UM3 Printhead lift switch problem

[geektech 0]

Hello UM community,

today we received our UM3. Sadly, our ride isn't as smooth as it was/still is with our UM2.

Apart from one axis not beeing assembled right (not clipped into the holders...no big thing, but QA should look out for that), we cannot use auto levelling or the second print core.

We setup the UM3 through the wizard, connected to our WiFi and updated firmware. Everything went perfect. Then we sent the first printjob, and the UM3 started auto levelling.

Failed => Same height detected for both print cores. Check levelling switch.

So we tried again, same. So we checked what was actually happening, and found out that the UM3 does not "hit" the thing that pulls/pushes the lever. It misses it by about 5mm every time, this the lever always stays in the same position.

We did a factory reset, to no avail. Same problem.

When we manually level the bed, manually raise the second printhead (since the printer can't lower it itself anyways), printing is fine, very fine actually.

When we manually switch the lever during auto levelling (manually raise the second print head after the first calibration round), printing also works like a charm (have to make sure the head is raised of course, so the printer wont ram it into the glass bed).

But no dice bringing the printer to correctly hit the lever-switch-thingy on the right axle.

What options do we have apart from sending it back (a shame)? Of course we could print our own lever-switch-thingy, but that of course would only be an option if we are out of warranty, which we are the exact opposite of.

Would XY recalibration help?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

best regards

Ulrik

[neotko 1,417]

There's an option on the firmware to calibrate the switch mechanism. That should fix the issue.

[enchantedsord 0]

OMG i'm glad i'm not crazy.

I have this same issue on a 2 hour old ultimaker.

I was pulling my hair out.

video of issue if it helps.

https://youtu.be/uA7Ub89dFGk

The worse part is I waited a week for this thing to not a single print off yet.  and I have to leave out of town tomorrow.

[enchantedsord 0]

Thanks so much. I think this did it. I swear it was hard to find this info but I appreciate it so much.

[geektech 0]

Wow, how could we miss that? Thank you very much!!!

Calibrating the switch fixed the problem.

Sadly, we now have the next problem. The pre-installed AA print core no longer extrudes. After not even 10g of print. We tried to push an accupuncture needle in, no dice. There seems to be solid PLA, which strangely doesn not get heated?

Removed the core, and tried to insert the second AA core, which was still full of black PLA (from the test print I guess?). Same issue. Black PLA extruded for about five seconds, now nothing comes out of it. It feels like the nozzle is not heating up enough. Currently using stock PLA settings with 200 degree, will try hotter.

Is there an option to heat the nozzles and move the material manually, like with the UM2? We couldn't find it yet :/

best regards

Ulrik

[neotko 1,417]

Sure. Try to go Materials, printcore 1/2, set temperature. Then you can go to Material1/2 and use 'Move'. Is a bit confusing that moving the materials isn't on the other menu until you get use to.

The force to push material is different than on a um2 (in my experience). So try to avoid it manually.

One tip, after leaving 'Move' material, the temperature immediately will reset to 0.

Having pla on the cores is normal since they are tested and calibrated to work with your printer from factory (this way you don't need to do all the calibration processes).

[neotko 1,417]

Also, you can try to use the Atomic method for Cores. Just in case.

https://ultimaker.com/en/resources/23132-maintaining-the-bb-print-core

[nullroute 0]

Are there more detailed instructions on how to calibrate the lift switch than what it says on the machine? What am I moving where?

[nallath 1,122]

Are there more detailed instructions on how to calibrate the lift switch than what it says on the machine? What am I moving where?

Move the switch (on the head) so that it's between the two lips of the "calibration bay" in the right back corner of the machine. While doing this, ensure that the switch is aligned in such a way that the second nozzle is down.

[nullroute 0]

Thanks, I eventually figured out what it was talking about. It would have been nice if there were pictures or diagrams somewhere telling me what this bay looks like, I find the documentation pretty lacking for someone that's never had a 3d printer before. (And I did read the whole UM3 manual.)

[neotko 1,417]

Thanks, I eventually figured out what it was talking about. It would have been nice if there were pictures or diagrams somewhere telling me what this bay looks like, I find the documentation pretty lacking for someone that's never had a 3d printer before. (And I did read the whole UM3 manual.)

 

You know, when I saw your post I though 'hey that's pretty obvious'. And then I went to the manual again to double check it, and is true that there's not even a single reference on the manual that actually shows the switch mechanism location. Also there's no video on the troubleshooting or guides for UM3. So I think you are a bit right. It can be confusing for someone you wasn't see how the switch mechanism at work or where is it. I really think is the kind of thing one does oversight because when they made this printer the printhead and the core system is one of the main things that make this printer 'um3', so I truly thing they honestly forgot to explain further because it did seem obvious to them.

It could be nice if on the future the UM3 guide & manual get a simple explanation about how to calibrate the switch mechanism if it ever get's misalign due transport or any future mod that could be done to that. Maybe is a good idea @sandervg ?

[nullroute 0]

Is there a good place to report lack of clarity to newbies issues? (And suggestions for improvement?)

A really basic diagram of all the parts and names would be a good start.

[nallath 1,122]

Is there a good place to report lack of clarity to newbies issues? (And suggestions for improvement?)

A really basic diagram of all the parts and names would be a good start.

 

We have no official place to do it. But rest assured, i've forwarded this topic to the right people within UM.

[SandervG 1,521]

Maybe is a good idea @sandervg ?

 

Yes it is! Wheels are in motion, thank you.