User:Jstapko/EngLab/toolcerts/Makerbot 5th Gen

Introduction
The Makerbot Replicator 5th Generation is a 3D printer that extrudes a biodegradable thermoplastic (PLA) to create parts. This is the newer and larger of two Makerbot 3D printers at HCC.

Warnings

 * The extruder nozzle gets very hot before, during, and after printing. Never touch the extruder nozzle.
 * Do not touch the extruder, build platform, or part being printed, while the Makerbot is printing.
 * Do not attempt to print with any material other than PLA supplied by HCC.
 * Printing gun parts violates US Federal Law.
 * Printing trademarked or patented items could result in legal problems.
 * The school can not support printing personal items, including your inventions. Only print items related to engineering projects.

Quick Start Guide

 * 1) Find or create a 3D model of a part.
 * 2) *Find an existing 3D model (pre-drawn STL files) at the Smithsonian, thingiverse, and traceparts. 3Dwarehouse and Archive3D models do not convert to STL files consistently without problems. Makerbot needs STL or OBJ files to print from. Makerbot Desktop (software) saves files in its own format called THING which can also be printed from.
 * 3) *Create your own 3D model using a CAD program. For example:Autodesk Inventor,Solid Edge,123D, 3Dtin, Sculptris, tinkercad, openscad, wings3d, pov-ray, Heeks-cad, art of illusion, processing model building library, Google Sketchup.
 * 4) *Clean up/Repair STL file with Microsoft netfabb
 * 5) Use Makerbot Desktop software to open STL file.
 * 6) Orient and position the object on the virtual platform. Choose an orientation that avoids overhangs. If necessary, scale the object to the correct size.
 * 7) Select "Settings" and choose a raft, supports, or both.
 * 8) Select "Export Now" and a MAKERBOT file will be generated. Preview the object to confirm that it looks correct.  Then save the file to a thumb drive or SD card.
 * 9) Plug the thumb drive or USB SD card reader into the Makerbot.
 * 10) If needed, replace the blue tape on the build plate. The build plate is removed by sliding it toward the user.
 * 11) Use the control panel to print the part from USB storage.
 * 12) Watch the print until the raft and first few layers of the object are complete. Most failures occur at the beginning of the print.
 * 13) After completion, carefully slide the build plate off the platform. Then use a chisel to carefully remove the part from the build platform.  Most parts can be removed without tearing the tape.
 * 14) Return the build plate onto the platform.

If you have a problem and don't know what to do, STOP and ask an instructor or lab aide for help.

Replacing the Tape
Tape is required for all prints. Do not attempt to print anything without using tape.

If the tape is torn or bubbled after multiple prints, it needs to be replaced. Completely remove the old tape and replace it with blue painters tape made by 3M. Other types of blue tape will stick to printed parts, only lasting one print.

Leveling the Build Platform
It is not necessary to level the build platform before every print, but it should be leveled periodically (every 4-5 prints) or if printing problems are encountered. To level the platform, simply follow the prompts on the control panel. Visually confirm that the platform is level before proceeding with the next print. If it does not appear level to the eye, try repeating the leveling procedure.

Note that the leveling procedure is lengthy (about 5 minutes), and requires unloading and reloading the filament.

Choosing Print Settings

 * Rafts - Rafts provide a rigid PLA base on which an object is printed. When in doubt, use a raft.  Rafts are sometimes not necessary, particularly for parts that are mostly flat or two-dimensional.
 * Supports - Supports are temporary structure printed beneath overhung portions of a model. Without supports, printing will fail if steep overhangs are present.  After printing, supports can be removed either by hand or using needle-nosed pliers.
 * Resolution - For most print jobs, use standard resolution or low resolution (to reduce print time if fine features are not present). Do not use high resolution unless the model requires close tolerances on very small features.
 * Infill % - The percentage of a model's interior space that is filled with PLA. Use the smallest percentage that will yield a functional part, in order to minimize print time.  Even with 10% infill, most parts are remarkably strong.
 * Other settings can be modified by creating a custom print profile, as described here. Consult your instructor or lab aide before attempting this.

Videos
Series of videos from Makerbot Support page.