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

MakerBot Replicator User Manual

Desktop 3d printer
Hide thumbs Also See for Replicator:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

See also: Reference Manual , Setup Manual
USER MANUAL

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

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

Questions and answers

Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel

Related Manuals for MakerBot Replicator

Summary of Contents for MakerBot Replicator

  • Page 1 USER MANUAL...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    WELCOME Safety and Compliance About the MakerBot Replicator gEtting startEd Accessory Checklist Unpacking the MakerBot Replicator Setting up the MakerBot Replicator startup The MakerBot Replicator Control Panel First Steps MakErbOt dEsktOp Downloading and Installing MakerBot Desktop Printing from MakerBot Desktop...
  • Page 3 Of COntEnts trOubLEshOOting Printing Problems Connectivity Problems Update Firmware rEfErEnCE Specifications Glossary How to use MakerBot Support Contact tErMs Welcome. Let’s get started. vERSIoN 1...

  • Page 4: Welcome

    WELCOME. Let’s Get started. Welcome to the User Manual for the MakerBot ® Replicator Desktop 3D Printer (Fifth Generation ® Model). The fifth generation MakerBot Replicator is super easy to use, but it’s also packed with brand-new features, so even if you’ve used a MakerBot Desktop 3D Printer before, be sure to read this manual all the way through.

  • Page 5: Safety And Compliance

    Washington, D.C. 20402. Changes and modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer or registrant of this equipment can void your authority to operate this equipment under FCC rules. ManufaCturEr MakerBot Industries, LLC one MetroTech Center, 21st Floor Brooklyn, NY 11201 347.334.6800...
  • Page 6 In case of emergency disconnect the MakerBot Replicator from the wall socket. Caution: The MakerBot Replicator melts plastic during printing. Plastic odors are emitted during this operation. Make sure to set up the MakerBot Replicator in a well- ventilated area. Welcome, let’s get started...

  • Page 7: About The Makerbot Replicator

    WOrks The MakerBot Replicator makes solid, three-dimensional objects out of melted MakerBot PLA Filament. First, use MakerBot Desktop to translate 3D design files into instructions for the MakerBot Replicator. Then transfer those instructions to the MakerBot Replicator via USB drive, USB cable, or your local network.
  • Page 8 MakErbOt rEpLiCatOr MakErbOt rEpLiCatOr diagraMs Filament Drawer Filament Spindle Welcome, let’s get started...
  • Page 9 MakErbOt rEpLiCatOr Welcome, let’s get started...

  • Page 10: Getting Started

    When you set up your MakerBot Replicator ® ® Desktop 3D Printer, remember that it was built and packaged very carefully at the MakerBot factory. We hope you’ll take your time and be just as careful unpacking it and getting it set up.

  • Page 11: Accessory Checklist

    ChECkList The accessory tray includes everything you need to use your MakerBot® Replicator® Desktop 3D Printer, including enough MakerBot PLA Filament and blue tape to get you started. To order more MakerBot PLA Filament or blue tape, go to store.makerbot.com...

  • Page 12: Unpacking The Makerbot Replicator

    MakErbOt rEpLiCatOr OpEn thE bOx open the box containing your MakerBot Replicator and remove the accessory tray. rEMOVE thE MakErbOt rEpLiCatOr Remove the MakerBot Replicator from its plastic bag and set it down on a stable surface. GettinG started...
  • Page 13 CLips Remove the clips that prevent the build platform from moving during shipping. Save these – they will be handy if you ever need to transport your MakerBot Replicator in the future. GettinG started...

  • Page 14: Setting Up The Makerbot Replicator

    Extruder. Caution: Never remove the MakerBot Replicator Smart Extruder from your MakerBot Replicator during or immediately after printing. Always allow the Smart Extruder to cool completely before removing it from the 3D printer. instaLL thE spOOL Of MakErbOt pLa fiLaMEnt 2a.
  • Page 15 MakErbOt rEpLiCatOr instaLL thE spOOL Of MakErbOt pLa fiLaMEnt 2c. Position the filament spool so that it will unwind counterclockwise and fit the spool onto the filament spindle. Be careful not to let the filament loosen or tangle on the spool.
  • Page 16 The blue masking tape used by house painters makes a great surface on which to print objects in PLA. You can find additional build plate-sized sheets of blue tape at makerbot.com/store or get rolls of blue tape from any hardware store. GettinG started...
  • Page 17 MakErbOt rEpLiCatOr pLug in and pOWEr On 4a. Make sure the power switch is in the off position. 4b. Locate the power cord and plug it into the power input port at the back of the MakerBot Replicator.

  • Page 18: Startup

    The first time you turn on your MakerBot Replicator ® ® Desktop 3D Printer, the LCD screen will start a setup assistant that will introduce you to the control panel, walk you through loading filament and leveling your build plate for the first time, and prompt you to print a...

  • Page 19: The Makerbot Replicator Control Panel

    MakErbOt rEpLiCatOr COntrOL panEL The MakerBot Replicator is operated by means of a control panel ® ® at the upper right of the machine. The control panel includes a color LCD screen, a rotary/push dial, and two buttons. LCD screen...

