Makerbot Replicator 1 - Tutorial

Making Prints 

This page provides step-by-step instructions on how to make 3D print on the MakerBot Replicator 1. Some helpful video tutorials can be found here and here.

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Using MakerWare

  1. Obtain an .stl file of a 3D model that you want to print. 3D models in .stl format can be obtained from Thingiverse or GrabCAD. Alternatively, you can create your own 3D model using CAD programs like SolidWorks, Rhino, or OpenSCAD and save your model in .stl format. Detailed instructions on building models using free CAD programs can be found here.
  2. Open MakerWare. To import the .stl file of the 3D model you want to print select File> Open and select your desired .stl file. You should now see your selected 3D model placed on a virtual build plate. You can now move, turn or scale your 3D model using the options on the left.
    • Moving: To move the model click on the “Move(M)” option on the left, then click on the model and manually move it to the desired position. You can also select the right pointing arrow next to the “Move(M)” option to move the model in increments in the X,Y, or Z plane.
    • Turning: To turn the object click on “Turn(T)” option on the left, then the model and manually turn it in the desired position. You can also select the right pointing arrow next to the “Turn(T)” option to turn the object in increments in the X, Y, or Z plane.
    • Scaling: To scale the model click on the “Scale(S)” option on the left, then on the model and manually scale the model to the desired size. You can also select the right pointing arrow next to the “Scale(S)” option to scale the model in increments in the X, Y, or Z plane.
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  3. After your model looks as desired, click on the MakerBot “M” labeled “Make it.” This will prompt you to save any modifications that you've made to the 3D model in MakerWare, like scaling, moving or turning the model. The file format is *.thing. You can select “Yes” to save the changes and proceed or “No” to proceed to without saving the modifications.
  4. A prompt will now appear to select specifics about exporting the model.
    • Under “I want to” select “Export to a file”
    • Under “Export for” select “The Replicator Dual”
    • Under “Material” select either “PLA” or “ABS,” depending on the material you plan on using.
    • Under “Quality” select “Medium” and to the far right select “Raft” and “Support.” Objects that contain overhanging parts need support, however objects that don’t contain overhanging parts can be printed without support. Advanced options can be ignored, unless specifics are needed for object infill and/or layer height.
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  5. Next select “Export” and save model as an .x3g file.
  6. Obtain an SD card and transfer the .x3g file of the model to the SD card.
  7. Insert the SD into the MakerBot Replicator 1’s SD card slot.
  8. On the Replicator 1’s LCD select “Build from SD” by pressing the red “M” button.
  9. Select the desired .x3g file and press the red “M” button again. The build plate should start heating up then the extruder will heat up. The heating up process should take about 30 minutes.

Using ReplicatorG

  1. Obtain an .stl file of a 3D model that you want to print. 3D models in .stl format can be obtained from Thingiverse or GrabCAD. Alternatively, you can create your own 3D model using CAD programs like SolidWorks, Rhino, or OpenSCAD and save your model in .stl format. Detailed instructions on building models using free CAD programs can be found here. If you are using Thingiverse, find you choice of design and click Download this Thing. Save the .stl file on your computer so you can easily retrieve it.
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  2. Open ReplicatorG. To import the .stl file of the 3D model you want to print select file> open
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  3. Browse your computer to retrieve your desired .stl file.
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  4. You should now see your selected 3D model placed on a virtual build plate. You can now move, turn or scale your 3D model using the options on the right.
    • Moving: To move the model, click on the “Move” option on the bottom right ribbon. Then click on the model and manually move it to the desired position. You can also move the model in increments in the X,Y, or Z plane by selecting the plane tabs on the right.
    • Rotating: To rotate the object, click on “Rotate” option on the bottom right ribbon. Then click on the model and manually rotate it in the desired position. You can also rotate the object in increments in the X, Y, or Z plane by selecting the plane tabs on the upper right.
    • Scaling: To scale the model, click on the “Scale” option on the bottom right ribbon. Then click on the model and manually scale the model to the desired size. You can also scale the model in increments by typing the desired size in the scale box on the right.
  5. After modifications are done it is time to generate GCode for the model. There are two ways of doing so:
    • By clicking on "GCode" on top left and scroll down to "Generate" and click on that tab.
    • By clicking on "Model to GCode" on top left ribbon or "Generate to GCode" as shown in the image.
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      A "Generate GCode" menu will pop up. From here you can select which extruder to use and other useful setting options such as rafting. For now click on the "Generate Code" tab on the bottom.

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  6. Next you will be prompted to save any modifications that you've made to the 3D model in ReplicatorG if you have not already done so. You can select “Yes” to save the changes and proceed or “No” to proceed to without saving the modifications.
  7. Now you need to generate the file that can be out on the SD card and printed locally on the printer. Either by clicking on "Built to file for use with SD card" on top left ribbon or clicking on "GCode" on top left and scroll down to "Build" and click on that tab. You will again be prompted to save the new file.
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    Note: select the format of the file depending on the firmware on your makerbot.

  8. Obtain an SD card and transfer the .x3g file of the model to the SD card.
  9. Insert the SD into the MakerBot Replicator 1’s SD card slot.
  10. On the Replicator 1’s LCD select “Build from SD” by pressing the red “M” button.
  11. Select the desired .x3g file and press the red “M” button again.

Dual Extrusion: Printing Multiple Colors

The Replicator 1 has two extruders. This allows for 3D printing in two colors where both extruders are used in making one 3D object. Models with multiple colors can be downloaded here.


Dual Extrusion with ReplicatorG

  1. Find a 3D model made for dual extrusion here. Be sure to download each file associated with the dual extrusion model.
  2. Merge them by going to the Gcode menu in ReplicatorG and selecting "Merge .stl for DualExtrusion." Two windows will pop up. Uncheck the box next to "Use Raft".
  3. Click the "Generate Code" button at the bottom. Then do the same in the other window. You do not have to wait for one code to finish generating before generating the second code. When both are done merging you will have one file, which you can save the file on an SD card and proceed with normal printing procedures listed in steps 7-9 above in ReplicatorG Section.

More About the MakerBot Replicator 1

Overview
FAQ
Support

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