Manager: If the UltiMaker S6 has an Air Manager installed, there should be at least 10 cm (4 in) of clearance behind the fan for unrestricted airflow.
Environment
- The UltiMaker S6 must be positioned out of direct sunlight during operation.
- The ambient conditions must be well controlled and never exceed the maximum recommended operating temperature. When the printer is used in ambient temperatures outside of the recommended range, optimal performance cannot be guaranteed.
Unboxing
After choosing the right location, take the UltiMaker S6 out of the box and remove all packaging materials. Detailed instructions can be found in this article:
UltiMaker S6 - Unboxing
Note: Please retain all packaging materials for warranty purposes.
Hardware installation
After unboxing, complete the hardware setup by installing several of the hardware accessories before powering on the printer for the first time.
Note: Some installation steps are different depending on the printer variant and configuration. Compatibility information, if relevant, is listed for each step.
Connect the Bowden tubes
- Remove the clamp clips from the collets on the print head.
- Take the Bowden tube from feeder 1 and insert it into the left collet on the print head.
- Insert the Bowden tube from feeder 2 into the right collet on the print head.
- Secure the Bowden tubes with the clamp clips.
- Click the print head cable clips onto Bowden tube 2 (right) and divide them equally.
Anti-slip feet
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Note: The anti-slip feet are not required in combination with the Material Station.
Carefully tilt the printer and place the anti-slip feet around the bottom of the frame panels. This keeps the printer securely placed, even when printing at high speeds.
The Starter Kit contains four small anti-slip feet. Place one on each corner of the printer.
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Spool holder
Note: The spool holder is not required in combination with the Material Station.
- Insert the spool holder into the back panel and push until it snaps into place.
- Secure the cable behind the clips in the UltiMaker S6 back panel.
- Connect the spool holder cable to the NFC socket in the back panel.
The spool holder in the Starter Kit also includes a filament guide. This will be placed later, during the loading of the materials in the welcome setup.
Glass build plate
Note: This step is only for the glass plate printer variant. The flexible build plate is already installed on the Z stage.
- Open the printer's glass doors.
- Push open the clamps at the front of the build plate.
- Slide the glass plate into the clamps at the back, while keeping the glass flat.
- Close the clamps at the front to secure the glass build plate.
Tip: Most materials benefit from a thin layer of glue applied to the glass build plate. This improves adhesion and reduces the chance of glass chipping.
Power cable
Finally, connect the power cable. Firmly insert one end of the cable into the power socket at the back of the printer. Plug the other end into a wall outlet.
Note: If the UltiMaker S6 is installed with a Material Station, connect the power cable to the Material Station instead.
Caution: A mains socket with a protective earth/ground terminal must be used. Make sure that the building installation has dedicated means of overcurrent and short-circuit protection.
Accessories (optional)
The UltiMaker S5 is compatible with the S series Air Manager and Material Station. You can set up the UltiMaker S5 in any configuration; with one of these add-ons, both of them, or none, depending on your workflow needs.
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Air Manager
The Air Manager enhances safety by filtering UFPs generated during the printing process and provides a physical barrier from hot and moving components. The Air Manager is delivered as separate components, which can be installed in a few easy steps. Find detailed information about installing the Air Manager in this article:
Installing the Air Manager
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Material Station
The Material Station enables 24/7 uninterrupted printing by automatically managing up to six spools in a humidity-controlled chamber. Set up the Material Station and connect it to the UltiMaker S6 (and optionally the Air Manager) as described in this article:
Installing the Material Station
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Tip: For a step-by-step guide to set up the complete Pro Bundle, you can also visit this page: Installing the Pro Bundle
The hardware setup is now finished! You can now turn on the printer using the power switch at the back and finish the necessary configuration steps to start printing.
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