MakerBot Replicator 2 User manual

USER MANUAL | SINGLE EXTRUSION

AWELCOME. LET’S GET STARTED 04
Specifications 06
How It Works 07
Terminology 08
BSETTING UP YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESKTOP 3D PRINTER 10
What’s in The Box 12
MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer Diagram 13
Unpacking Your MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer 14
Installing Build Plate 16
Installing Filament Guide Tube and Spool Holder 17
Mounting Filament Spool and Attaching USB Cable 18
Attaching Power Supply and Powering On 19
CSTARTUP PROCESS: LEVELING, LOADING, TESTING 20
Leveling the Build Platform 22
Loading MakerBot PLA Filament 27
Making a Test Object from the SD Card 32
DMAKING AN OBJECT WITH MAKERBOT MAKERWARE 34
ETROUBLESHOOTING, DIAGNOSTICS, AND MAINTENANCE 44
Troubleshooting 46
Diagnostics 47
LCD Panel | Top-Level Menu 47
LCD Panel | Utilities Menu 48
LCD Panel | Info and Settings Menu 49
Maintenance 50
Unloading MakerBot PLA Filament 50
Lubricating the Threaded Rod and the X-Axis Idler Pulley 50
Cleaning the Drive Gear 52
Adjusting the Plunger 54
FTERMS OF SERVICE 56
03TABLE OF CONTENTSV1
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcome.
Let’s get started.
A

05
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.
CAUTION: If opening the MakerBot Replicator 2 for service, ensure that the power supply is turned o and
the cord is disconnected.
This User Guide is designed to start your journey
with the MakerBot®Replicator™2 Desktop 3D Printer
o in the right direction. Even if you are familiar
with earlier MakerBot machines, it is essential that
you read through this guide, as there are several
important and exciting updates with the MakerBot
Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer.
In chapters A and B, you will learn the basics of
the MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer, how
to unbox safely, and how to get set up. Chapters
C–E will take you through leveling, printing,
maintenance, and troubleshooting.
MakerBot is excited to welcome you to the world
of the MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer.
Following this guide will help ensure that you are
getting the most out of your machine, and that you
continue to make amazing things.
AWELCOME, LET’S GET STARTED

06 A WELCOME, LET’S GET STARTED
PRINTING
Print Technology: Fused Filament Fabrication
Build Volume: 11.2 L x 6.0 W x 6.1 H in
[28.5 x 15.3 x 15.5 cm]
Print Quality: High 100 microns [0.0039 in]
Medium 270 microns [0.0106 in]
Low 340 microns [0.0133 in]
Positioning Precision: XY: 11 microns [0.0004 in];
Z: 2.5 microns [0.0001 in]
Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm [0.069 in]
Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm [0.015 in]
SOFTWARE
Soware Bundle: MakerBot MakerWare™
File Types: .stl, .obj, .thing
Supports: Windows 7,
Linux [Ubuntu 12.04+],
Mac OS X [10.6/ 10.7/10.8]
PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS
Without Spool: 19.1 x 12.8 x 14.7 in [49 x 32 x 38 cm]
With Spool: 19.1 x 16.5 x 14.7 in [49 x 42 x 38 cm]
Shipping Box: 23 x 21.5 x 17 in [59 x 55 x 43 cm]
Weight: 25.4 lbs [11.5 kg]
Shipping Weight: 32.0 lbs [14.5 kg]
TEMPERATURE
Ambient Operating 15° – 32° C [60° – 90° F]
Temperature:
Storage Temperature: 0° – 32° C [32° – 90° F]
ELECTRICAL
AC Input: 100 – 240 V, ~2 amps, 50 – 60 Hz
Power Requirements: 24 V DC @ 6.25 amps
Connectivity: USB, SD card [included]
MECHANICAL
Chassis: Powder-coated steel
Body: PVC Panels
Build Platform: Acrylic
XYZ Bearings: Wear-resistant,
oil-infused bronze
Stepper Motors: 1.8° step angle with
1/16 micro-stepping
SPECIFICATIONS

07AWELCOME, LET’S GET STARTED
The MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer makes solid, three-dimensional objects
out of melted 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. This method is called Fused Filament
Fabrication [FFF].
HOW DOES IT WORK?

