MakerBot Replicator 2 User manual

®
USER MANUAL
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A WELCOME. LET’S GET STARTED 04
Specifications 06
How Does it Work? 07
B SETTING UP YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESKTOP 3D PRINTER 08
What’s in The Box 10
MakerBot Replicator 2 Diagram 11
Unpacking Your MakerBot Replicator 2 12
Installing Build Plate 14
Installing Filament Guide Tube and Spool Holder 15
Mounting Filament Spool and Attaching USB Cable 16
Attaching Power Supply and Powering On 17
C STA RTUP PROCESS: LEVELING, LOADING, TESTING 18
Leveling the Build Plate 20
Loading MakerBot PLA Filament 23
Unloading MakerBot PLA Filament 27
Making a Test Object from the SD Card 28
D MAKING AN OBJECT WITH MAKERBOT MAKERWARE 30
E TROUBLESHOOTING, DIAGNOSTICS, AND MAINTENANCE 42
Troubleshooting 44
Diagnostics 46
LCD Panel | Top-Level Menu 46
LCD Panel | Utilities Menu 47
LCD Panel | Info and Settings Menu 48
Maintenance 49
Lubricating the Threaded Rod and the X-Axis Idler Pulley 49
Cleaning the Drive Gear 51
Glossary of Terms 54
Contact Us 56
Safety and Compliance 57
Warranty, Returns, and Replacement Policy 58
F TERMS OF SERVICE 58
TABLE OF CONTENTSV4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Welcome.
Let’s get started.
A
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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
MakerBot Replicator 2 to cool down before reaching inside.
WARNING: Do not leave the MakerBot Replicator 2 unattended during operation.
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
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.
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.
MakerBot is excited to welcome you to the world
of the MakerBot Replicator 2. Following this guide
will help ensure that you are getting the most out
of your machine, and that you continue to make
amazing things.
A WELCOME, LET’S GET STARTED
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6A 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]
High 100 microns [0.0039 in]
Standard 200 microns [0.0078 in]
Low 300 microns [0.0118 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 (XP 32 bit/7+)
Ubuntu Linux (12.04+)
Mac OS X (10.6 64 bit/10.7+)
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: 37 lbs [16.8 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: SD card [FAT 16, max. 2GB]
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
Layer Resolution
Settings:
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7A WELCOME, LET’S GET STARTED
The MakerBot Replicator 2 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 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. This method is called Fused Filament Fabrication [FFF].
HOW DOES IT WORK?
®
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Setting Up Your
MakerBot® Replicator®2
Desktop 3D Printer
B
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When you set up your MakerBot® Replicator®2
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.
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
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10 B SETTING 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
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11B SETTING 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
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UNPACKING YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2
1a. Place the MakerBot Replicator 2 box on
the ground. Open the box and remove the
top cardboard sheet.
1b. Remove the MakerBot Replicator 2 User
Manual. We recommend that you use the
manual to guide you through the setup
process and keep it at hand as you unpack
the contents of the box. If you find that
anything described in the manual is
missing, email us at [e-mail].
1c. Remove the layer of foam and the sheet
of cardboard underneath.
1d. Remove the two protective foam pieces
from the sides of the Replicator 2.
NOTE: You can download a PDF copy of this manual
at makerbot.com/support/replicator2.
1Opening the Box 1
B SETTING UP YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESKTOP 3D PRINTER
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UNPACKING YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 CONTINUED
3a. Remove the two remaining protective
foam pieces from the bottom of the
Replicator 2’s box.
3b. Li out the accessory box. This box
contains the remaining items from the
“What’s in the Box” section.
NOTE: Your MakerBot Replicator 2 should now be
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.
2a. Open the plastic covering and firmly grasp
the frame of the MakerBot Replicator 2 from
the outside. Li it out of the box and place it
on a stable surface.
NOTE: The black cable is not a handle. Do not pull
or twist the black cable at any time.
3Removing the Accessory Box 1
2Removing the MakerBot Replicator 2 from the Box
B SETTING UP YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESKTOP 3D PRINTER
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INSTALLING BUILD PLATE
B SETTING UP YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESKTOP 3D PRINTER
5a. Use strong scissors or a wire cutter to
cut the zip ties holding the gantry system
in place. Discard the zip ties and the plastic
pieces holding them in place.
NOTE: Operate scissors with care.
5b. A small plastic piece attached to the
X-axis belt and gantry rods prevents the
extruder from moving. Carefully snap the
piece o of the rods and tilt it to slide it o
of the belt.
5Freeing the Extruder
4a. 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.
4b. To remove the build plate, gently push
the tab on the front of 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.
4Installing the Build Plate
Plate-Locking Pegs
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INSTALLING FILAMENT GUIDE TUBE AND SPOOL HOLDER
B SETTING UP YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESKTOP 3D PRINTER
6a. 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.
6b. 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.
7a. Locate the spool holder. Tilt the spool
holder and insert the square end into
the le side opening on the back of the
MakerBot Replicator 2 [when viewed from
the back].
6Installing the Filament Guide Tube
7Installing the Spool Holder
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9a. Locate the power supply and cable.
Attach the cable to the power supply.
9b. Ensure that the power switch on
the MakerBot Replicator 2 is set to the
OFF position.
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.
9Attaching the Power Supply
MOUNTING FILAMENT SPOOL AND ATTACHING USB CABLE
B SETTING UP YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESKTOP 3D PRINTER
8a. Open the box containing the MakerBot
PLA Filament. Remove the spool from its bag.
8b. 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.
8Mounting the Filament Spool
Power Supply
Spool
Holder
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ATTACHING POWER SUPPLY AND POWERING ON
MOUNTING FILAMENT SPOOL AND ATTACHING USB CABLE
10a. Plug the AC power cord into an
electrical outlet.
10b. Set the power switch to the ON position.
10c. 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.
10 Powering On the MakerBot Replicator 2
B SETTING UP YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESKTOP 3D PRINTER
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.
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Startup Process:
Leveling,
Loading,
Testing
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THE LCD KEYPAD
• Four arrow buttons surround a central M
button. Use the arrows to navigate through
the LCD menus and make selections.
• The le arrow usually allows you to go
back or cancel an action.
• A solid red M means the MakerBot
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. 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 [e-mail].
Aer you power on the MakerBot® Replicator®2
Desktop 3D Printer, the LCD panel will light up and
display text. The LCD panel will now run the Startup
Script. The Startup Script will guide you through
leveling the build plate, loading MakerBot PLA
Filament, and creating your first build.
C STARTUP PROCESS: LEVELING, LOADING, TESTING
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Aer the initial welcome message, the Startup Script will display the following:
• If the build platform is too far from the extruder nozzle, or if one part of the plate is farther
away from the nozzle than another part, 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.
• Leveling your build plate oen will help ensure that objects adhere well to the plate.
To level the build plate, you must adjust the three knobs under the build platform. These
three knobs lower and raise the build plate.
• Tightening the knobs [turning them to the right] moves the build plate away from the
extruder nozzle.
• Loosening the knobs [turning them to the le] 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.
LEVELING THE BUILD PLATE
!Why Leveling Is Important
How to Level the Build Plate
C STARTUP PROCESS: LEVELING, LOADING, TESTING
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