MakerBot Replicator 2X User manual

®
USER MANUAL

1WELCOME 06
Safety and Compliance 07
Specifications 08
How it Works 09
2SETUP 10
Unpacking Your MakerBot Replicator 2X 11
MakerBot Replicator 2X Diagrams 12
Accessory Box 14
Setting Up Your MakerBot Replicator 2X 16
3STARTUP 20
LCD Keypad 21
Leveling the Build Plate 22
Loading MakerBot Filament 24
Unloading MakerBot Filament 27
Troubleshooting 28
4LCD MENUS 30
Top Level Entries 31
Utilities Menu 32
Info and Settings Menu 33
Active Build Menu 36
5PRINTING FROM SD 38
Making a Test Object 39
Troubleshooting 41
6FILE TYPES 42
7MAKERWARE 46
Downloading and Installing MakerWare 47
Exploring MakerWare 48
MakerWare Menus 52
Shortcut Keys 54
8PREPARING TO PRINT 56
Downloading Files 57
Importing, Moving, and Copying Objects 58
Adding and Scaling Objects 59
Saving and Printing 60
TABLE OF CONTENTS
3

9BASIC PRINTING 62
Printing Examples 63
Printing with Both Extruders 64
10 INTERMEDIATE PRINTING 68
Print Quality 69
Ras 70
Supports 71
Troubleshooting 72
Printing an Example 73
11 ADVANCED PRINTING 76
Print Quality 77
Temperature 80
Speed 81
12 INTRODUCTION TO THINGIVERSE 84
Creating an Account 85
Navigating Thingiverse 85
13 USING THE CUSTOMIZER IN THINGIVERSE 88
Customizing a Thing 89
14 FILAMENT 94
Filament Basics 95
ABS Filament 96
ABS Filament Troubleshooting 96
PLA Filament 97
PLA Filament Troubleshooting 97
15 UPDATING FIRMWARE 98
16 FINISHING THINGS 100
17 DESIGNING FOR 3D PRINTING 102
Design Guidelines 103
18 REFERENCE 106
Glossary 108
Contact Us 110
Warranty, Returns, and Replacement Policy 111
Terms of Service 111
Index 112
TABLE OF CONTENTS
4

5
NOTES

This User Manual is designed to start your journey with the MakerBot®
Replicator®2X Experimental 3D Printer in the right direction. Your
MakerBot Replicator 2X is optimized for ABS, a traditional thermoplastic
that can be tricky and unpredictable. In order to achieve great results,
you will need to experiment and tinker. That’s why it’s so crucial to take
the time to learn about your new machine.
In this manual, you will learn how to set up and start using your Replicator
2X. You will also be introduced to Thingiverse and MakerWare. By the time
you finish reading, you will know everything you need to start experimenting.
We are so excited to welcome you to the MakerBot community.
Let’s get started!
Welcome
1

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:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit dierent from that
to which the receiveris connected.
• 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 Commission rules.
MANUFACTURER
MakerBot Industries, LLC
One MetroTech Center, 21st Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
347.334.6800
WELCOME
I. T. E.
7
WARNING: The MakerBot Replicator 2X Experimental 3D Printer generates high temperatures
and includes moving parts that can cause injury. Never reach inside the MakerBot Replicator 2X
while it is in operation. Always allow the MakerBot Replicator 2X to cool down before reaching inside.
WARNING: Do not leave the MakerBot Replicator 2X unattended during operation.

