Makerbot Replicator 2

Overview
The Makerbot Replicator 2 is a desktop 3D printing machine. This machine can print out sculptures with a maximum height of 15 cm in PLA filament. You will need to prepare a 3D model in the shape you want to print and export this as .obj or .stl format.

Software

 * | Makerware
 * | Thinkercad Learn how to draw in 3D by following the steps of this simple online editor
 * | Sketchup Good straight forward 3D design program
 * | Blender Awesome for complex sculpture
 * | Rhino 3D not open source but available on computers in the lab
 * | 123D catch Simple way to create 3D models from photo's
 * | Thingiverse many free 3D models shared by users

Usage machine
Portal:Safety: Do not put your hands near the printing nozzle unless you are sure that the machine is not going to move. And be aware that it has a heating element. Hot!

How to prepare for 3D printing

 * Make sure that your design is a 'water tight' object.
 * Export your design as .STL or as .OBJ
 * Open the Makerware program and import your file here.
 * You can check within this software the printing time estimation and the printed PLA weight estimation.

Tutorials

 * | YouTube: How to use Makerware
 * | Youtube: Smoothing printed object

Tips

 * Printing objects is a slow process. Bigger objects (about 10 cm high) take between 4 and 6 hours to print.
 * You don't need to pre-design support structures, Makerware can calculate this for you.