The touchscreen is an integral part of the printer. It is needed for calibration, loading prints and changing settings. In most cases if your touchscreen is unresponsive it is unlikely that the touchscreen is damaged, it may be due to a software issue or environmental factors.
First thing to check, is if the touchscreen is responsive for a few seconds on startup after the initialising message disappears.
Press the touchscreen after the message disappears and try to navigate the menu. If you are able to use the touchscreen for a few short seconds before it freezes, then your issue is likely due to the wifi screen freezing bug.
WiFi Freezing Bug
The 5Mpro sometimes struggles with enterprise networks, 5ghz connections and issues relating to the printer unable to connect to Flashforges servers.
If you do not need to use Flashforges cloud services e.g. 3D model cloud storage, remote camera feed streaming. It may be best to keep your 3D printer off the wifi or switch to "Lan only" mode and block outgoing connections from the printers IP on your router.
If the touchscreen freezes a few seconds after turning on, you'll need to be quick. Turn the printer off and on again and be ready to move fast. It's possible to get to the settings and switch the wifi off in the few seconds before the screen freezes.
Alternatively another method is to choose "factory reset" in the short time that the touch screen is responsive. This option is on the 2nd page of the machine info screen.
Once the wifi is switched off on the printer the touch screen should function normally. If having the printer on the network is absolutely necessary, set it in lan only mode and setup the printer in flash studio using the "printer id" listed on the network page.
This bug should be resolved with a newer firmware update.
Completely unresponsive touch screen
If your touch screen is completely unresponsive it could be due to dirt on the touch screen or debris lodged between the printer case and the touch screen surface, causing false presses on the screen.
To clear out any debris slide a thin but firm object such as a guitar pick around all the edges of the screen. This should dislodge any debris pressing on the screen.
It also helps to clean your screen from time to time with some Isopropyl alcohol, to remove any grime from the screen.
Broken Screen or poor connection
If your screen shows visible glitches, more than likely the screen is having connection issues or is damaged.
To make sure it's not just a poor connection, remove all seven screws from the back metal panel of the printer. After removing the back panel you can see the main board of the printer. In the top left corner of the board there is a ribbon cable labelled "LCD". Gently lift the plastic lever that secures the ribbon cable in place, remove the cable, reinsert it and fix the locking lever back in place.
If reseating the cable still doesn't result in resolving the touch screen issue. The touch screen is broken and needs to be replaced. This process is quite involved and requires significant disassembly of the machine. Please contact us if you find your screen is broken and we will arrange for the unit to be shipped back for repair.