8
PRINTING
Print Technology: Fused Filament Fabrication
Build Volume: 9.7”W x 6.4”L x 6.1”H
[24.6 cm x 16.3 cm x 15.5 cm]
Layer Height Settings: High 100 microns [0.0039 in]
Medium 200 microns [0.0079 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 [7+], Ubuntu [11.10+],
Mac OS X [10.6+]
PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS
Without Spools: 19.1 x 12.8 x 14.7 in [49 x 32 x 38 cm]
With Spools: 19.1 x 16.5 x 14.7 in [49 x 42 x 38 cm]
SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE CONTINUED
SPECIFICATIONS
Shipping Box: 22.75 x 22.75 x 16.75 in
[57.8 x 57.8 x 42.5 cm]
Weight: 27.8 lbs [12.6 kg]
Shipping Weight: 39.0 lbs [79.7 kg] [All packages]
TEMPERATURE
Ambient Operation: 15°–32° C [60°–90° F]
Storage Temperature: 0°–32° C [32°–90° F]
ELECTRICAL
AC Input: 100–240V, ~4 amps, 50–60 Hz
Power Requirements: 24V DC @ 9.2 amps
Connectivity: SD card [FAT16, max 2 GB]
MECHANICAL
Chassis: Powder-coated steel
Body: PVC Panels
Build Platform: 356 aluminum
XYZ Bearings: Wear-resistant,
oil-infused bronze
Stepper Motors: 1.8° step angle with 1/16
micro-stepping.
This safety alert symbol precedes each safety message in this manual. This symbol indicates
a potential safety hazard that could harm you or others or cause product or property damage.
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 2X melts plastic during printing. Plastic odors are emitted during this
operation. Make sure to set up the Replicator 2X in a well-ventilated area.

The MakerBot Replicator 2X Experimental 3D Printer makes solid, three-
dimensional objects out of melted MakerBot Filament. Your 3D design
files are translated into instructions for the MakerBot Replicator 2X and
read by the machine via SD card. The MakerBot Replicator 2X then heats
the MakerBot Filament and squeezes it out through a nozzle onto a heated
surface to build a solid object, layer by layer. This method is called Fused
Filament Fabrication [FFF].
HOW IT WORKS
9WELCOME

When you set up your MakerBot®Replicator®2X Experimental 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 set up.
Setup
2

11
UNPACKING YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2X
1Opening the Box
1a. Place the MakerBot Replicator 2X box
on the ground. Open the box and remove the
top cardboard sheet.
1b. Remove the MakerBot Replicator 2X User
Manual. We recommend that you review
the manual to guide you through the setup
process and keep it handy 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 MakerBot Replicator 2X.
2Removing the MakerBot
Replicator 2X from the box
Open the plastic covering and firmly grasp
the frame of the MakerBot Replicator 2X.
Be careful not to grip the rods or belts of the
gantry system. Li it out of the box and place
it on a stable surface.
CAUTION: Do not force or tear anything
during unpackingand setup. This may
damage the MakerBot Replicator 2X.

MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2X DIAGRAMS
[1] GANTRY SYSTEM
[2] LCD PANEL
[3] HEATED BUILD PLATE
[4] BUILD PLATFORM
[5] THREADED Z-AXIS ROD
[6] ENCLOSURE DOOR HANDLE
[7] FILAMENT GUIDE TUBES
[8] EXTRUDER CABLE
[9] EXTRUDERS
[10] FILAMENT SPOOL
[11] SPOOL HOLDERS
10
11
9
7
8
1
5
3
6
4
2
12

13
MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2X DIAGRAMS CONTINUED
[1] FAN GUARDS
[2] EXTRUDER FANS
[3] EXTRUDER NOZZLES
[4] EXTRUDER LEVER ARMS
[5] FAN BOLTS
[6] CARTRIDGE HEATERS
[7] THERMAL CORES
[8] DRIVE BLOCKS
[9] EXTRUDER CABLE MOUNT
[10] MOTOR CABLE CONNECTORS
[11] EXTRUDER MOTORS
[12] HEAT SINKS
[13] BAR MOUNT
[14] SPACERS
[15] EXTRUDER CARRIAGE
1
2
5
3
6
7
4
89
10
15
14
11
12
13
Front view of extruders
Angled view of extruders

ACCESSORY BOX
14
*More options available at makerbot.com/store
2
Filament guide tubes
USB-A to USB-B
cable
1
4
Hex wrenches
MakerBot ABS
Filament [1 lb Spool]
1
Power supply
and cable
SD card
1
1
*
Handle and bolts
3
Kapton tape sheets
1
1
Support card
2
Spool holders
MakerBot tape
applicator
1
1
PTFE-based grease

ACCESSORY BOX CONTINUED
15SETUP
3Removing the Accessory Box
3a. Remove the two remaining protective
foam pieces from the bottom of the
MakerBot Replicator 2X’s box.
3b. Li out the accessory box. This box
contains the remaining items from the
Accessory Box section.
4Freeing the Extruders
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.
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.

