MakerBot Replicator 2 User Manual
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MakerBot Replicator 2 User Manual

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USER MANUAL
MB2020_REP2_UserManual_V4.indd 1
7/22/13 5:32 PM

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  • Page 1 ® USER MANUAL MB2020_REP2_UserManual_V4.indd 1 7/22/13 5:32 PM...
  • Page 2 MB2020_REP2_UserManual_V4.indd 2 7/22/13 5:32 PM...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    TABLE OF CONTENTS WELCOME. LET’S GET STARTED Specifications How Does it Work? Machines-3D SETTING UP YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESKTOP 3D PRINTER What’s in The Box MakerBot Replicator 2 Diagram Unpacking Your MakerBot Replicator 2 Installing Build Plate Installing Filament Guide Tube and Spool Holder...

  • Page 4: A Welcome. Let's Get Started

    Machines-3D Machines-3D Machines-3D Welcome. Let’s get started. MB2020_REP2_UserManual_V4.indd 4 7/22/13 5:32 PM...
  • Page 5 WARNING: The MakerBot Replicator 2 generates high temperatures and includes moving parts that can cause injury. Never reach inside the MakerBot Replicator 2 while it is in operation. Always allow the Machines-3D MakerBot Replicator 2 to cool down before reaching inside.

  • Page 6: Specifications

    Ambient Operating 15° – 32° C [60° – 90° F] Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm [0.015 in] Temperature: Storage Temperature: 0° – 32° C [32° – 90° F] SOFTWARE So ware Bundle: MakerBot MakerWare ™ ELECTRICAL File Types: .stl, .obj, .thing AC Input: 100 – 240 V, 2 amps, 50 –...

  • Page 7: How Does It Work

    PLA Filament. Your 3D design files are translated into instructions for the MakerBot Replicator 2 and sent to the machine via SD card. Then the MakerBot Replicator 2 heats the MakerBot PLA Filament and squeezes it out through a nozzle to make a solid object layer by layer.
  • Page 8 Machines-3D Machines-3D Setting Up Your Machines-3D MakerBot Replicator ® ® Desktop 3D Printer MB2020_REP2_UserManual_V4.indd 8 7/22/13 5:32 PM...
  • Page 9 Machines-3D Machines-3D Machines-3D NOTE: Do not force or tear anything during unpacking and setup. This may damage the MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer. B SETTING UP YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESKTOP 3D PRINTER MB2020_REP2_UserManual_V4.indd 9 7/22/13 5:32 PM...

  • Page 10: What's In The Box

    Power supply USB-A to SD card and cable USB-B cable Machines-3D Hex wrenches PTFE-based grease Support card Blue tape sheets More options available at makerbot.com/store B SETTING UP YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESKTOP 3D PRINTER MB2020_REP2_UserManual_V4.indd 10 7/22/13 5:32 PM...

  • Page 11: Makerbot Replicator 2 Diagram

    [4] THREADED Z-AXIS ROD [5] BUILD PLATE [6] BUILD PLATFORM [7] FILAMENT GUIDE TUBE [8] EXTRUDER CABLE [9] EXTRUDER [10] FILAMENT SPOOL ® [11] SPOOL HOLDER Machines-3D Machines-3D B SETTING UP YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESKTOP 3D PRINTER MB2020_REP2_UserManual_V4.indd 11 7/22/13 5:32 PM...

  • Page 12: Unpacking Your Makerbot Replicator 2

    1d. Remove the two protective foam pieces Machines-3D from the sides of the Replicator 2. NOTE: You can download a PDF copy of this manual at makerbot.com/support/replicator2. Machines-3D B SETTING UP YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESKTOP 3D PRINTER MB2020_REP2_UserManual_V4.indd 12 7/22/13 5:32 PM...
  • Page 13 We recommend that you keep the box and foam inserts in case you need to transport Machines-3D your MakerBot Replicator 2 in the future. B SETTING UP YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESKTOP 3D PRINTER MB2020_REP2_UserManual_V4.indd 13 7/22/13 5:32 PM...

  • Page 14: Installing Build Plate

    NOTE: Operate scissors with care. B SETTING UP YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESKTOP 3D PRINTER MB2020_REP2_UserManual_V4.indd 14 7/22/13 5:32 PM...

