Makerbot Replicator 2
From Fab Lab Wiki - by NMÍ Kvikan
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Contents
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.
Technical specifications
| Makerbot Replicator 2 | |
|---|---|
| Maximum build volume (mm): | L 285 X W 153 X H 155 |
Software
*Makerware Use this software at home to check printing time estimation
- Thinkercad online drawing tool, good for first time leaning
- Sketchup Good for furniture-like projects
- Fusion360 Possible to set parameters and relations to you design
- Blender For making/editing complex (mesh) sculptures
- Rhino 3D Not open source, but available on computers in the Fab Lab Reykjavik
- 123D catch to create a 3D model from photo's
- Memento Updated version of 123d Catch
- Shapeshifter simple online tool for making geometric shapes
- Thingiverse Manny 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. ( View: tutorial about Makerware )
- 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 objects by adding thin clay layer
- Sketchup tutorials movies about getting started, being familiar or already at Expert level.
Exporting
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.
