Basic maintenance and upkeep of the Ultimaker S5 3D printer!
1. Update firmware
II. Cable Storage Method
III. Maintenance Method
IV. Cleaning the Printer
V. Lubricating Shaft
VI. Check the operation of the shaft
7. Check the tension of the short belt.
8. Check the fan in front of the print head.
9. Inspect the quality of the nozzle cover.
10. Lubricate the Z-axis screw of the Z-motor
XI. Cleaning Feeder
12. Cleaning the Printer Nozzles (Watch the video here)
13. Lubricate the feeder gears
14. Replace the feed pipe
15. Cleaning system fan
16. Lubricate the hinge
1. Update firmware
We will release the latest version of the Ultimaker S5 firmware regularly.
To ensure your Ultimaker S5 has the latest features, it is recommended to update the firmware regularly. You can use the Ultimaker S5 with an internet connection or via USB.
Update via the Internet
1. Connect the printer to the network via Wi-Fi or Ethernet in the network menu.
2. Go to the main menu > Maintenance > Update firmware.
Ultimaker S5 will now directly download and install the latest firmware. This will take a few minutes to complete.
Update using USB
You can update firmware without an internet connection by following these steps:
1. Download the latest firmware files 1 and 2 from the list below.
2. Save the firmware file on the USB drive.
3. Insert the USB into the USB slot of the Ultimaker S5.
4. Go to the main menu > Maintenance > Update firmware.
5. If there is a firmware file on the USB drive, Ultimaker S5 will detect the file. Once the file is detected, you can choose to initiate a firmware update.
✔ Reminder: After downloading, there's no need to remove the two files from the archive. Simply place them in a subdirectory of the USB drive.
Firmware Archive
Firmware File 1
Firmware Archive 2
II. Cable Storage Method
Proper storage is crucial when printing using multiple cables or without materials. Incorrect storage can affect quality and usability.
To keep your materials in optimal condition, proper storage is crucial:
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, in a resealable bag.
The optimal storage temperature for PLA, Tough PLA, Nylon, CPE, CPE+, PC, TPU 95A, PP, and Breakaway is between -20 and +30°C. For ABS, a temperature between 15 and 25°C is recommended, and for PVA, between 0 and 30°C. The relative humidity for PVA, TPU 95A, PP, and Breakaway should be below 50%. High humidity can negatively impact the quality of these materials.
You can store the material in a resealable bag, including the provided desiccant. For PVA, it is recommended to store the printed yarn directly in a resealable bag to prevent the yarn from absorbing moisture. 
III. Maintenance Method
To ensure your Ultimaker S5 is in optimal condition, we recommend performing the following maintenance annually after 1,500 hours of printing time:
Every month
Clean the printer and lubricate the shaft.
Every 3 months
Check the axis operation, belt tension, and for debris on the fan in front of the print head. Check the quality and lubrication of the nozzle caps. Clean the Z-axis feeder and print nozzles.
each year
Lubricate feeder gears, replace feed tube, clean system fan, lubricate hinges. ✔ Helpful reminder: (*) The X, Y, and Z axes do not require lubrication during the first year of using the printer. After one year, monthly lubrication is required.
✔Friendly reminder: If you use your printer frequently, we recommend that you perform more frequent maintenance to ensure the best printing results.
IV. Cleaning the Printer
For optimal printing results, keep the Ultimaker S5 clean when using it. It is recommended to avoid using the Ultimaker S5 in rooms prone to dust accumulation and to remove any loose small objects from inside the printer. Additionally, some components of the Ultimaker S5 require more frequent cleaning.
Cleaning glass/aluminum printing platform
After printing, there may be printing residue or excess adhesive stuck to the platform. This can cause an uneven printed surface.
Potential contaminants include dust or grease, such as oil from fingers. Removing printed objects may also reduce the adhesion quality of the glue.
It is recommended to clean the printing platform regularly and reapply adhesive.
Before starting a new print job, inspect the surface of the print platform. Clean the print platform thoroughly at least once a month using the following steps:
⚠Please note: Ensure the print platform has cooled down and lowered to the bottom of the Z-axis.
1. Open the front print platform clamp, slide the glass or aluminum print platform forward, and then remove it from the printer.
2. Clean the platform with warm water and a soft sponge to remove any adhesive. If necessary, use a cleaning agent to remove the adhesive, or use alcohol to remove any greasy substances.
3. Wipe the printing platform dry with a clean microfiber cloth.
4. Place the glass or aluminum base on the heating platform, with the warning label facing upwards. Ensure it engages with the rear platform clamp and close the front platform clamp to secure it. 