  • Page 15: Installing Filament Guide Tube And Spool Holder

    MakerBot Replicator 2 [when viewed from the back]. Machines-3D B SETTING UP YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESKTOP 3D PRINTER MB2020_REP2_UserManual_V4.indd 15 7/22/13 5:32 PM...

  • Page 16: Mounting Filament Spool And Attaching Usb Cable

    9c. Insert the power supply connector into the power input on the back of the Replicator 2. Ensure that the flat side of the connector faces down. Machines-3D Power Supply B SETTING UP YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESKTOP 3D PRINTER MB2020_REP2_UserManual_V4.indd 16 7/22/13 5:32 PM...

  • Page 17: Attaching Power Supply And Powering On

    first build. CAUTION: Do not use an extension cord or power supply other than the ones shipped with your MakerBot Replicator 2. Ensure that the plug is easily accessible in case the Replicator 2 needs to be disconnected. Machines-3D...

  • Page 18: C Startup Process: Leveling, Loading, Testing

    Machines-3D Machines-3D Startup Process: Leveling, Machines-3D Loading, Testing MB2020_REP2_UserManual_V4.indd 18 7/22/13 5:32 PM...
  • Page 19 You can use these menus to return to the Startup Script at any time. You can also find a video of this process at makerbot.com/support/replicator2/videos. If you have problems or questions, refer to the troubleshooting chapter in this manual or contact MakerBot Support at support@makerbot.com.

  • Page 20: Leveling The Build Plate

    • If the build platform is too close to the extruder nozzle, the build plate can block the MakerBot PLA Filament from extruding from the nozzle. This can also scratch the build plate.
  • Page 21 LEVELING THE BUILD PLATE CONTINUED Make Some Room Between the Build Plate and the Nozzle When directed by the LCD screen, tighten each of the three knobs under the build Machines-3D platform about four turns. Support Card Machines-3D Leveling Knobs Machines-3D ®...
  • Page 22 Build Plate and select it. You can use these menus to return to the leveling script at any time. For a demonstration of this process, see the MakerBot Replicator 2 video page at makerbot.com/support/replicator2/videos. C STARTUP PROCESS: LEVELING, LOADING, TESTING MB2020_REP2_UserManual_V4.indd 22...

  • Page 23: Loading Makerbot Pla Filament

    “Aaah, that feels much better. Let’s go on and load some plastic!” Before building, you must load the MakerBot PLA Filament into the extruder. The extruder will heat the MakerBot PLA Filament and use the melted material to build things.
  • Page 24 Feed the end of the MakerBot PLA Filament into the end of the guide tube where it attaches to the back of the MakerBot Replicator 2. Feed the MakerBot PLA Filament through the guide tube until it emerges from the other end of the tube.
  • Page 25 MakerBot PLA Filament into the extruder. Click through the message until your MakerBot Replicator 2 asks you to press the M when you see plastic extruding. Machines-3D C STARTUP PROCESS: LEVELING, LOADING, TESTING MB2020_REP2_UserManual_V4.indd 25...
  • Page 26 There’s probably some filament inside the extruder le over from our testing process at the MakerBot Factory. Wait until you see the color that you loaded come out of the nozzle before you press the M button.

  • Page 27: Unloading Makerbot Pla Filament

    Machines-3D Unloading MakerBot PLA Filament To unload MakerBot PLA Filament, go to the LCD panel and select Preheat > Start Preheat. Wait for the extruder to heat to the set temperature. Then push down on the Extruder Arm and continue to hold it down as you gently pull the filament out of the extruder.

