MakerBot Replicator 2 User Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. MakerBot Manuals
  4. 3D Printers
  5. Replicator 2
  6. User manual

MakerBot Replicator 2 User Manual

Hide thumbs Also See for Replicator 2:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
USER MANUAL | SINGLE EXTRUSION

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Replicator 2 and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Related Manuals for MakerBot Replicator 2

Summary of Contents for MakerBot Replicator 2

  • Page 1 USER MANUAL | SINGLE EXTRUSION...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    WELCOME. LET’S GET STARTED Specifications How It Works Terminology SETTInG up YOuR MAkERBOT REpLICATOR 2 DESkTOp 3D pRInTER What’s in The Box MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D printer Diagram unpacking Your MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D printer Installing Build plate...
  • Page 4 Welcome. Let’s get started.
  • Page 5 WARNING: The MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer 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 MakerBot Replicator 2 to cool down before reaching inside.
  • Page 6 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 Software Bundle: MakerBot MakerWare ™ ELECTriCAL File Types: .stl, .obj, .thing AC Input: 100 – 240 V, 2 amps, 50 –...

  • Page 7: Awelcome. Let's Get Started

    MakerBot PLA Filament. Your 3D design files are translated into instructions for the MakerBot Replicator 2 and sent to the machine via USB cable or SD Card. Then the MakerBot Replicator 2 heats the MakerBot PLA Filament and squeezes it out through an extruder to make a solid object layer by layer.

  • Page 8: Terminology

    A computer language used to cools the MakerBot PLA Filament as describe the toolpath your MakerBot it extrudes. Replicator 2 will use to build an object. GCode is converted to S3G before being BUiLD PLATE: The surface on which the sent to your machine.
  • Page 9 .stl files and GCode files and 3D models. send them to the MakerBot Replicator 2. USB CABLE: A cable that allows the S3g: A compact format for describing MakerBot Replicator 2 to communicate...
  • Page 10 Setting Up Your MakerBot Replicator ™ ® Desktop 3D Printer...

  • Page 11: Bsetting Up Your Makerbot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer

    We hope you’ll take your time and be just as careful unpacking it and getting it set up. 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...

  • Page 12: What's In The Box

    Spool holder [1lb Spool] Build plate Power supply USB-A to SD card and cable USB-B cable 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...
  • Page 13 [2] LCD PANEL [3] KEy PAD [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 B SETTING UP YOUR MAkERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESkTOP 3D PRINTER...
  • Page 14 This sleeve contains the MakerBot PLA Filament. Removing MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer from the Box 2a. Grasp the two black handles. Carefully 2b. Remove the cardboard inserts from the lift the reusable bag containing the reusable bag.
  • Page 15 3D Printer should now be fully unpacked. We recommend that you keep the box, cardboard sleeves, and cardboard inserts in case you need to transport your Replicator 2 in the future. B SETTING UP YOUR MAkERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESkTOP 3D PRINTER...

  • Page 16: Installing Build Plate

    Freeing the Extruder 6a. Use scissors to cut the three bands that hold the extruder in place. Discard the bands. NOTE: Operate scissors with care. B SETTING UP YOUR MAkERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESkTOP 3D PRINTER...

  • Page 17: Installing Filament Guide Tube And Spool Holder

    MakerBot Replicator 2 [when viewed from the back]. Tilt and fit the spool holder into the opening on the back of the MakerBot Replicator 2. B SETTING UP YOUR MAkERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESkTOP 3D PRINTER...

  • Page 18: Mounting Filament Spool And Attaching Usb Cable

    Insert the USB cable into the USB-B port on the back of the MakerBot Replicator 2. Do not attach the other end of the USB cable to anything yet. USB cable B SETTING UP YOUR MAkERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESkTOP 3D PRINTER...

  • Page 19: Attaching Power Supply And Powering On

    NOTE: The socket-outlet shall be installed near the equipment and shall be easily accessible. B SETTING UP YOUR MAkERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESkTOP 3D PRINTER...
  • Page 20 Startup Process: Leveling, Loading, Testing...

  • Page 21: Cstartup Process: Leveling, Loading, Testing

    Startup Script at any time by navigating through the menus on the LCD panel. Follow the instructions in the LCD panel to set up your MakerBot Replicator 2 for the first time. If you have problems or questions, refer to the troubleshooting chapter in this manual or contact MakerBot Support.