Cleaning glass parts
All glass parts of the printer (glass door and touch screen) should be cleaned regularly to remove dust or fingerprints. A dry cloth or, if necessary, a slightly damp microfiber cloth can be used for cleaning. 
Cleaning nozzle
The thoughtful accessory, the silicone nozzle cap, is very important. It helps maintain a stable nozzle temperature and prevents material from flowing back into the nozzle. We recommend checking it at least every three months!
When using the Ultimaker S5, material may get stuck outside the nozzle and degrade. While this will not damage the printer, it is recommended to keep the nozzle clean for best printing results.
Before starting a new print, check the nozzle. At least once a month, remove the plastic from the outside of the nozzle by following these steps:
1. On Ultimaker S5, navigate to the settings menu, select Print Nozzle 1, then click the icon in the upper right corner and select Set Temperature.
2. Use the control to set the target temperature to 150°C. Repeat this operation for nozzle 2, ensuring that this nozzle has been lowered.
3. Wait for the outer material to soften. When the nozzle is very hot, carefully remove the material with tweezers.
⚠Please note: Do not touch the nozzles during this process. Be careful when cleaning as they will get hot.
⚠Please note: The nozzle cap is fragile and has a sealing function. Be careful not to damage the nozzle cap when using tweezers.
✔Helpful Reminder: Material may accumulate on the outside of the nozzle, or above the nozzle cap. Check if this is the case by turning on the print head fan. To ensure the print head closes smoothly, you can use tweezers to remove the material, as described above.
Cleaning feed tube
Particles in the feed tube can hinder smooth filament movement or color mixing. The feed tube should be cleaned at least once a month. If filament jamming occurs, the feed tube must be removed from the printer before cleaning.
1. Begin by removing the material. Go to the settings menu, select the cable to remove, and uninstall it. After that, turn off the printer.
2. Position the print head to the front right.
3. Use your fingers to remove the clamps from the tubes on the print head and feeder.
4. Press down on the printhead clamp while pulling the feed tube upwards out of the printhead. Then repeat this step to remove the other feed tube. 
✔ Helpful reminder: The wires securing the second feed tube to the print head do not need to be removed; you can leave them in place.
1. Cut off a small piece of sponge or a piece of paper towel.
2. Insert it into the bottom of the feeder of the feed tube and push it all the way into the tube with a piece of wire. Repeat this action for both feed tubes, using different clean sponges or paper towels.
3. Insert the feed tube into the feeder by pressing down on the feeder's hose clamp and pushing the feed tube fully in. Secure the tube with the clamp. Repeat this process for the other feed tube.
4. Insert the feed tube into the print head by pressing down on the hose connector clamp in the print head to push the feed tube fully in. Secure the hose with the clamp. Repeat this process for the other feed tube.
✔ Helpful Reminder: To effectively clean the tube, ensure the sponge or paper towel fits snugly inside the feed tube. Note that if it's too large, it will be difficult to pass through.
✔ Helpful Reminder: Please pay attention to the direction in which the first feed tube is completely removed from the printer. One side should be beveled to allow wire entry; the other side should be inserted into the feeder.
Printer interior
Small amounts of material can accumulate inside the printer, such as small spots. Remove these parts from inside the printer periodically by following these steps:
1. Raise the print platform by navigating to Configuration > Print Platform and selecting Elevate.
2. Clean the inside of the printer with a microfiber cloth or vacuum cleaner. Pay special attention to the area around the Z-axis switch, as obstructions here can cause printing problems.
⚠Note: Larger objects may cause problems on the bottom panel, as they can prevent the print platform from returning to its correct position. 
V. Lubricating Shaft
To ensure smooth movement of your print head and Z-axis, it is recommended to lubricate the spindle monthly after the first year of printing. If the spindle becomes too dry, small bumps may appear on your prints. Lubricate the spindle at least once a month.
The Ultimaker S5 accessory kit includes a bottle of lubricating oil. This lubricating oil is specifically designed for lubricating the Ultimaker S5's shafts. Only use the oil included in the accessory kit, as using other oils or greases may affect the shaft coating and compromise the Ultimaker S5's performance.
Apply a small drop of oil to the X and Y axes and the two printhead axes. Manually move the printheads to distribute the oil evenly.
⚠Caution: Do not apply excessive lubricant to the shaft, as it will drip onto the printing platform and affect print adhesion. If oil drips onto the platform, be sure to clean it thoroughly before printing.
