MakerBot Replicator 2 User Manual
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MakerBot Replicator 2 User Manual

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  • Page 1 ® USER MANUAL...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    TABLE OF CONTENTS WELCOME. LET’S GET STARTED Safety and Compliance Specifications How Does it Work? SETTING UP YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESKTOP 3D PRINTER Accessory Checklist MakerBot Replicator 2 Diagram Unpacking Your MakerBot Replicator 2 Installing Build Plate Installing Filament Guide Tube and Spool Holder...

  • Page 4: Welcome. Let's Get Started

    Welcome. Let’s get started.
  • Page 5 MakerBot Replicator 2. In chapters A and B, you will learn the basics of the MakerBot Replicator 2, how to unbox safely, and how to get set up. Chapters C–E will take you through leveling, printing, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

  • Page 6: Safety And Compliance

    The socket outlet must be located near the equipment and must be easily accessible CAUTION: The Replicator 2 melts plastic during printing. Plastic odors are emitted during this operation. Make sure to set up the Replicator 2 in a well- ventilated area.
  • Page 7 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 8: Specifications

    SPECIFICATIONS PRINTING PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS Print Technology: Fused deposition modeling Without Spool: 49 x 32 x 38 cm [19.1 x 12.8 x 14.7 in ] Filament: 1.75 mm MakerBot PLA Filament With Spool: 49 x 42 x 38 cm 1.75 mm MakerBot [19.1 x 16.5 x 14.7 in ] Flexible Filament Build Volume:...

  • Page 9: 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 10: Setting Up Your Makerbot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer

    Setting Up Your MakerBot ® Replicator ® Desktop 3D Printer...
  • Page 11 We hope you’ll take your time and be just as careful unpacking it and getting it set up. NOTE: Do not force or tear anything during unpacking and setup. This may damage the MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer. SETTING UP YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESKTOP 3D PRINTER...

  • Page 12: Accessory Checklist

    ACCESSORY CHECKLIST MakerBot PLA Filament Filament guide tube 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...

  • Page 13: Makerbot Replicator 2 Diagram

    [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 SETTING UP YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESKTOP 3D PRINTER...

  • Page 14: Unpacking Your Makerbot Replicator 2

    UNPACKING YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 Opening the Box 1a. Place the MakerBot Replicator 2 box on the ground and open it. 1b. The foam tray at the top of the box contains everything you need to get started with your MakerBot Replicator 2. Make sure you have everything listed on the Accessory Checklist on page 12.
  • Page 15 2b. Your MakerBot Replicator 2 is now fully unpacked. We recommend that you keep the box and foam inserts in case you need to transport your MakerBot Replicator 2 in the future. SETTING UP YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESKTOP 3D PRINTER...

  • Page 16: Installing Build Plate

    INSTALLING BUILD PLATE Installing the Build Plate 3a. Locate and unwrap the build plate. Tilt and fit the notch in the build plate onto the tab at the back of the build platform. Fit the tab in the build plate between the two pegs at the front of the build platform.

  • Page 17: Installing Filament Guide Tube And Spool Holder

    6a. Locate the spool holder. Tilt the spool holder and insert the square end into the left side opening on the back of the MakerBot Replicator 2 [when viewed from the back]. SETTING UP YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESKTOP 3D PRINTER...

  • Page 18: Mounting Filament Spool And Attaching Usb Cable

    MOUNTING FILAMENT SPOOL Mounting the Filament Spool 7a. Open the box containing the MakerBot PLA Filament. Remove the spool from its bag. Spool Holder 7b. Fit the spool onto the spool holder. Ensure that the MakerBot PLA Filament unwinds counterclockwise [when viewed from the back] .

  • Page 19: Attaching Power Supply And Powering On

    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. SETTING UP YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESKTOP 3D PRINTER...

  • Page 20: Startup Process: Leveling, Loading, Testing

    Startup Process: Leveling, Loading, Testing...
  • Page 21 Replicator 2 is working. • A blinking red M means the MakerBot Replicator 2 is waiting for user input. NOTE: If you don’t see the Startup Script, use the up and down arrow buttons to scroll through the top-level menu on the LCD panel, and use the M button to select Utlities. Scroll to Run Startup Script and select it.

  • Page 22: Leveling The Build Plate

    • Loosening the knobs [turning them to the left] moves the build plate closer to the extruder nozzle. • The distance between the extruder nozzle and the build plate should be about the thickness of the MakerBot Support card included with your MakerBot Replicator 2.
  • Page 23 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 platform about four turns. Support Card Leveling Knobs ® STARTUP PROCESS: LEVELING, LOADING, TESTING...
  • Page 24 LCD panel and use the M button to select Utilities. Scroll to Level 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.

  • Page 25: Loading Makerbot Pla Filament

    MakerBot PLA Filament from the spool into the end of the filament guide tube where it attaches to the back of the MakerBot Replicator 2. • Push the MakerBot PLA Filament all the way through the Extruder filament guide tube.
  • Page 26 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 27 After the extruder reaches 230° C, the LCD panel will prompt you to load the 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. STARTUP PROCESS: LEVELING, LOADING, TESTING...
  • Page 28 LOADING MAKERBOT PLA FILAMENT CONTINUED Push the Filament into the Extruder Push down on the extruder arm. Continue to hold it down as you insert the free end of the filament into the hole in the top of the extruder. Push the filament in as far as it will go.

  • Page 29: Unloading Makerbot Pla Filament

    LOADING MAKERBOT PLA FILAMENT CONTINUED Return the Filament Guide Tube Push the guide tube back into the opening on the top of the extruder. NOTE: If you have problems or need to load the MakerBot PLA Filament again, you can use the up and down arrows to scroll through the top-level menu on the LCD panel and use the M button to select Utilities.

