Machine Setup/Maintenance (MakerBot)

 Main Article: 3D Printing

Makerbot prints by heating plastic and placing it in layers on the base plate. For this to work the machine must be printing onto a level plate, have enough filament, and maintain proper temperature. {|
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Steps for Printing
 Generate code before starting. See Code Generation (MakerBot) for how to generate code. Secure machine Load filament if not already loaded. For load instructions see Loading/Unloading Filament If filament is loaded, run "Load" command to verify nozzle isn't clogged. To run "Load" command see Loading/Unloading Filament Preheat the Mmchine Insert SD card Select print object from SD card If filament is not touching base plate when part is started see Leveling Base Plate</li> Wait for part to print</li> Listen for clicking. This indicates emanate part failure</li> If part fails see Reasons Parts Fail (MakerBot) Remove part</li> Unload filament</li> Wait for machine to cool before powering off</li> </ol>
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Secure Machine
Makerbot shakes while making parts. If the machine is not secure this can create part deficiencies. Level machine by using a level or simply verify it doesn’t wobble.


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Maintaining Tape
Masking tape is used on the tray of the MakerBot to make maintenance easier. At the beginning of every print the take a credit card and verify there are no bubbles in the tape and that is it laying flat. Remove bubbles if present. If the tape looks worn and replace it. Tape wears from pulling parts off, heat from the nozzle, and getting oils from hands on it.
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Blue masking tape can be found by asking around with the mechanical engineering faculty in Gauss Johnson. When placing new masking tape on the tray make sure it is flat. Any bubbles or overlaps will deform part bases. Also, leave the left front corner tape free. This allows the plastic to stick to the tray ensuring any plastic floating around the nozzle doesn't effect the print.


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Leveling Base Tray
The base plate must be level to avoid lopsided parts. The base plate should only be leveled if the second print attempt fails. If the print fails the fist time, try lightly lifting the front left corner of the tray so it is almost touching the nozzle. This is necessary because the base plat is warped.

On the main menu, select "Utilities", "leveling", and follow the instructions. When using a paper to check height the friction should be similar to using a set of feeler gauges.


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Loading/Unloading Filament
If the printer nozzle is jammed it is necessary to unload and load the filament. Users should go through the load command whenever building parts even if filament is already loaded. This verifies the nozzle is not clogged. Filament should flow freely. To run the load command, on the main menu, select "Utilities → Change Filament → Load" and follow the directions.

To unload the filament, on the main menu, select "Utilities → Change Filament → Unload" and follow the directions.


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Preheating
Before starting the part, the machine must be heated to the proper temperature for the plastic to flow properly. Typically the Machine will run between 220°-230°C. To preheat select "Preheat" on the main menu.


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