  • Page 22: Leveling The Build Platform

    • If the build platform is too far from the extruder nozzle, your builds might not stick to 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 23 MakerBot Support card between the plate and the extruder nozzle. You should feel some friction on the MakerBot support card but still be able to easily pass the card between the plate and the extruder nozzle without tearing or damaging the card.
  • Page 24 LEvELiNg ThE BUiLD PLATFOrm 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 platform about four turns. Adjust the Rear Knob When directed, adjust the rear knob until the Support card just slides between the nozzle and build plate.
  • Page 25 LEvELiNg ThE BUiLD PLATFOrm CONTINUED Adjust the Left Knob When directed, adjust the front left knob until the Support card just slides between nozzle and build plate. Adjust the Rear Knob Again When directed, adjust the rear knob until the Support card just slides between nozzle and build plate.
  • Page 26 LEvELiNg ThE BUiLD PLATFOrm CONTINUED Adjust the Left Knob Again When directed, adjust the front left knob until the Support card just slides between nozzle and build plate. Confirm Your Adjustment When directed, check that the Support card just slides between the nozzle and build plate when the nozzle is at the center of the plate.

  • Page 27: 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 heats the MakerBot PLA Filament and uses the melted material to build your objects.
  • Page 28 NOTE: To avoid filament jams, ensure that the MakerBot PLA Filament feeds from the bottom of the spool toward the top of the spool. Ensure that the MakerBot PLA Filament is mounted on the left spool holder when viewed from the back and that it unspools clockwise.
  • Page 29 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. The LCD menu will display the following: “Ok.
  • Page 30 LOADiNg mAKErBOT PLA FiLAmENT CONTINUED Push the Filament into the Extruder Take the end of the MakerBot PLA Filament closest to the extruder and firmly push it into the hole in the top of the extruder. Ensure that the Filament goes into the center of the opening and doesn’t get...
  • Page 31 NOTE: If you have problems or need to load the MakerBot PLA Filament again, you can use the arrow buttons to navigate through the LCD menus until you find the Utilities menu. Press the M button to select this menu.

  • Page 32: Making A Test Object From The Sd Card

    2a. Use the arrow keys to navigate through the list of models on the SD card. 2b. To select a model, press M. 2c. The MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer will begin to make your object. You can use the LCD panel to monitor the temperature of the extruder and the status and progress of your object.
  • Page 33 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 Make Time: 15 Minutes Make Time: 30 Minutes Make Time: 25 minutes Design By: Design By: repraprook...
  • Page 34 Making an Object with MakerBot MakerWare...

  • Page 35: Dmaking An Object With Makerbot Makerware

    How to make an object using a computer and MakerBot MakerWare ® ™ D MAkING AN OBJECT WITH MAkERBOT MAkERWARE...
  • Page 36 USiNg mAKErBOT mAKErwArE MakerBot MakerWare is software that prepares digital 3D designs to be made by the MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer. Download and Install MakerBot MakerWare 1a. Go to the computer that you plan to connect to your MakerBot Replicator 2 with the supplied USB cable.
  • Page 37 USiNg mAKErBOT mAKErwArE CONTINUED Download an Object From Thingiverse Thingiverse is a website where MakerBot users and others can share design files. 2a. Go to the computer that is connected to your Replicator 2. 2b. Open a Web browser and go to www.thingiverse.com.
  • Page 38 You can also select the Change Rotation [11] STATUS iCON: Displays the status submenu to rotate the object by a specific of your connection to your Replicator 2. number of degrees. Right-click and drag with Click to open a submenu displaying this function selected to rotate your view.
  • Page 39 USiNg mAKErBOT mAKErwArE CONTINUED Open MakerBot MakerWare | Continued mEChANiCAL ANimALS Design By: sconine Thingiverse: 11980 D MAkING AN OBJECT WITH MAkERBOT MAkERWARE...
  • Page 40 Building. Now release the shift key. Both files should be selected. 4e. Select the Scale button. minimalist NyC buildings Click and drag to change Design By: JonMonaghan the size of both models. Thingiverse: 12762 D MAkING AN OBJECT WITH MAkERBOT MAkERWARE...
  • Page 41 [5] ExPOrT TO FiLE: MakerWare sends your model to the Replicator 2 as a set of instructions in the S3G format. Export to file allows you to save the S3G file or GCode file [an intermediate format] to your computer or an SD card.
  • Page 42 You can also use the open source ReplicatorG software to view, manipulate, and edit files from www.thingiverse.com and to send files to your Replicator 2. To download the ReplicatorG software, go to replicat.org/download. To configure the ReplicatorG software to work with your Replicator 2, go to www.makerbot.com/docs/replicator/software/. D MAkING AN OBJECT WITH MAkERBOT MAkERWARE...
  • Page 43 NOTES...