Apply a small drop of oil to each Z-axis. In the Ultimaker menu, go to Settings > Print Platform. Select Up and then Down, and use the up and down movement of the print platform to distribute the oil evenly. 
VI. Check the operation of the shaft
The four X and Y axes are locked in place by pulleys, which may loosen slightly over time, affecting their alignment. This could cause print quality issues with the X/or Y axes.
It is recommended to check the shaft's operation at least every three months.
Hold the frame of the Ultimaker S5 with one hand, and firmly grip the right-side X-axis. Try moving the axis forward and backward; don't be afraid to apply too much force.
Repeat this process for the other axles. Make sure to move the print head to the other side each time.
In this situation, you will notice the sound produced when the pulley hits the frame. It is recommended to correct the print head without moving the shaft. 
7. Check the tension of the short belt.
Maintaining proper tension on the belt is crucial for ensuring good print quality. The belt transmits the movement of the X and Y axes to the print head. If the belt is too loose, the print head's movement may be inaccurate, leading to inaccurate printing.
Over time, the belt may loosen. It is recommended to check the belt tension at least every three months.
Remove the two short belts and check their tension. They should resonate, like guitar strings. The belts should not be pressed together. Furthermore, the tension of both belts should be equal.
To restore tension, the following steps must be performed:
1. Use a hex wrench to loosen the four bolts securing the Y motor to the left side panel, thus releasing the Y motor. Do not remove the screws, but the motor should be able to slide up and down.
2. Press the motor firmly with one hand. Ensure maximum tension on the short belt.
3. While still pressing down on the motor, tighten the four screws of the Y motor in a Phillips head pattern. First tighten the top left screw, then the bottom right, then the bottom left, and finally the top right. Ensure the motor is connected.
4. Perform the above steps on the X motor connected to the rear panel. Afterward, check the tension of the two belts again. 
8. Check the fan in front of the print head.
During printing, the front fan cools the print nozzles, helping to prevent heat from rising from the nozzles.
The fan draws air in from the front of the print head and directs it to the nozzles. During printing, airflow can sometimes cause filament to be drawn into the fan. If filament accumulates inside the fan, it can reduce cooling efficiency and block the fan, preventing it from rotating. High-temperature filaments, such as CPE+, PC, and ABS, are particularly sensitive to this.
To check the front fan, first gently open the front fan mount. Blow air into the front fan to see if it spins smoothly. If it doesn't move at all, or suddenly stops spinning, carefully remove any obstructions from the front fan using tweezers.
⚠Please note: Before performing the inspection, ensure that the nozzle is completely cooled and the printer is turned off.
✔Friendly Reminder: Some wire debris may be visible outside the print head. Be sure to remove it.
If the fan still does not spin after removing wire debris, the fan should be replaced. 
9. Inspect the quality of the nozzle cover.
The nozzle cap protects the printhead from the cold airflow of the fan and helps maintain a stable temperature during printing. In case of problems during printing, the cap helps prevent material from flowing back into the printhead.
Over time, the heat from the nozzle may cause wear on the nozzle cap. It is recommended to check the quality of the cap at least every three months. The Ultimaker S5 accessory pack includes three spare nozzle caps.
Inspect the bottom of the print head to see if the nozzle orifice is still round and if the cap maintains a good seal. Simultaneously, gently open the fan mount to check the other side of the nozzle cap.
If the nozzle cap appears to need replacement, please follow the instructions below.
Remove the old cap
1. First, go to the settings overview and select Uninstall two print nozzles to remove.
2. Close the printhead fan holder, and then manually place the printhead in the center of the printer.
3. Tear off the front corner of the nozzle cap and pull it out from the printhead fan holder. 
Replace with a new lid
1. Open the printhead fan holder.
2. Take a new nozzle rubber pad and place it behind the nozzle fan holder in the correct orientation. Ensure that the protruding shape of the cap matches the shape of the hole on the holder.
3. Insert the center clip of the nozzle cap into the slot in the printhead fan holder. Apply pressure to the metal plate from inside the printhead. Simultaneously, pull the pull ring across the holder and platform until the sealing ring locks the cap in place.
4. Pull the right side of the nozzle cap to fold the bag over the edge of the metal plate, then push the silicone sheet under the metal latch of the printhead fan holder. Repeat this process for the left side.
5. Push the front clip into the slot of the printhead fan bracket to apply pressure to the metal plate from inside the printer. Ensure the sealing gasket is pushed over the plate to lock the cover.