  • Page 28: Making A Test Object From The Sd Card

    2b. To select a model, press M. Machines-3D 2c. The MakerBot Replicator 2 will begin to build your object. You can use the LCD panel to monitor the temperature of the extruder and the status and progress of your object.
  • Page 29 MAKING A TEST OBJECT FROM THE SD CARD CONTINUED Projects Available on the SD Card CHAIN LINKS COMB MR JAWS File Name: Chain Links File Name: Comb File Name: Mr Jaws Machines-3D Make Time: 15 Minutes Make Time: 26 Minutes Make Time: 18 minutes Design By: Design By:...
  • Page 30 Machines-3D Machines-3D Machines-3D Making an Object with MakerBot MakerWare MB2020_REP2_UserManual_V4.indd 30 7/22/13 5:32 PM...
  • Page 31 How to make an object using a computer and MakerBot MakerWare ® ™ Machines-3D Machines-3D ™ Machines-3D D MAKING AN OBJECT WITH MAKERBOT MAKERWARE MB2020_REP2_UserManual_V4.indd 31 7/22/13 5:32 PM...
  • Page 32 USING MAKERBOT MAKERWARE MakerBot MakerWare is so ware that prepares 3D models for printing and turns them into instructions for your MakerBot Replicator 2X. Machines-3D Download and Install MakerBot MakerWare 1a. Go to your computer and open a browser session.
  • Page 33 USING MAKERBOT MAKERWARE CONTINUED Download an Object From MakerBot Thingiverse Thingiverse is a website where MakerBot users and others can share design fi les. Machines-3D 2a. Open a browser session and go to www.thingiverse.com. Use the search fi eld at the upper right to search for “Minimalist NYC buildings.”...
  • Page 34 M key to go into Move mode. In this mode, print resolution and other options and save click and drag with your mouse to move an instructions for your MakerBot Replicator 2 object around the plate. Use the arrow at to an SD card.
  • Page 35 USING MAKERBOT MAKERWARE CONTINUED Open MakerBot MakerWare | Continued Machines-3D Machines-3D Machines-3D NUT AND BOLT Design By: aubenc Thingiverse: 9095 D MAKING AN OBJECT WITH MAKERBOT MAKERWARE MB2020_REP2_UserManual_V4.indd 35 7/22/13 5:32 PM...
  • Page 36 USING MAKERBOT MAKERWARE CONTINUED Open the .stl files in MakerBot MakerWare 4a. Click on the Add button. Navigate to the location of the file Machines-3D FlatIron.stl and select it. The file will open at the center of the build plate.
  • Page 37 USING MAKERBOT MAKERWARE CONTINUED Open the .stl files in MakerBot MakerWare | Continued 4e. Click on the Flatiron Building to select it. Hold down the shi key and Machines-3D click on the Woolworth Building. Then release the shi key. Both models should be selected.
  • Page 38 5b. Select the Make It button. The Make dialog appears, with the following options: Machines-3D [1] MAKE WITH: Select The Replicator 2, if not already selected. [2] MATERIAL: Choose the type of plastic your are building with. [3] QUALITY: Specify the quality of your build.
  • Page 39 6c. Use the arrow buttons to navigate to the file “flatiron_woolworth.x3g”. Press the M button to build the selected file. Your MakerBot Replicator 2 will use the toolpath you created to build your model. Machines-3D D MAKING AN OBJECT WITH MAKERBOT MAKERWARE MB2020_REP2_UserManual_V4.indd 39...
  • Page 40 You can also use the open source ReplicatorG so ware to view and manipulate files from http://www.thingiverse.com and to send files to your MakerBot Replicator 2. To download the ReplicatorG so ware, go to http://www.replicat.org/download. To configure the ReplicatorG so ware to work with your MakerBot Replicator 2, go to http://www.makerbot.com/support/replicatorg/documentation/usage. Machines-3D...
  • Page 41 NOTES Machines-3D Machines-3D Machines-3D MB2020_REP2_UserManual_V4.indd 41 7/22/13 5:32 PM...

  • Page 42: E Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, And Maintenance

    Machines-3D Machines-3D Troubleshooting, Machines-3D Diagnostics, and Maintenance MB2020_REP2_UserManual_V4.indd 42 7/22/13 5:32 PM...
  • Page 43 This chapter describes basic troubleshooting and maintenance tasks for your MakerBot Replicator ® ® Desktop 3D Printer. For details on more advanced troubleshooting and maintenance tasks, go to makerbot.com/support. Machines-3D Machines-3D Machines-3D ® E TROUBLESHOOTING, DIAGNOSTICS, AND MAINTENANCE MB2020_REP2_UserManual_V4.indd 43...

  • Page 44: Troubleshooting

    Common Problems and How To Fix Them PROBLEM SOLUTION Can’t load MakerBot Make a fresh cut at the end of the MakerBot PLA Filament. Cut the filament at an angle—a narrow tip will help with PLA Filament Machines-3D loading. It is also important that the filament have no into the extruder bends in it.
  • Page 45 Can’t Remove MakerBot Press down on the extruder arm and push a short length of the filament through the heated extruder. Then, continuing to hold PLA Filament down the extruder arm, try pulling the filament free again.

