UltiMaker S series Material Station - Installation instructions
The Material Station is an add-on for UltiMaker S series 3D printers. With the Material Station, you can load and store up to 6 spools of filament at the front of the printer. Spools can be loaded and removed even while another spool is printing. The Material Station will automatically switch to another spool of the same material once filament runs out, increasing your productivity.
This page contains step-by-step instructions on how to install the Material Station and connect it to your UltiMaker S series printer.
The Material Station is compatible with the UltiMaker S5, S6, S7, and S8. It is not compatible with the UltiMaker S3 or other (non-S series) models.
Instructions for installation of the Material Station are in the quick start guide that was delivered with the product. If you no longer have this booklet, you can download it as a PDF from this page.
Preparation
First, make sure that the printer is ready for the Material Station installation. If you have already been using the UltiMaker S series printer and now add the Material Station, you will not need the spool holder anymore. Unload the material(s) and remove the spool holder. Power off the printer and disconnect the power cable.
For the UltiMaker S series printers with an Air Manager (either integrated or add-on), the Air Manager cable will be disconnected from the printer and reconnected to the Material Station. However, it is recommended to leave the cable in place until connecting the Material Station cable to prevent it from getting in the way.
Unbox the Material Station by removing the plastic locking clips at the bottom of the box. Holding the handles, lift the upper section of the box. Place the foam pieces, documents, and accessories aside. The accessories include:
- 2× Tube coupling collet - To connect the Material Station Bowden tubes to the feeders.
- 2× Clamp clip - To secure the Bowden tubes.
- 1× Spool holder cap - To close the gap in the back panel where the spool holder would go.
- 1× UMB cable - This short cable ensures communication between the printer and Material Station
- 1× Power extension cable - The mains power goes into the Material Station, and is extended to the printer with this cable.
- 1× Wire cutters - Ensure a sharp tip on the filament for a reliable material loading process.
It is recommended to remove the packaging with the box placed on the floor for safety. Please retain all packaging for warranty purposes.
Place the Material Station on a flat and stable surface. Make sure the location is suitable. The Pro Bundle must be positioned out of direct sunlight when in use. Ensure there will be at least 10 cm of space behind the Material Station for airflow.
During the installation, you will need access to the back of the products. There must be sufficient space to work behind the Pro Bundle, or ensure that the products can be rotated safely on the surface.
When placing the Material Station on a shelf or table, take proper measures to prevent the printer from falling. Ensure the surface can take the combined weight of the Material Station and printer. Including materials, the total weight can be up to 50 kg (110 lbs) when used with the UltiMaker S5 or S6 and up to 57 kg (126 lbs) when used with the UltiMaker S7 or S8.
Installation
| Missing source image: MS-Installation-Step1.jpg (source ref: 0EM5b000009BYzZ) | Caution: The printer must be lifted by at least two people during installation. Note: Ensure that the printer and the Material Station are correctly aligned and that the Material Station's Bowden tubes do not get stuck underneath the printer. | Missing source image: MS-Installation-Step2.jpg (source ref: 0EM5b000009BYzY) |
|---|---|---|
1. Place the printer | Caution: The printer must be lifted by at least two people during installation. Note: Ensure that the printer and the Material Station are correctly aligned and that the Material Station's Bowden tubes do not get stuck underneath the printer. | 2. Tube coupling collets |
| Missing source image: MS-Installation-Step3.jpg (source ref: 0EM5b000009BYzU) | Missing source image: MS-Installation-Step4.jpg (source ref: 0EM5b000009BYzR) | Missing source image: MS-Installation-Step5.jpg (source ref: 0EM5b000009BYzb) |
3. Insert Bowden tubes | 4. Clamp clips | 6. Spool holder cap |
Connections
If the printer has an Air Manager installed, disconnect the Air Manager cable from the printer's UMB OUT port. It will be reconnected to the Material Station.
| Missing source image: MS-Connections-Step1.jpg (source ref: 0EM5b000009BYzW) | Missing source image: MS-Connections-Step2.jpg (source ref: 0EM5b000009BYzP) | Missing source image: 0EMQQ00000YMnrL |
|---|---|---|
1. UMB IN | 2. UMB OUT | 3. Air Manager (optional for S5/S6) |
| Missing source image: 0EMQQ00000YMwD3 | Missing source image: 0EMQQ00000YMkTg | Missing source image: MS-Connections-Step4.jpg (source ref: 0EM5b000009BYzd) |
| 4. Power extension cable Insert the male end of the power extension cable into the power entry of the printer. | 5. Power extension cable Connect the female end to the right side of the Material Station power entry (as seen from the back). | 6. Power cable Connect the power cable that came with the printer to the left side of the Material Station power entry, and the other end to a power outlet. |
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.
The Material Station is now installed. The Material Station will automatically turn on as soon as power is supplied. The LEDs will turn on, and you may hear a loud noise; this is normal. Turn on the printer with the power switch at the back to boot up the complete system.
You can now proceed to load material spools. At least one spool must be loaded before you can start printing. Learn how to load material spools or find out more about compatible spool dimensions.