6. Close the printhead fan holder and check that the new nozzle cap is correctly positioned. Run your finger along the bottom of the printhead. If the nozzle cap easily detaches from the fan holder, it is not positioned correctly. Return to steps 3-5.
7. Insert two print nozzles following the navigation in the configuration menu.
8. With the front fan mount closed, hold the nozzle caps on both sides, then move them slightly to the left and right. The metal plate and nozzle caps will now be aligned with the nozzles. The nozzle caps should not easily detach from the fan mount. 
⚠Please note: If the nozzle cap is not placed correctly, it may get stuck on the printed object and cause the fan holder to turn on during printing.
✔Helpful Tip: Use flat-tipped or round-tipped tweezers to pull the cap over the metal plate. This makes the operation easier, as the cap may be difficult to reach by hand.
✔Helpful Reminder: We recommend checking the position and alignment of the cap by manually raising and lowering the second nozzle. To do this, move the lift switch on the right side of the print head. Check that the fan holder remains closed when the second nozzle descends.
10. Lubricate the Z-axis screw of the Z-motor
The screw connects to the Z-motor and controls the movement of the Z-stage. To ensure smooth movement of the Z-stage, it is recommended to apply grease to the screw regularly.
Over time, it may be necessary to reapply grease to maintain consistent and precise operation of the Z-stage. A lubricant is included in the Ultimaker S5 accessory kit.
1. Ensure the print platform is at the bottom of the Ultimaker S5.
2. Apply a small amount of grease to the screw of the Z motor.
3. In the Ultimaker menu, go to the main menu > Print Platform.
Select the up and then down movement of the print platform to distribute the grease evenly.
✔Friendly reminder: Grease should only be used on the Z motor screw. 
XI. Cleaning Feeder
The feeder delivers the wire to the print head, and most importantly, it extrudes the right amount of material so that the feeder gears can rotate smoothly.
To achieve this, the coiled wire particles must be removed from the printer.
For feeders 1 and 2, the following steps need to be performed:
1. First, remove the material. Go to the settings menu, select the material to be removed, then uninstall it. Then turn off the printer and unplug the power cord.
2. Remove the clamp from the feeder end of the feed tube, press down on the tube connection clamp and pull the feed tube upward out of the feeder.
3. Use a hex wrench to turn the screw on top of the feeder until the indicator is fully on top, reducing the tension of the feeder.
4. Use a hex wrench to loosen the four bolts on the feeder housing.
5. Carefully pull the front of the printer open and place it to the side.
6. Use a small brush to gently clean all wire particles inside the rollers, flow sensor, and feeder housing.
7. Place the front part back onto the feeder and push it firmly into place. Starting from the top left corner, insert the four screws and tighten them.
8. Insert the feed tube into the feeder by pressing down on the feeder's connector clamp and pushing the feed tube in completely. Secure the tube with pliers.
9. Turn the screw on top of the feeder to reset the feeder tension until the indicator is at the middle mark.
✔ Reminder: Be careful not to lose the ring located at the bottom of the feeder. If it falls off, put it back into the feeder housing, with the widest side at the top. 
12. Clean the print nozzles
BB printheads require maintenance every three months. Using Ultimaker cleaning line is the most effective way to clean the BB printheads of the Ultimaker S5. If you don't have Ultimaker cleaning line, you can use PLA instead.
Cleaning the Ultimaker S5 printheads can be achieved through both hot and cold pull methods. Hot pull removes the largest portion of the material used to clean the printhead, which is crucial when the printhead is clogged. Cold pull removes the remaining smaller particles, ensuring the printhead is thoroughly cleaned.
✔Friendly reminder: You can also use this method to clean AA nozzles if necessary.
Prepare
1. Go to the main menu > Maintenance > Printhead > Print Nozzle Cleaning, and then select Start to begin the cleaning process.
2. Select the print nozzle to be cleaned: nozzle 1 or nozzle 2.
3. Choose the material to be cleaned: clean the cable or PLA.
4. Wait for the printer to heat the nozzles and retract the wire until the end of the feed tube.
5. Remove the feed tube from the print head, remove the clamp, and then push the tube downwards until the feed tube moves upwards away from the print head.
✔ Reminder: The print head will move to the front right corner in preparation.
✔ Reminder: If the material does not retract, it has been ground off and is stuck in the feeder. In this case, please remove the material manually. 
How to perform cold drawing and hot drawing? Watch the introductory video first to familiarize yourself with the process:
Thermo
⚠Please note: If the material is damaged, please use diagonal pliers to prevent hand injury.
