MakerBot Replicator Mini Compact User manual

REFERENCE GUIDE

The product may dier slightly from the images and instructions in this guide as we continue to improve the MakerBot
Replicator Mini. Please see www.makerbot.com/um_rep_mini for the latest version of the guide.

VERSION 3
Legal Notices.................................................................................................................................4
Safety and Compliance............................................................................................................. 7
About the MakerBot Replicator Mini....................................................................................9
Diagrams....................................................................................................................................... 10
About MakerBot Desktop........................................................................................................ 12
Connecting to MakerBot Desktop........................................................................................ 17
Printing from MakerBot Desktop......................................................................................... 18
Changing Filament....................................................................................................................23
Detaching/Attaching the Smart Extruder ...................................................................... 24
How to Take a Photo............................................................................................................... 24
MakerBot PrintShop ............................................................................................................... 25
MakerBot Mobile....................................................................................................................... 26
Updating Firmware...................................................................................................................27
Troubleshooting........................................................................................................................ 28
Specifications .............................................................................................................................32
Glossary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Contact Us .................................................................................................................................. 35
TABLE OF CONTENTS

REFERENCE4
PRODUCT WARRANTY
The MakerBot®Replicator®Mini Compact 3D Printer is covered by a limited warranty.
For terms and conditions, see makerbot.com/legal.
OVERALL PROVISIONS
All information in this reference guide (“Guide”) is subject to change at any time without
notice and is provided for convenience purposes only. MakerBot Industries, LLC and our
respective aliates and suppliers (“MakerBot”) reserves the right to modify or revise this
Guide in its sole discretion and at any time and makes no commitment to provide any such
changes, updates, enhancements, or other additions to this Guide in a timely manner or
at all. You agree to be bound by any modifications and/or revisions. Contact the MakerBot
Support Team for up-to-date information.
In order to protect MakerBot proprietary and confidential information and/or trade secrets,
this document may describe some aspects of MakerBot technology in generalized terms.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
The design of this Guide and all text, graphics, information, content, and other material are
protected by copyright and other laws. The contents are copyright 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012,
2013, 2014 MakerBot. All rights reserved. Certain trademarks, trade names, service marks,
and logos (the “Marks”) used in this Guide are registered and unregistered trademarks,
trade names, and service marks of MakerBot and its aliates. Nothing contained in this
Guide 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. Any
unauthorized use of any information, materials, or Marks may violate copyright laws,
trademark laws, laws of privacy and publicity, and/or other laws and regulations.
LEGAL NOTICES

REFERENCE 5
DISCLAIMERS
MakerBot does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information, products,
or services provided by or through this Guide and assumes no responsibility for any
typographical, technical, or other inaccuracies in this Guide, which is provided “as is”
and without any express or implied warranties of any kind, including warranties of
merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement of intellectual
property. MakerBot makes no warranties to those defined as “consumer” in the
Magnuson-Moss Warranty-Federal Trade Commission Improvement Act. In
connection with your use of this Guide, MakerBot shall not be liable to you for any
damages whatsoever, be they direct, economic, commercial, special, consequential,
incidental, exemplary, or indirect damages, even if MakerBot has been advised of the
possibility of such damages, including without limitation, loss of business revenue
or earnings, lost data, or lost profits. MakerBot assumes no responsibility, nor will be
liable, for any damages to, or any viruses or malware that may infect, your computer,
telecommunication equipment, or other property caused by or arising from your
downloading of any information or materials related to this Guide. The foregoing
exclusions do not apply to the extent prohibited by law; please refer to your local laws
for any such prohibitions.
LEGAL NOTICES

WELCOME TO THE
REFERENCE MANUAL FOR
THE MAKERBOT REPLICATOR
MINI COMPACT 3D PRINTER.
The MakerBot®Replicator®Mini is super easy to use,
but it’s also packed with brand-new features. Use
this reference guide to familiarize yourself with
the capabilities of your new MakerBot Replicator
Mini and the MakerBot Desktop App. For help with
setting up your MakerBot Replicator Mini, please
refer to the Quick Start Guide that came with it, or
download a copy at makerbot.com/support.