  • Page 20: First Steps

    The build plate is the base on which your prints will form. In order to ensure that your prints always stick to the plate, it must be a set distance from the nozzle of the MakerBot Replicator Smart Extruder. The MakerBot Replicator will guide you through making sure your build plate is at the right distance from the extruder.
  • Page 21 MakerBot PLA Filament is loaded into the filament drawer at the back of the MakerBot Replicator, all you have to do is load the free end of the spooled filament into the MakerBot Replicator Smart Extruder.
  • Page 22 4. When the print is finished, let it cool before removing it from the build plate. Caution: Never turn off the MakerBot Replicator immediately after completing a print. Always allow the Smart Extruder to cool before powering down. startup...
  • Page 23 1. Remove the USB cable from the accessory box. 2. Insert the USB-B end of the cable into the port on the back of your MakerBot Replicator and insert the USB-A end of the cable into a USB port on your computer.

  • Page 24: Makerbot Desktop

    3D content. Whether you print directly to the MakerBot Replicator Desktop ® 3D Printer via USB cable or Ethernet or you export your print files to a USB drive, MakerBot Desktop is where all of your prints will begin.

  • Page 25: Downloading And Installing Makerbot Desktop

    A system-specific installer will download to your computer. 3. Double-click the MakerBot Desktop installer to run the installation wizard. Follow the installation instructions. 4. When you open MakerBot Desktop for the first time, you will be asked to log in. • •...

  • Page 26: Printing From Makerbot Desktop

    3D models. The MakerBot Digital Store sells original, fun, and collectible digital content specifically designed for MakerBot Replicator Desktop 3D Printers. When you buy a model in the MakerBot Digital Store, a print file for your MakerBot Replicator will be added to your MakerBot Cloud Library.
  • Page 27 MakerBot Desktop. Let’s download an example object through the Explore tab. 1. Click Explore tab at the top of the MakerBot Desktop screen. 2. Type “Queen Anne coffee table” into the search bar and press Enter. one of the results will be Miniature Queen Anne Coffee Tables.
  • Page 28 You should now see the Queen Anne coffee table model at the center of a gray rectangle. This is MakerBot Desktop’s representation of your 3D printer’s build plate. Let’s take a look at the other features visible on the Prepare screen.
  • Page 29 MakErbOt dEsktOp 3. View • Click the View button or press the v key to go into view mode. • • • In view mode, click and drag with your mouse to rotate the build plate. • •...
  • Page 30 Click save to open a Save dialog. • • • If you are logged into your MakerBot account, you can choose to save an STL or • Thing file to your Library or to your local computer. See makerbot.com/support for •...
  • Page 31 Queen Anne table, make sure the Raft checkbox is selected. 3. supports Select this checkbox to have your object printed with support structures. MakerBot Desktop will automatically generate supports for any overhanging sections of your object. Supports will be easily removable once you remove your finished object from the build plate.
  • Page 32 • a dialog allowing you to save a .makerbot print file. You can transfer the print file to your MakerBot Replicator using a USB drive or print it from your Library at a later time. • Click print preview to open a preview of the sliced model.
  • Page 33 A feed of images from the onboard camera is always available when you’re connected to your MakerBot Replicator. To view the feed, click the menu icon at the right side of the status bar to open the monitor panel. As long as you are connected to your MakerBot Replicator via a local area network, the camera image will refresh every few seconds.

  • Page 34: The Control Panel

    ControL paneL The control panel on your MakerBot Replicator ® ® Desktop 3D Printer allows you to interact with your 3D printer. You can use it to initiate prints, edit settings, and access information. This chapter describes the different things you can do with the...

  • Page 35: Home Screen

    1. print: Initiate a print stored on a USB drive or internal storage, or synced from your MakerBot account. 2. fiLaMEnt: Load filament into or unload filament from the MakerBot Replicator Smart Extruder. 3. prEhEat: Preheat the Smart Extruder. 4. utiLitiEs: Access build plate leveling, diagnostics and other tools.

  • Page 36: Print

    MakerBot Replicator. The internal storage has a capacity of about 2 GB. Select your Library to print a sliced file from your MakerBot Cloud Library. In the Library menu: • Choose all things to access every item synced to your MakerBot Replicator •...
  • Page 37 • • If you select something from your MakerBot Cloud Library, you will see a list of all the layouts associated with the file. Scroll through the available layouts and select one in order to go to the file screen.
  • Page 38 • • take a picture. Select this option to take a picture of the build area with • the MakerBot Replicator Desktop 3D Printer’s built-in camera. The picture • will be saved to internal storage. • set pause height. Select this option to set your print to pause at •...
  • Page 39 – other Thingiverse users will love to see how your prints of their designs come out. To share a photo, select share to thingiverse. The MakerBot Replicator will take a photograph of your build area. Push the dial again to post the photo to the Thing page.

  • Page 40: Filament

    fiLaMEnt Select the filament icon to load or unload filament. to load filament: 1. Use the dial to select Load filament. 2. Wait for the Smart Extruder to heat. 3. Cut the end of your filament to create a clean edge. 4.

