Setting Build Plate Size on a Printrbot

If you’ve installed an upgrade on your Printrbot, been playing around with your default settings, or the auto-leveling process isn’t working quite right for you, then you may have to adjust some EEPROM settings. Checking Your Current Settings The first step is to confirm what your current settings are. A factory reset may not bring you back to a usable condition if you make a mistake so it is always a good idea to know your previously set settings. To check your current settings you will need to pull up your G-Code input screen. This can be done by opening Cura and using Pronterface UI with a plugged in printer. You will need to put a STL on the build plate and then bring up the controller. Once the controller is open you will see a text input box on the right, this is where you will input the G-Code commands. … Read more

Thor 3D Specialty Filaments Now Available

We have recently brought in two additional types of filament to use with your 3D printer. The two types of filament are PETG and a Wood-PLA blend. The PETG filament is printable very similar to PLA except it requires a higher nozzle temperature. This makes it a great way to print more durable parts that also have some give on your Replicator 2. PETG warps very little so it does not require a heated build plate and it is roughly comparable to ABS for its physical properties and strength. The Wood-PLA blend filament allows you to print in a material that looks and smells like wood. This filament is recommended for use with a 0.5mm or larger nozzle and as such, it will have increased chances of jamming on a stock Replicator 2 Nozzle. Other than the nozzle size this filament prints just like standard PLA although it is more … Read more

Thor 3D Filament Now Available in 1kg Spools

We have just brought in the rest of the color selection of Thor 3D filament in 1kg spools. These 1kg spools are available in both PLA and ABS and offer a great variety of color selection that supplements the standard MakerBot colors. These spools are affordable and a great way to bring your cost per print down even further. You can find additional details on our Thor 3D ABS and PLA on their product pages which can be found here: Thor 3D Filament 

Greasing a Replicator 2 and 2X

The Replicator 2 and 2X both require minimal maintenance to keep them performing at their best. Every 50 hours of printing a small amount of grease should be applied in two locations. If your printer is squeaking, applying grease in these locations generally will stop the squeaking as well. Applying this grease is done to keep them quiet and prevent excess wear on parts such as the Y-axis secondary. When we are greasing a Replicator 2 or 2X we use this PTFE Grease. The first point we apply grease to is the Z axis threaded rod. This is the one that controls the height of the platform and is pictured below. The method to applying the grease to this threaded rod is to raise the platform all the way up and apply a small amount of grease below the platform. After that lower the platform and put grease above it … Read more

Acetone for Gluing and Finishing ABS Prints

Acetone is one of the most versatile and useful things to have around when you have a printer that uses ABS such as the Replicator 2X. It serves as a great way to clean off your build plate as well as to promote adhesion between your part and the kapton tape. Acetone also happens to have a few more uses with ABS. First off you can use it to glue multi-part prints together. This is incredibly useful when you want to either make smaller more manageable prints out of a bigger print, or if you want to print something bigger than your build volume. To use acetone as glue for ABS you simply brush it on each side of a joint and press the parts together and it will become somewhat stuck fairly quickly and fully dry in about a day. Acetone can also be used as a method to … Read more