ACTIVE COOLING FAN: The fan that
cools the MakerBot PLA Filament as
it extrudes.
BUILD PLATE: The surface on which the
MakerBot Replicator 2 makes an object.
BUILD PLATFORM: The support for the
build plate. The build platform includes
knobs for manual leveling.
PLUNGER: A part of the extruder
assembly. The Delrin plunger pushes the
MakerBot PLA Filament against
the drive gear.
DRIVE GEAR: The gear that drives the
MakerBot PLA Filament into the heater.
EXTRUDER: Draws MakerBot PLA
Filament from the spool and pushes it
into the nozzle, where it is heated and
squeezed onto the build plate
EXTRUDER FAN: The fan that keeps the
MakerBot Replicator 2 motor cool and
disperses heat from the heat sink.
FAN GUARD: A grill that protects the
extruder fan and protects the user
from the fan.
FILAMENT GUIDE TUBE: A plastic tube
that guides the MakerBot PLA Filament
from the filament spool to the extruder.
GCODE: A computer language used to
describe the toolpath your MakerBot
Replicator 2 will use to build an object.
GCode is converted to S3G before being
sent to your machine.
HEAT SINK: An active heat sink that
dissipates heat from the cartridge heater.
It looks like an aluminum plate with fins.
LCD CONTROL PANEL: The liquid-
crystal display in the front lower right
corner of the MakerBot Replicator 2. This
control panel provides status information
about the MakerBot Replicator 2 and
includes control menus and diagnostics.
MAKERBOT PLA FILAMENT: Polylactic
acid filament. PLA is a renewable
bioplastic. MakerBot PLA Filament is the
source material from which you make
objects on the MakerBot Replicator 2.
MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2: The
MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer.
MAKERWARE: Free soware created
by MakerBot that allows you to load 3D
model files, manipulate and edit those
files, and send them to the MakerBot
Replicator 2 for building.
MOTOR ASSEMBLY: The stepper motor
and the drive block that push filament
into the extruder.
08 A WELCOME, LET’S GET STARTED
TERMINOLOGY

MOTOR WIRES: The bundle of electrical
wires that provide power to the motor.
NOZZLE: The opening on the end of the
extruder from which heated MakerBot PLA
Filament emerges to be spread onto the
build plate.
POWER SUPPLY: An A/C power supply
for the MakerBot Replicator 2 that
includes a block and two plugs.
REPLICATOR G: Free, open source
soware that allows you to manipulate
and edit .stl files and GCode files and
send them to the MakerBot Replicator 2.
S3G: A compact format for describing
the toolpath your MakerBot Replicator 2
will use to build an object.
SD CARD: Secure Digital memory card
that can store digital data and be read by
the MakerBot Replicator 2.
SPACERS: Plastic pieces that keep the
extruder fan and heat sink secure and
in place.
SPOOL HOLDER: A part that attaches
to the back of the MakerBot Replicator
2 and holds the spool of MakerBot PLA
Filament. The spool holder ensures that
the MakerBot PLA Filament is fed evenly
to the MakerBot Replicator 2.
.THING: A file format used by MakerWare
that allows you to print multiple 3D
models on the same plate.
THINGIVERSE: A website for uploading
and downloading 3D model files for use
with the MakerBot Replicator 2.
THREADED ROD: A long rod that is
threaded along its entire length. This
rod allows the build platform to move
up and down.
.STL: A widely used file format for
3D models.
USB CABLE: A cable that allows the
MakerBot Replicator 2 to communicate
with a computer using the USB interface
on the computer.
09AWELCOME, LET’S GET STARTED
TERMINOLOGY CONTINUED

Setting Up Your
MakerBot®Replicator™2
Desktop 3D Printer
B

11
When you set up your MakerBot®Replicator™2
Desktop 3D Printer, remember that it was built and
packaged very carefully at the MakerBot BotCave™.
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
BSETTING UP YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESKTOP 3D PRINTER

12 BSETTING UP YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESKTOP 3D PRINTER
Filament guide tube
Power supply
and cable
Hex wrenches PTFE-based grease
Spool holder
USB-A to
USB-B cable
Support card Blue tape sheets
SD card
1
1 1
1 1
4 1 1 3
WHAT’S IN THE BOX
MakerBot PLA Filament
[1lb Spool]
1
*
Build plate
1
*
*More options available at makerbot.com/store