  • Page 46: Diagnostics

    Unload the filament, cut a fresh edge, and load the filament again. NOTE: For more detailed troubleshooting information, see the MakerBot Replicator 2 Troubleshooting page makerbot.com/support/replicator2/troubleshooting. For video walkthroughs of troubleshooting issues, see the MakerBot Replicator 2 video collection makerbot.com/support/replicator2/videos.

  • Page 47: Lcd Panel | Utilities Menu

    Machines-3D stepper motors are disengaged. This option appears only when the stepper motors are engaged. Blinks the LED lights on the MakerBot Replicator 2 at Blink LEDs about 4 blinks per second. When the LED lights are blinking, this option is replaced by Stop Blinking.

  • Page 48: Lcd Panel | Info And Settings Menu

    [On] or abbreviated help text [O ]. HEAT LEDs. Changes LED colors when the MakerBot Replicator 2 is heating. When this option is set to On, the LED color will change from blue to red during the heating process and will return to the default color when the process is complete.

  • Page 49: Maintenance

    Machines-3D 5. Grasp both sides of the build platform and move it to the top of the MakerBot Replicator 2. 6. Use a clean, lint-free rag [or your finger] to spread the PTFE-based grease onto the bottom section of the threaded rod. Make sure you get the grease inside of the threads themselves.
  • Page 50 Machines-3D Machines-3D 7. Locate the X-axis idler pulley. If you are facing the front of the MakerBot Replicator 2, the idler pulley is at the top le side. The idler pulley is one of the pulleys that allow the rubber belt to move the extruder from le to right, or along the X-axis.

  • Page 51: Cleaning The Drive Gear

    Cleaning the Drive Gear The drive gear is the part of the extruder that pushes filament through the extruder. When you make things with your MakerBot Replicator 2, small pieces of hardened PLA can stick to the Machines-3D drive gear. If you are having problems with your extruder, cleaning the drive gear might help.
  • Page 52 8. Add the fan guard, the fan, the heat sink, and spacers to the front of the extruder and bolt them on. 9. Reload the MakerBot PLA Filament. To do this, go to the LCD panel and select Utilities > Filament Options > Load.
  • Page 53 To update your firmware, follow these steps: 1. Locate the USB-A to USB-B cable that came with your MakerBot Replicator 2 and use it to connect your Replicator 2 to your computer.

  • Page 54: Glossary Of Terms

    GCODE: The computer language used to describe the toolpath your MakerBot BUILD PLATE: The acrylic surface on Replicator 2 will use to build an object. which the MakerBot Replicator 2 builds GCode is converted to X3G before being an object.
  • Page 55 MOTOR ASSEMBLY: The stepper motor attaches to the back of the MakerBot and the drive block that push filament Replicator 2 and holds the spool of into the extruder. MakerBot PLA Filament. The spool holder ensures that the MakerBot PLA Filament MOTOR WIRES: The bundle of electrical is fed evenly to the extruder.

  • Page 56: Contact Us

    If you ever need help resolving an issue with your MakerBot Replicator 2, send an email to the address above to open a ticket with the MakerBot Support Team. To help us understand your problem from the start, it is very helpful to include pictures or a video as attachments with your email.

  • Page 57: Safety And Compliance

    SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE RADIO AND TELEVISION INTERFERENCE This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.

  • Page 58: F Terms Of Service

    All information in this Manual is subject to change at any time without notice and is provided for convenience purposes only. MakerBot reserves the right to modify or revise the Manual in its sole discretion and at any time. You agree to be bound by any modifications Machines-3D and/or revisions.
  • Page 59 We make no warranties to those defined as “consumers” in the Magnuson-Moss Warranty-Federal Trade Commission Improvements Act. LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY. In no event will MakerBot or any of our respective o cers, directors, employees, shareholders, a liates, agents, successors or assigns, nor any party...
  • Page 60 Machines-3D Machines-3D Machines-3D MakerBot One MetroTech Center, 21st Floor, Brooklyn, NY support@makerbot.com makerbot.com MB2020_REP2_UserManual_V4.indd 60 7/22/13 5:32 PM...

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