  • Page 44: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, and Maintenance...
  • Page 45 This chapter describes basic troubleshooting and maintenance tasks. For details on more advanced troubleshooting and maintenance tasks, go to makerbot.com/docs E TROUBLESHOOTING, DIAGNOSTICS, AND MAINTENANCE...
  • Page 46 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. PLA Filament into Cut the MakerBot PLA Filament at an angle — a narrow tip the extruder will help with loading.

  • Page 47: Diagnostics

    Displays the list of models on the SD card. Select one to start a build PrEhEAT Allows you to preheat the extruder. UTiLiTiES Tools that allow you to configure and maintain your MakerBot Replicator 2. iNFO AND SETTiNgS Optional settings and information about the MakerBot Replicator 2. E TROUBLESHOOTING, DIAGNOSTICS, AND MAINTENANCE...

  • Page 48: Lcd Panel | Utilities Menu

    This option appears only when the stepper motors are engaged. Blinks the LED lights on the Replicator 2 at about Blink LEDs 4 blinks per second.

  • Page 49: Lcd Panel | Info And Settings Menu

    LCD PANEL | INFO AND SETTINGS MENU iNFO AND SETTiNgS Displays the estimated total hours and minutes of Bot Statistics building in the lifetime of the Replicator 2 and the duration [in hours and minutes] of the last build. Optional settings and information. general Settings SOUND: Turns the Replicator 2’s indicator sounds on and off.

  • Page 50: Maintenance

    Unloading MakerBot PLA filament If you need to unload the MakerBot PLA Filament [for example, to load a different color of MakerBot PLA Filament or to perform maintenance on the extruder], the LCD menu can walk you through the process. To view the script for unloading the MakerBot PLA Filament, go to the LCD panel and select Utilities >...
  • Page 51 Lubricating the Threaded Rod and the X-Axis Idler Pulley | Continued 7. Locate the X-axis idler pulley. If you are facing the front of the Replicator 2, the idler pulley is at the top left side. The idler pulley is one of the pulleys that allow the rubber belt to move the extruder from left to right.

  • Page 52: 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 Replicator 2, small pieces of hardened PLA can stick to the drive gear. If you are having problems with your extruder, cleaning the drive gear might help.
  • Page 53 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 54: Adjusting The Plunger

    The plunger pushes the MakerBot PLA Filament against the drive gear. If the plunger wears down and is no longer putting pressure on the MakerBot PLA Filament, the MakerBot Replicator 2 may stop extruding. You can solve this problem by making a small adjustment to the plunger.
  • Page 55 Open a Support Ticket Sometimes a new issue comes up that isn’t in the User Manual. The experts on our Support Team can help walk you through it. Open a ticket by emailing support@makerbot.com. E TROUBLESHOOTING, DIAGNOSTICS, AND MAINTENANCE...
  • Page 56 Website. Print and save these Terms and, periodically, check for the latest version at store.makerbot.com/terms. MakerBot reserves the right to modify or revise these Terms in its sole discretion and at any time. You agree to be bound by any modifications and/or revisions.
  • Page 57 Third Party Links. From time to time, this Website may contain links to websites that are not owned, operated or controlled by MakerBot or their respective affiliates. All such links are provided solely as a convenience to you. If you use these links, you will leave this Website. Neither we nor any of our respective affiliates are responsible for any content, materials or other information located on or accessible from any other website.
  • Page 58 EXCLUSIONS OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES DO NOT APPLY TO THE EXTENT PROHIBITED BY LAW. PLEASE REFER TO YOUR LOCAL LAWS FOR ANY SUCH PROHIBITIONS. 11.    LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY. MakerBot Industries assumes no responsibility, nor will be liable, for any damages to, or any viruses or malware that may infect your computer, telecommunication...

  • Page 59: Fterms Of Service

    13. Choice of Law; Jurisdiction. These terms of service supersede any other agreement between you and MakerBot Industries to the extent necessary to resolve any inconsistency or ambiguity between them. These terms of service will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to any principles of conflicts of laws.
  • Page 60 MakerBot 87 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn, NY USA support@makerbot.com makerbot.com...

Table of Contents