1. Insert the cable (Ultimaker cleaning cable or PLA) into the print head until you feel resistance.
2. Clamp the wire with pliers and apply gentle pressure for about 1 second to squeeze it out of the print nozzle until you can't push it any further. Then pull the wire out directly with a quick, firm pull.
3. Cut off the tip of the wire that has just been pulled out.
4. The ultimate goal is to have a clean tip.
5. As shown in the picture below, the tip of the wire should look very clean.
6. Once the wire tip is clean, manually thread the wire through the print nozzle with pliers and then remove it. 
Cold drawing
1. Insert the cable (Ultimaker cleaning cable or PLA) into the print head until you feel resistance.
2. Clamp the wire with pliers and gently press to squeeze out some material.
3. Apply pressure to the wire with pliers during the duration of the progress bar.
4. Loosen the wire and wait for the print nozzles to cool.
5. Clamp the wire with pliers and pull it out quickly.
6. Examine the tip of the wire to see if it has a clean, conical tip like the one shown in the right image. 
✔ Reminder: If the wire tip is not clean, please return to the hot or cold drawing process and repeat the cleaning steps.
Reassemble
1. Insert the feed tube into the print head and secure it with a clip.
2. Wait for the Ultimaker S5 to complete the cleaning process. 
13. Lubricate the feeder gears
To ensure the wire enters the feeder smoothly and accurately, the gears need to be lubricated. After several printings, re-lubrication is recommended.
Since some wires may get stuck in the gears, it is recommended to clean them first.
✔ Reminder: It is recommended to replace the feed tube after one year. When lubricating the feeder gears, please replace the feed tube at the same time as instructed.
For feeders 1 and 2, the following steps need to be performed:
1. First, remove the material. Enter the settings menu, select the material to be removed, then uninstall it. Then turn off the printer and unplug the power cord.
2. Remove the clamp from the tip of the feeder tube, press the clamp down, and pull the feeder tube upward.
3. Use a hex wrench to loosen the two screws securing the back panel of the feeder.
4. Carefully move the feeder away from the back and disconnect the wire sensing cable from the flow sensor.
5. Clean the gears connecting to the feeder and the larger gears inside the feeder.
6. Apply a small amount of grease to the gear connecting to the feeder motor. No need to spread it; the feeder will automatically complete the process when turning.
7. Position the feeder close to the rear panel and connect the wire detection wire to the flow sensor.
8. Put the feeder back into the printer and secure it with two screws.
9. Insert the feed tube into the feeder by pressing down on the feeder's tube clamp and pushing the feed tube in completely. Secure the tube with the clamp. 
14. Replace the feed pipe
The feed tube guides the wire from the feeder to the print head.
Improper cutting or grinding of the feed tube can scratch or damage the wire inside. If this happens, the wire will not be able to pass through the print head, causing extrusion or other print quality problems.
In this situation, the feed tube will move up and down during the printing process, resulting in poor print quality.
If the feed tube is permanently damaged, it needs to be replaced. To maintain optimal print quality, it is recommended to replace the feed tube annually.
Disassembly and assembly
1. To begin with removing materials, enter the settings menu, select the materials to be removed, and uninstall them.
2. Place the print header in the front right corner.
3. Use your fingernail to remove the tube clamps from the print head and paper feeder.
4. Pull the feed tube upwards out of the print head and repeat these steps.
5. When removing the feed tube from extruder 2 (right side), loosen the four wire clamps on the feed tube and remove it completely. 
Recombination
1. Use a new feed tube and pay attention to both sides; the chamfered side should be inserted into the feeder. This allows the wire to enter the feeder more easily, while the flat side should be inserted into the print head.
2. Insert the feed tube into the feeder, press down the feeder's pipe clamp, and push the feed tube fully in. Secure the tube with pliers.
3. Insert the feed tube into the tube clamp of the print head and push the feed tube in completely. Secure the tube with pliers.
4. When changing the feed tube from extruder 2 (right side), clamp the wire clip onto the feed tube and use the clip to distinguish the feed tube. 
15. Cleaning system fan
The system fan is located at the rear of the printer and needs to be cleaned once a year.
If necessary, a blower or compressor can be used. 
16. Lubricate the hinges
To ensure that the glass door can open and close smoothly, the hinges of the glass door must be lubricated once a year, which can be done by putting a small drop of lubricating oil into the top hole of each hinge. 
Original link: https://ultimaker.com/en/resources/52601-update-the-firmware