13BSETTING UP YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESKTOP 3D PRINTER
MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DIAGRAM
8
10
2
11
3
7
5
6
4
9
1
[1] GANTRY SYSTEM
[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

14
UNPACKING YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2
1a. Place the box on the ground. Open the
box and remove the accessory sleeve at
the top of the box. This sleeve contains the
MakerBot PLA Filament.
2a. Grasp the two black handles. Carefully
li the reusable bag containing the
MakerBot Replicator 2 and gently place
the bag on the ground.
2b. Remove the cardboard inserts from the
reusable bag. Grasp the MakerBot Replicator 2
by the outside of the frame, li it out of the bag
and place it on a stable work surface.
1Opening the Box 1
2Removing MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer from the Box
BSETTING UP YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESKTOP 3D PRINTER

15
UNPACKING YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 CONTINUED
3a. Remove the second cardboard sleeve
from the bottom of the bag. This sleeve
contains the remaining items from the
contents list.
4a. Grasp the build platform by both sides
and gently push it as far up as it will go.
4b. Remove the remaining cardboard
inserts from the MakerBot Replicator 2.
NOTE: Your MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop
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.
3Removing the Accessory Sleeve from the Box 1
4Raising the Build Platform
BSETTING UP YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESKTOP 3D PRINTER

16
INSTALLING THE BUILD PLATE
BSETTING UP YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESKTOP 3D PRINTER
5a. Locate 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.
5b. To remove the build plate, push the
small flexible tab on the build plate
toward the back of the build platform to
release the tab from the pegs. Lift the
build plate from the build platform.
6a. Use scissors to cut the three bands
that hold the extruder in place. Discard
the bands.
NOTE: Operate scissors with care.
5Installing the Build Plate
6Freeing the Extruder

17
INSTALLING FILAMENT GUIDE TUBE AND SPOOL HOLDER
BSETTING UP YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESKTOP 3D PRINTER
7a. Locate the filament guide tube. Insert one
end into the hole at the top of the extruder
and push the tube in as far as it will go.
7b. Insert the other end of the filament guide
tube into the le guide tube holder [when
viewed from the back] on the back of the
MakerBot Replicator 2. Make sure that the
end of the filament guide tube is flush with
the bottom of the guide tube holder. The
filament guide tube should not hang down
past the bottom of the guide tube holder.
8a. Locate the spool holder. Install
the spool holder on the le side of the
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.
7Installing the Filament Guide Tube
8Installing the Spool Holder

18
MOUNTING FILAMENT SPOOL AND ATTACHING USB CABLE
10a. Locate the USB-A to USB-B 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.
10 Attaching the USB Cable
BSETTING UP YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESKTOP 3D PRINTER
9a. Open the box containing the MakerBot
PLA Filament. Remove the spool from its bag.
9b. Fit the spool onto the spool holder.
Ensure that the MakerBot PLA Filament
unwinds counterclockwise [when viewed
from the back] . Squeeze the spool holder
and push the spool on until it locks.
9c. Spin the spool so that the end of the
MakerBot PLA Filament will unwind from
the bottom of the spool.
9d. Do not plug the AC power cord into an
electrical outlet until step 12 of this chapter.
9Mounting the Filament Spool
USB cable
Filament Spool
Spool
Holder

11a. Locate the power supply and cable.
Attach the cable to the power supply.
11b. Ensure that the power switch on the
MakerBot Replicator 2 is in the OFF position.
11c. Insert the power supply into the power input
on the back of the MakerBot Replicator 2.
11 Attaching the Power Supply
19
ATTACHING POWER SUPPLY AND POWERING ONMOUNTING FILAMENT SPOOL AND ATTACHING USB CABLE
12a. Plug the AC power cord into an
electrical outlet.
12b. Turn the power ON.
12c. The MakerBot Replicator 2 will display
welcome text on the LCD panel. This is the
beginning of the startup script that will
guide you through initial calibration and
your first build.
NOTE: The socket-outlet shall be installed near
the equipment and shall be easily accessible.
12 Power On the MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer
BSETTING UP YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESKTOP 3D PRINTER
Power Supply

Startup Process:
Leveling,
Loading,
Testing
C