MakerBot Replicator 2 User manual

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USER MANUAL

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1WELCOME. LET’S GET STARTED 04
Safety and Compliance 06
Specifications 08
How Does it Work? 09
2SETTING UP YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESKTOP 3D PRINTER 10
Accessory Checklist 12
MakerBot Replicator 2 Diagram 13
Unpacking Your MakerBot Replicator 2 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
3STARTUP PROCESS: LEVELING, LOADING, TESTING 20
Leveling the Build Plate 22
Loading MakerBot PLA Filament 25
Unloading MakerBot PLA Filament 29
Making a Test Object from the SD Card 30
4MAKING AN OBJECT WITH MAKERBOT MAKERWARE 32
5TROUBLESHOOTING, DIAGNOSTICS, AND MAINTENANCE 44
Troubleshooting 46
Diagnostics 48
LCD Panel | Top-Level Menu 48
LCD Panel | Utilities Menu 49
LCD Panel | Info and Settings Menu 50
Maintenance 51
Lubricating the Threaded Rod and the X-Axis Idler Pulley 52
Cleaning the Drive Gear 53
Glossary of Terms 56
Contact Us 58
6TERMS OF SERVICE 60
TABLE OF CONTENTSV5
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcome.
Let’s get started.
1

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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.
WELCOME, LET’S GET STARTED

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SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE
Safety alert symbols precede each safety message in this manual.
These symbols indicate potential safety hazards that could harm you
or others or cause product or property damage.
WARNING: The MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer generates high
temperatures. Always allow the MakerBot Replicator 2 to cool down before
reaching inside.
WARNING: The MakerBot Replicator 2 includes moving parts that can cause
injury. Never reach inside the MakerBot Replicator 2 while it is in operation.
WARNING: Do not leave the MakerBot Replicator 2 unattended during
operation.
CAUTION: Use caution when printing with materials that have not been
approved by MakerBot for use with the MakerBot Replicator 2.
CAUTION: In case of emergency disconnect power supply from wall socket.
CAUTION: 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.

7WELCOME, LET’S GET STARTED
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. This equipment
generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment o and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
1. Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
2. Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
3. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit dierent from that to which the receiver
is connected.
4. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
You may also find helpful the following booklet, prepared by the FCC: “How to Identify
and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems.” This booklet is available from the U.S.
Government Printing Oce, 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 Federal Communications
Commissions rules.
I. T. E.

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PRINTING
Print Technology: Fused deposition modeling
Filament: 1.75 mm MakerBot PLA Filament
1.75 mm MakerBot
Flexible Filament
Build Volume: 28.5 x 15.3 x 15.5 cm
[11.2 L x 6.0 W x 6.1 H in]
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]
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: 49 x 32 x 38 cm
[19.1 x 12.8 x 14.7 in ]
With Spool: 49 x 42 x 38 cm
[19.1 x 16.5 x 14.7 in ]
Shipping Box: 57.5 x 49.5 x 40.6 cm
[22.6 x 19.5 x 16 in ]
Weight: 11.5 kg [25.4 lbs]
Shipping Weight: 15 kg [33.25 lbs]
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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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 deposition modeling.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
®
WELCOME, LET’S GET STARTED

Setting Up Your
MakerBot®
Replicator®2
Desktop 3D Printer
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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.
SETTING UP YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESKTOP 3D PRINTER

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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
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1 1
1 1
4 1 1 3
ACCESSORY CHECKLIST
MakerBot PLA Filament
[1lb Spool]
1
*
Build plate
1
*
*More options available at makerbot.com/store

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MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DIAGRAM
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10
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[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
®
SETTING UP YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESKTOP 3D PRINTER

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UNPACKING YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2
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.
If you find that any of the items pictured in
the Accessory Checklist are missing, please
email us at [e-mail]
1c. Remove the foam accessory tray and the
sheet of cardboard underneath.
1d. Remove the two protective foam pieces
from the sides of the MakerBot Replicator 2.
NOTE: You can download a PDF copy of this manual
at makerbot.com/support/replicator2.
1Opening the Box 1

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UNPACKING YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 CONTINUED
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.
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.
2Removing the MakerBot Replicator 2 from the Box
SETTING UP YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESKTOP 3D PRINTER

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INSTALLING BUILD PLATE
4a. 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.
4b. 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.
4Freeing the Extruder
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.
3b. 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.
3Installing the Build Plate
Plate-Locking Pegs

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INSTALLING FILAMENT GUIDE TUBE AND SPOOL HOLDER
5a. 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.
5b. 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.
6a. 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].
5Installing the Filament Guide Tube
6Installing the Spool Holder
SETTING UP YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2 DESKTOP 3D PRINTER

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MOUNTING FILAMENT SPOOL
7a. Open the box containing the MakerBot
PLA Filament. Remove the spool from its bag.
7b. 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.
7Mounting the Filament Spool
Spool
Holder

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8a. Locate the power supply and cable.
Attach the cable to the power supply.
8b. Ensure that the power switch on
the MakerBot Replicator 2 is set to the
OFF position.
8c. 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.
8Attaching the Power Supply
ATTACHING POWER SUPPLY AND POWERING ONMOUNTING FILAMENT SPOOL
9a. Plug the AC power cord into an
electrical outlet.
9b. Set the power switch to the ON position.
9c. 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.
9Powering On the MakerBot Replicator 2
Power Supply
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

Startup Process:
Leveling,
Loading,
Testing
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