More information on the MakerBot Replicator 5th Generation printer.
Unload the previous user's filament to select your own color/type.
1 | Use the navigation wheel to select the Filament category on the LCD menu. |
2 | Select Unload to eject filament from the extruder. |
3 | The MakerBot will begin preheating the extruder and will display the target temperature on the control LCD panel screen. |
4 | Once the target temperature is reached, the MakerBot will eject the filament automatically. |
5 | If the filament is not ejected automatically, it is ok to use light pressure to pull the remaining filament out of the extruder. |
Now, load the filament you want to use.
1 | Make your filament selection from what is available (use only Makerbot 1.75mm PLA) |
2 | Clip off the melted end of filament using wire clippers. This helps to prevent the filament from jamming the extruder. |
3 | Use the navigation wheel on the Makerbot to select Load . The MakerBot will begin preheating the extruder and will display the target temperature on the menu screen. |
4 | Once the target temperature is reached, the menu screen will prompt you to begin loading the filament. Apply gentle force to guide the filament into the opening on top of the extruder. You will feel the extruder ‘bite’ into the filament and slowly begin to extrude a thin strand of filament from the hot end. |
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If using a different color filament, allow the extruder to extrude any previously remaining filament. The MakerBot is now loaded and ready to print. |
1 | Open MakerBot Print software |
2 | File → Insert File. (For info on finding models, see 3D Printing Resources) |
3 | Click on your object (indicated by a blue outline around the figure) |
4 |
Adjust model using tools on the right:
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5 | To see the results of the print settings, select the print preview |
6 | Use the printer panel send or export to the printer |
Remember that 3D printing is itself a kind of experiment. Choose options that you think will work best for your model.
Common elements to adjust in your object include: layer thickness, infill density, shell thickness, raft and supports.
Via direct connection:
1 | Click Print in lower right corner |
Via USB stick (if printer not connecting properly, which happens occasionally):
1 | Connect USB stick to the computer |
2 | Select Export in lower right corner |
3 | Plug USB stick into Makerbot (next to LCD screen) |
4 | Select file to print |
Filament is not extruding at all:
1 | Filament wasn’t loaded properly. Select unload, and then try reloading filament. |
2 | The gear inside the extruder isn’t properly grabbing onto the filament strand. This could be because of improper loading. Be sure to clip the end of the filament strand before loading. Also, apply gentle pressure while loading until you feel the gear ‘grab’ onto the filament strand. |
3 | The gear inside of the extruder can be manually disabled by pressing down the side lever -- this allows you to manually insert filmant once the extruder is preheated. |
Prints are not sticking to build plate:
1 | Check your software settings and make sure ‘Raft’ is selected. The Makerbot prints best when using Rafts for build plate adhesion. |
Ask our Makerspace attendant or check out the LinkedIn Learning tutorial Learning to Use 3D Printers.