SETTING UP YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2X
5Installing the Enclosure
Door Handle
5a. Locate the handle kit in the accessory box.
The kit includes your enclosure door handle
and two buttonhead bolts.
5b. Open the enclosure door. To do this,
reach through the top of the MakerBot
Replicator 2X, push the door outward,
and raise it to a 90° angle.
5c. Place the handle on top of the
enclosure door. Align the holes in the
ends of the handle with the pre-drilled
holes in the enclosure door.
5d. Use your fingers to thread each bolt
through the holes in the enclosure door
and the handle. Use a Phillips head
screwdriver to tighten the bolts. Close
the enclosure door.
16

17SETUP
SETTING UP YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2X CONTINUED
6Installing the Filament Guide
Tubes and Spool Holders
6a. Locate the two filament guide tubes.
Insert one end of a filament guide tube into
the hole in the top of one of the extruders.
Push the filament guide tube in as far as it
will go. Insert the end of the other filament
guide tube into the hole on the top of the
second extruder. Push the filament guide
tube in as far as it will go.
6b. Insert the other end of one filament
guide tube into the corresponding guide
tube holder on the back of the MakerBot
Replicator 2X. Make sure that the end
of each filament guide tube is flush with
the bottom of its guide tube holder.
The filament guide tube should not hang
down past the bottom of the guide tube
holder. Repeat this process for the second
filament guide tube.
6c. Locate the spool holders. Install
the spool holders in the two rectangular
openings on the back of the MakerBot
Replicator 2X. To install a spool holder,
tilt it and insert the square end into
one of the openings
Spool
Holder

SETTING UP YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2X CONTINUED
7Mounting the Filament Spool
7a. Open the box containing your starter
spool of MakerBot ABS Filament. Remove
the spool from its plastic bag.
7b. Mount the spool on the le spool
holder [when viewed from the back of the
Replicator 2X]. Orient the spool so that it will
unwind counterclockwise. Push the spool
onto the spool holder until it locks. Do not
let the filament uncoil or tangle as you load
the spool onto the back of the MakerBot
Replicator 2X.
NOTE: If a spool unwinds in the wrong direction, just
turn it around. Spools are designed so that they can
be installed on either side.
8Installing the Enclosure Lid
8a. Locate the box containing the acrylic
enclosure lid. The enclosure lid is shipped
in a separate box and is not included in the
same box as your MakerBot Replicator 2X.
8b. Unpack the enclosure lid and place it
over your MakerBot Replicator 2X so that
it covers the top of the frame, the extruder
cable, and the filament guide tubes. The
small indentations at the corners of the lid
should line up with the bolt heads on the top
of the MakerBot Replicator 2X’s frame.
18

19SETUP
SETTING UP YOUR MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2X CONTINUED
9Attaching the Power Supply
10a. Locate the power supply and cable.
Attach the cable to the power supply.
10b. Ensure that the power switch on
the MakerBot Replicator 2X is set to
the OFF position.
10c. Insert the power supply connector into
the power input port on the back of the
MakerBot Replicator 2X. Ensure that the flat
side of the connector faces down.
NOTE: If at any time you need to unplug the
MakerBot Replicator 2X, pull on the connector itself
to release it from the power input port.
10 Powering On the MakerBot
Replicator 2X
11a. Plug the AC power cord into
an electrical outlet.
11b. Set the power switch to the
ON position.
11c. The MakerBot Replicator 2X 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 3D print.
CAUTION: The socket-outlet must be
installed near the equipment and must
be easily accessible.

Aer you switch on the MakerBot®Replicator®2X Experimental 3D
Printer, the LCD panel will light up and display text. This text is the
beginning of the Startup Script. The Startup Script will guide you through
leveling the build plate, loading MakerBot ABS Filament, and creating
your first 3D print.
Startup
3
CHAPTER
3