REFERENCE 7
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 Mini Compact 3D Printer generates high temperatures.
Always allow the MakerBot Replicator Smart Extruder to cool to 50° C before removing it or
reaching inside the MakerBot Replicator Mini.
Warning: The MakerBot Replicator Mini includes moving parts that can cause injury.
Never reach inside the MakerBot Replicator Mini while it is in operation.
Warning: There is a risk of shock. This product is not user serviceable.
Warning: Do not leave the MakerBot Replicator Mini unattended during operation.
Caution: Do not print using materials that have not been approved by MakerBot for
use with the MakerBot Replicator Mini. Refer to the Specifications section for more
information.
Caution: The socket outlet must be located near the equipment and must be
easily accessible.
Caution: In case of emergency disconnect the MakerBot Replicator Mini from the
wall socket.
Caution: The MakerBot Replicator Mini melts plastic during printing. Plastic odors
are emitted during this operation. Make sure to set up the MakerBot Replicator Mini in
a well-ventilated area.
Caution: Do not look directly at any operating LED component.

REFERENCE8
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 Federal Communications Commission (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 to an outlet on a circuit dierent from that to which the
receiver is 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, DC 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

REFERENCE 9
ABOUT THE MAKERBOT REPLICATOR MINI
The MakerBot Replicator Mini makes solid, three-dimensional objects out of PLA Filament.
First, use MakerBot Desktop to translate 3D design files into instructions for the MakerBot
Replicator Mini. Then transfer those instructions to the MakerBot Replicator Mini via USB
cable or over a Wi-Fi network. With the touch of a button, the MakerBot Replicator Mini will
melt MakerBot PLA Filament and squeeze it out onto the build plate in thin lines to build your
object layer by layer. This method of 3D printing is called fused deposition modeling.

REFERENCE10
DIAGRAMS
MAKERBOT REPLICATOR MINI FRONT VIEW
1. Filament Spool Pocket
2. Gantry
4. Build Plate
5. Action Button
1
2
4
5
3
3. Filament Guide Tube

REFERENCE 11
MAKERBOT REPLICATOR MINI SIDE VIEW
7. Power Input Port 9. Extruder Assembly
6. Power Switch 8. USB Port
DIAGRAMS
9
6
7
8

REFERENCE12
MakerBot Desktop is a free app for preparing 3D prints and managing your 3D content.
It consist of five sections: Explore, Library, Prepare, Store, and Learn.
1. Explore gives you access to MakerBot Thingiverse® and the hundreds of thousands
of 3D printable objects designed by the Thingiverse community. Use Explore to search
Thingiverse for inspiration or for new things to print, then save them to your collections
or prepare them for printing.
2. Library gives you access to your MakerBot Cloud Library and helps you organize your
3D model files. Use it to access things you’ve collected on Thingiverse or bought from the
MakerBot Digital Store as well as your own models.
3. Prepare is where you will turn 3D models into print files. Bring 3D models into the
Prepare screen to manipulate them on a virtual build plate. Then specify print options
and send print files to your MakerBot Replicator Mini.
4. Store lets you buy print files for premium 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 from the MakerBot Digital Store, a print file for
your MakerBot Replicator Mini will be added to your MakerBot Cloud Library.
ABOUT MAKERBOT DESKTOP
1 2 3 4 5

REFERENCE 13
ABOUT MAKERBOT DESKTOP
5. Learn provides video tutorials on common processes such as Exporting Files,
Preparing to Print, and Exploring Thingiverse. Look for new tutorials with each update
of MakerBot Desktop. You can also replay the MakerBot Desktop walkthrough in
the Learn tab.
Use Store and Explore to find 3D models, Library to keep them organized, and Prepare to
send them to your MakerBot Replicator Mini for printing. Use Learn to view tutorials.