  • Page 41: Preheat

    prEhEat Select the preheat icon to preheat your Smart Extruder. When you select Preheat, the Smart Extruder will immediately start heating. The current and target temperatures will be visible on the main screen. utiLitiEs Use the Utilities menu to access plate leveling, diagnostics and other tools. LEVEL buiLd pLatE Select to begin the assisted leveling process.

  • Page 42: Home Position

    If the diagnostic sequence flags any issues, please contact MakerBot Support by emailing support@makerbot.com systEM LOgs Select to clear the MakerBot Replicator’s log files or copy them to a USB drive. rEstOrE faCtOry sEttings Select to return all settings on your MakerBot Replicator to the factory defaults.

  • Page 43: Settings

    • unlink account. Select to unlink your MakerBot account from the MakerBot • • Replicator. You will not be able to share to Thingiverse or print items from your MakerBot Cloud Library when logged out. OthEr sEttings • name. Select to change the name used to represent your MakerBot Replicator.

  • Page 44: Info

    Use the Info menu to view your 3D printer’s history and statistics. firMWarE view the version number of the firmware currently installed on your MakerBot Replicator. hardWarE Select to view machine serial numbers, network ID and the current temperature of the MakerBot Replicator Smart Extruder.

  • Page 45: Troubleshooting

    As you get to know your MakerBot Replicator ® ® Desktop 3D Printer, you may run into issues with different parts of the printing process. Here is a handy guide to some simple-to-fix problems. For help with issues not covered in this chapter, go to makerbot.com/support or contact the MakerBot...

  • Page 46: Printing Problems

    Smart Extruder. You may be able to avoid jams in the future by allowing the Smart Extruder to cool before turning off your MakerBot Replicator. Printed object is stuck to If the object is still stuck, take a thin metal the build plate.

  • Page 47: Problem Solution

    If you are printing directly on blue tape, consider using a raft. A raft provides a consistent build surface that even tricky prints will stick to. Touchscreen doesn’t respond. The control panel screen on the MakerBot ® Replicator Desktop 3D Printer is not a touchscreen.

  • Page 48: Connectivity Problems

    COnnECtiVity prObLEMs prObLEM sOLutiOn Can’t access the Library, You may not be logged into your MakerBot account. Explore and Store sections These features are only accessible when you are of MakerBot Desktop. logged in. If you are logged into your MakerBot...
  • Page 49 .makerbot file extension. If these solutions don’t solve your issue, or if you are having a problem that doesn’t appear here, please contact MakerBot Support by emailing support@makerbot.com. See page 56 for more on how to contact MakerBot Support.

  • Page 50: Update Firmware

    Firmware is the software that runs on your MakerBot Replicator. Keeping your firmware up to date will help ensure that your MakerBot Replicator is in the best possible working order. Firmware updates allow MakerBot to add new features to your MakerBot Replicator and improve old ones.

  • Page 51: Reference

    referenCe...

  • Page 52: Specifications

    25.2 L x 19.9 W x 15.0 H cm [9.9 L x 7.8 W x 5.9 H in] Layer Resolution: 100 microns Filament: 1.75 mm [0.069 in] MakerBot PLA Filament Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm [0.015 in] Print File Type: .makerbot...

  • Page 53: Glossary

    The part of your buiLd pLatfOrM: The support for the MakerBot Replicator that slides out to build plate. The build platform includes allow you to load a spool of MakerBot knobs for manual leveling. PLA Filament. COntrOL panEL: The LCD screen, dial...
  • Page 54 .Obj: A file format used for 3D models. to MakerBot Desktop , and log on to Thingiverse and other MakerBot sites. prOfiLE: The settings used to slice your MakErbOt CLOud Library: The part 3D model and create a print file.
  • Page 55 The set of tasks thingiVErsE: MakerBot Thingiverse, an that runs when you turn on the MakerBot online community for sharing 3D design files. Replicator for the first time. The setup usb CabLE: A cable that allows your assistant helps you level the build plate, load filament and start a test print.

  • Page 56: How To Use Makerbot Support

    The serial number helps us to quickly look up your order and get more complete information on your MakerBot Replicator. The serial number is located on a label on the right side of your MakerBot Replicator.

  • Page 57: Contact

    MakerBot Replicator. It’s a great resource when you want to try to solve issues quickly on your own. support@makerbot.com If you ever need help resolving an issue with...

  • Page 58: Terms

    terMs...
  • Page 59 Manual are registered and unregistered trademarks, trade names, and service marks of MakerBot and its affiliates. Nothing contained in this Manual grants or should be construed as granting, by implication, estoppel, or otherwise, any license or right to use any Marks without the written permission of MakerBot.
  • Page 60 LiMitatiOns Of LiabiLity. In no event will MakerBot or any of our respective officers, directors, employees, shareholders, affiliates, agents, successors, or assigns, nor any party involved in the creation or production of our products, be liable to you or anyone else for...
  • Page 61 MakerBot one MetroTech Center, 21st Floor, Brooklyn, NY support@makerbot.com makerbot.com...

Table of Contents

Save PDF