  • Page 30: Making A Test Object From The Sd Card

    2a. Use the up and down arrow buttons to navigate through the list of models on the SD card. 2b. To select a model, press M. 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 31 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: 26 Minutes Make Time: 18 minutes Design By: Design By: repraprook...

  • Page 32: Making An Object With Makerbot Makerware

    Making an Object with MakerBot MakerWare...
  • Page 33 How to make an object using a computer and MakerBot MakerWare ® ™ ™ MAKING AN OBJECT WITH MAKERBOT MAKERWARE...
  • Page 34 USING MAKERBOT MAKERWARE MakerBot MakerWare is software that prepares 3D models for printing and turns them into instructions for your MakerBot Replicator 2. Download and Install MakerBot MakerWare 1a. Go to your computer and open a browser session. 1b. Enter the URL makerbot.com/makerware and download the correct MakerWare installer for your operating system.
  • Page 35 USING MAKERBOT MAKERWARE CONTINUED Download an Object From MakerBot Thingiverse Thingiverse is a website where MakerBot users and others can share design files. 2a. Open a browser session and go to www.thingiverse.com. Use the search field at the upper right to search for “Minimalist NYC buildings.”...
  • Page 36 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 37 USING MAKERBOT MAKERWARE CONTINUED Open MakerBot MakerWare | Continued NUT AND BOLT Design By: aubenc Thingiverse: 9095 MAKING AN OBJECT WITH MAKERBOT MAKERWARE...
  • Page 38 USING MAKERBOT MAKERWARE CONTINUED Open the .stl files in MakerBot MakerWare 4a. Click on the Add button. Navigate to the location of the file FlatIron.stl and select it. The file will open at the center of the build plate. 4b. Select the Move button and click and drag the Flatiron Building to the left.
  • Page 39 USING MAKERBOT MAKERWARE CONTINUED Open the .stl files in MakerBot MakerWare | Continued 4e. Click on the Flatiron Building to select it. Hold down the shift key and click on the Woolworth Building. Then release the shift key. Both models should be selected.
  • Page 40 Save your model and toolpath files | Continued 5b. Select the Make It button. The Make dialog appears, with the following options: [1] MAKE WITH: Select The Replicator 2, if not already selected. [2] MATERIAL: Choose the type of plastic your are building with.
  • Page 41 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. MAKING AN OBJECT WITH MAKERBOT MAKERWARE...
  • Page 42 You can also use the open source ReplicatorG software to view and manipulate files from http://www.thingiverse.com and to send files to your MakerBot Replicator 2. To download the ReplicatorG software, go to http://www.replicat.org/download. To configure the ReplicatorG software to work with your MakerBot Replicator 2, go to http://www.makerbot.com/support/replicatorg/documentation/usage.
  • Page 43 NOTES MAKING AN OBJECT WITH MAKERBOT MAKERWARE...

  • Page 44: Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, And Maintenance

    Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, and Maintenance...
  • Page 45 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. ® TROUBLESHOOTING, DIAGNOSTICS, AND MAINTENANCE...

  • Page 46: Troubleshooting

    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 loading. It is also important that the filament have no into the extruder bends in it.
  • Page 47 TROUBLESHOOTING CONTINUED PROBLEM SOLUTION Object is stuck to build In the future, you can cover your build plate with blue tape. plate (Continued) This allows your objects to stick to the build plate but be removed more easily. Object won’t stick Relevel your build plate.

  • Page 48: 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 49: Lcd Panel | Utilities Menu

    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 50: Lcd Panel | Info And Settings Menu

    [On] or abbreviated help text [Off]. 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 51: Maintenance

    4. Make sure you get the grease inside of the threads themselves. 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.

  • Page 52: Lubricating The Threaded Rod And The X-Axis Idler Pulley

    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 MakerBot 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, or along the X-axis.

  • Page 53: 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 drive gear. If you are having problems with your extruder, cleaning the drive gear might help.
  • Page 54 MAINTENANCE CONTINUED Cleaning the Drive Gear | Continued 6. Reseat the motor assembly. 7. Plug in the motor wires. 8. Add the fan guard, the fan, the heat sink, and spacers to the front of the extruder and bolt them on. 9.
  • Page 55 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 56: Glossary Of Terms

    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 57 MakerBot will use to build an object. can store digital data and be read by the Toolpaths for the MakerBot Replicator 2 MakerBot Replicator 2. The SD card used with must be saved as an X3G file. your MakerBot Replicator 2 must be formatted FAT16 with a maximum capacity of 2GB.

  • Page 58: 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 59 NOTES TROUBLESHOOTING, DIAGNOSTICS, AND MAINTENANCE...

  • Page 60: Terms Of Service

    Terms of Service...
  • Page 61 WARRANTY, RETURNS, AND REPLACEMENT POLICY MakerBot products do not carry a long-term warranty. Returns are possible only on unaffected items, within 14 days of receipt. After such time, all sales are considered final. “Unaffected” means a device has never been assembled, powered up, programmed, or otherwise changed.
  • Page 62 TERMS OF SERVICE CONTINUED DISCLAIMERS. Neither MakerBot nor any of our affiliates warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information, products or services provided by or through this Manual, which are provided “as is” and without any express or implied warranties of any kind, including warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement of intellectual property.
  • Page 63 NOTES TERMS OF SERVICE...
  • Page 64 MakerBot One MetroTech Center, 21st Floor, Brooklyn, NY support@makerbot.com makerbot.com...

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