REFERENCE14
1. +/–
• • Clickthe Plus and Minus buttons to zoom in and out.
• • Youcanalsozoomusingatrackpadorthescrollwheelonyourmouse.
•
2. Home View
• • Clickthe Home View button to return to the default view of the build plate.
•
3. View
• • ClicktheView button or press the V key to enter View mode.
• • InViewmode,clickanddragwithyourmousetorotatethebuildplate.
• • InViewmode,holdtheShikeyandclickanddragwithyourmousetopan.
• • ClicktheViewbuttonagaintoopentheChangeViewsubmenuandaccesspresetviews.
THE PREPARE SCREEN
ABOUT MAKERBOT DESKTOP
3
1
2
4
5
6
8 9 10 11 12
13
7

REFERENCE 15
ABOUT MAKERBOT DESKTOP
4. Move
• • ClicktheMove button or press the M key to enter Move mode.
• • InMovemode,clickanddragwithyourmousetomoveyourmodelaround
on the build plate.
• • InMovemode,holdtheShikeyandclickanddragwithyourmousetomoveyour 
model up and down along the z-axis.
• • ClicktheMovebuttonagaintoopentheChangePositionsubmenuandmoveyour 
object by a specific distance along the x-, y-, or z-axis.
•
5. Turn
• • ClicktheTurn button or press the T key to enter Turn mode.
• • InTurnmode,clickanddragwithyourmousetorotateyourmodelaroundthez-axis.
• • ClicktheTurnbuttonagaintoopentheChangeRotationsubmenuandrotateyour 
object by a specific number of degrees around the x-, y-, or z-axis.
6. Scale
• • ClicktheScale button or press the S key to enter Scale mode.
• • InScalemode,clickanddragwithyourmousetoshrinkorenlargeyourmodel.
• • ClicktheScalebuttonagaintoopentheChangeDimensionssubmenuandscale 
your object by a specific amount along the x-, y-, or z-axis.
•
7. File Name
• • Thelenamebardisplaysthenameoftheleorlayoutcurrentlyopen.Thingles 
can include multiple layouts, or arrangements of models on the plate.
8. Settings
• • ClickSettings to open the settings dialog.
• • Usethedialogtochangeprintsettingsforthecurrentmodelorlayout.
9. Add File
• • ClickAdd File to open an Open File dialog.
• • NavigatetothelocationofanySTL,OBJ,orThingleandselecttheletoadd
• a model to the build plate.
• • Addasmanymodelstotheplateasyoulike.
• • DuplicatemodelsalreadyontheplateusingtheCopyandPasteoptionsintheEdit
menu or the keyboard shortcuts Ctrl/Command+C and Ctrl/Command+V.

REFERENCE16
ABOUT MAKERBOT DESKTOP
10. Save to Library
• • ClickSave to Library to open a Save dialog.
• • IfyouareloggedintoyourMakerBotaccount,youcanchoosetosavetoyourLibrary
or to your local computer.
• • IfyouarenotloggedintoyourMakerBotaccountorifyouareworkingoine,you 
will be able to save your file only to your local computer.
• • IfyouareworkinginanexistingThingle,youcanrearrangethemodelsonthe 
plate and save this new layout to the Thing file without overwriting earlier layouts.
11. Export Print File
• • ClickExport Print File to slice your print and save the .makerbot file to your local
computer or attached USB drive. However, you can only print to the MakerBot
Replicator Mini via a USB or Wi-Fi connection.
•
12. Print
• • ClickPrint to slice the model and send the print file to your MakerBot Replicator Mini.
• • WithinthePrintdialog,clickPrint Preview to open a preview of the sliced model.
•
13. Status
• • Thestatusbardisplaystheconnectionstatusofanyconnected
MakerBot Desktop 3D Printer.
• • Thestatusbardisplaystheprogressofthecurrentprint.
• • Clickthemenuiconattherightsideofthestatusbartoopenaprintmonitorpanel,
which will display more detailed information about your MakerBot Replicator Mini
and any print in progress, including a feed of images from the onboard camera if
connected via Wi-Fi.
• • Opentheprintmonitorpaneltopauseorcancelaprint,changelament,orchange
Smart Extruder.

