makerbotcommonissuetroubleshoot

Welcome to the world of 3D printing. 3D printing is the type of model fabrication that uses additive
process that layers melted filament onto layers to create a threedimensional object. 2D printing on
paper uses x and y coordinates to position the print
head, but 3D printing uses x, y, and z coordinates to
layer melted filament to form objects.

The 3D printing allows consumers to quickly
fabricate a physical prototypes based on
threedimensional models.

The Millbrae Library and Peninsula Library system
utilizes the Makerbot Replicator 2 model for public
use.

The following guide uses text and video
demonstrations. Videos links are embedded in qr
codes. Use a QR code reader to easily access video links to supplement your troubleshoot
process.

“ insert the qr code for the download of this guide”

The example qr code above is a link to a digital download of this guide.

Troubleshooting
The following are commons problems that arise from using the Makerbot Replicator 2.  The QR
codes are video demonstration of each process.

Misaligned build plate
The Makerbot Replicator 2 prints onto a selfadjusting build plate that moves down as the height of
the model increases so the nozzle and the newest layer remains at a consistent height for filament
layers to attach. Misaligned build plates can result in warped models. Setting the build plate too
close or too far may result in scratched build plate, possibly clogged nozzle or print heads, and or
waste filament.

How to realign the build plate
Use LCD menu to navigate to Utilities selection. In utilities section, find
level build plate. The leveling process begins by asking you to align
the plate at each position the nozzle automatically moves to. The
nozzle’s distance from the build plate is the thickness of the support
card. Use the support card to gauge the distance during each
reposition of the nozzle to ensure build plate is aligned/ The QR code
is a visual demonstration of the releveling process.

If extrusion stops during printing, the following are possible issues to address to resolve the issue:

Clogged nozzle/thermal barrier tube
Remove fan and extruder assembly detailed in  maintenance  dusting
the  extruder fan and heat sink.  The power should be off during the
removal. Once the thermal barrier is exposed, run the preheat  script.
The heated thermal barrier will allow for removal of the filament using
pliers or another piece of filament to push the clogged piece through.

Cleaning a PLA filament blob
Unattended use of the Makerbot Replicator 2  may result in errors that
result in melted filament blobs stuck on your extruder. First run the
preheat scrip or raise the extruder heat to 180 degrees. Wait 510
minutes depending on the size of the blob for the contact points to be
loosened. Grip the blob and wiggle it and pull it off gently.

Realigning the Gantry
First loosen the four screws near the pulleys that hold the gantry into
place. Use the 2mm hex key included. They are in the corners. After
the screws are loose, push the gantry up to the top horizontal frame
bar. Make sure the gantries are pushed against the frame for
alignment accuracy. Retighten the four screws to complete the
alignment.

Tightening the plunger
Perform the test to see if you need to tighten the plunger by pinching
the plastic clear filament tube that enters the extruder while extruding.
If you can block the filament extrusion, this is an indication to tighten
the plunger. Remove the 2 bolts that hold the filament fan. Move the
fan to the side and use the 2mm hex key to tighten the screw.
Continue to tighten little by little to see if you can stop the extrusion by
pinch each time until you can no longer stop the extrusion of the
filament. Then reinstall the fan.

Infill
While printing an object, each object is bound by an exterior that defines the shape and an infil
that determines the structural integrity and weight. More infil will make the structure stronger but
less infill will make the structure lighter. Different infils have different applications. For example
making a decoration handle might require less infil for acceleration and movement but pistons,
gears and moving parts may require more infil for mechanical applications.

Less infil saves PLA filament if structures do not need to have expected forces exerted on the
models.

Layers
3D printers print on layers. The thicker layers will make the prints have more visible horizontal
layers and thus, less resolution. The thinner the layers, the less visible and distinguishable each
layer is. Thicker layers print faster with lower resolution and final product has thicker layers.
Thinner layers print slower and require more layers but has smoother final product.

Adjust build profiles on Makerbot Replicator 2
Enter Advanced Options
Create Profile Enter name of profile
Edit Profile text editor will open for configuration and you can change
values on

Maintenance
Frequent use will result in worn, dry or dirty parts. The following are parts to pay attention to after
prolonged use of the Makerbot Replicator 2. Usually after every 50 hours of build time,
maintenance should be performed. Enter Bot statistics to check how many hours your printer has
built to see if you need maintenance.

XAxis Idler pulley (left side of machine)
Squeeze some of the PTFA grease into the exposed rod and slide the
pulley back and forth to spread the grease.

Threaded rod
Work the PTFA based grease into the threads of the whole rod when
the device squeaks. This grease package comes with the device .

Dust the extruder fan and heat sink
Make sure device is cooled off before beginning this process of
maintenance. First remove the fan using the 2.5mm hex key provided
to unscrew the bolts that hold the fan. Dust the fan and heatsink if
necessary.

Brush drive gear to remove filament bits
After disconnecting the cable for the extruder, slide the motor out
horizontally and flip the motor to reveal the driver gear and clean the
filaments.

Calibration test print build
This is the test print object used to test the infill and layer properties of the makerbot
replicator 2 settings. Printing this object will provide a guide for the print quality of the models.

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:423263

Updating Firmware

Enter Info & Settings on Main menu. Then enter the Version Number
subsection. If the version is not up to date, connect the firewire and
connect via makerware to initiate update via upload firmware menu.

makerbotcommonissuetroubleshoot

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