REFERENCE 17
CONNECTING TO MAKERBOT DESKTOP
You can connect your MakerBot Replicator Mini to MakerBot Desktop via USB cable or Wi-Fi
at any time.
USB CABLE
1. Locate the included USB cable.
2. Insert the USB-B end of the cable into the port on the side of your MakerBot Replicator Mini
and insert the USB-A end of the cable into a USB port on your computer. MakerBot Desktop
will automatically detect your MakerBot Replicator Mini.
WI-FI
1. Follow the steps above for connecting via USB cable.
2. In MakerBot Desktop, go to the Devices menu and select Device Preferences.
3. Click Wi-Fi Settings.
4. Select your network from the dropdown menu and enter your password. Your MakerBot
Replicator Mini will automatically be connected to your Wi-Fi network.
5. Go back to the Devices menu and select Connect to a New Device.
6. Select your MakerBot Replicator Mini from the list of available devices. Your MakerBot
Replicator Mini should now be connected to MakerBot Desktop via Wi-Fi.

REFERENCE18
PRINTING FROM MAKERBOT DESKTOP
1 CHOOSING YOUR MODEL
You can download a model from Thingiverse or the MakerBot Digital Store, open a 3D
printableSTL,OBJ,orThinglefromanysource,oraccessobjectsthatarealreadysavedin
your MakerBot Cloud Library.
FINDING A MODEL ON THINGIVERSE
1. In MakerBot Desktop, click on the Explore tab. Click Explore at the right to browse
available models, or use the search bar to look for something specific.
2. Click the thumbnail or name of any Thing to go to the Thing page.
3. On the Thing page, scroll down and click on Thing Files to see available files.
4. Choose which part or version you want to print and click the Prepare button next
to the file name. MakerBot Desktop will open the file and take you to the Prepare tab. The file
you selected will appear on the build plate.
5. To add an additional model from the same Thing to your layout, return to the Explore tab and
click Prepare next to the name of the additional file. The new model will be added to the plate.
FINDING A MODEL IN THE MAKERBOT DIGITAL STORE
1. In MakerBot Desktop, click on the Store tab.
2. Browse the Digital Store collections or use the search bar to find a model by name.
3. Once you’ve found a model or series you’d like to purchase, click BUY NOW.
4. If you haven’t already, set up your billing information.
5. Confirm your purchase. A print file for your purchased model will appear in your
MakerBot Cloud Library.

REFERENCE 19
PRINTING FROM MAKERBOT DESKTOP
IMPORTING A MODEL FROM YOUR LOCAL COMPUTER
Youcanopenany3D-printableSTL,OBJ,orThingleinMakerBotDesktop.
1. In MakerBot Desktop, click on the Prepare tab.
2. Click Add File.
3. Navigate to the location of your file and click Open. The model will appear on the build plate.
CHOOSING A MODEL FROM YOUR MAKERBOT CLOUD LIBRARY
1. In MakerBot Desktop, click on the Library tab.
2.ClickoneofthefoldersatthelesideofthescreentoseeitemsavailableinyourLibrary.
3. Click on a list item and then click Prepare. MakerBot Desktop will open the file and take
you to the Prepare tab. The file you selected will appear on the build plate.

REFERENCE20
PRINTING FROM MAKERBOT DESKTOP
2 PREPARING YOUR MODEL
Use the Prepare Screen to manipulate your model, such as changing its orientation or
scaling it to a new size. You can also add more models to the layout. Then, to change
any print settings before you print, click the Settings button.
SETTINGS
The Settings dialog allows you to select options that will aect the quality of your printed object.
1. 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 print from the build plate.
2. Advanced Settings. Some options have
been grayed out to make your printing
experience with the MakerBot Replicator
Mini as simple and as easy as possible.
You can still access additional options
by clicking on Advanced Options. For
information on what the advanced
settings are and how to use them, go to
makerbot.com/support/new/desktop.