MakerBot Replicator 2 - FAQ

The following is from MakerBot.

What is Desktop 3D Printing?

3D printing, also called additive manufacturing, means making things layer by layer according to a 3D design file. This differs from traditional manufacturing, such as machining, which often involves subtracting a material in order to achieve a certain shape. 3D printers have a history of being very large and expensive; however, MakerBot sells top-of-the-line 3D printers that are made, priced, and sized for the desktop. The MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer measures 38 x 49 x 32 cm (14.7 x 19.1 x 12.8 in), making it ideal for a workspace or tabletop at home or in the office.

What’s new about the MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer?

The MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer is the easiest, fastest, and most affordable tool for making professional quality models. The MakerBot Replicator 2 sets a new standard in resolution and accuracy (true-to-life models) and build volume (size of model). Constructed with an industrial strength pressed steel frame, which has advantages for both form and function: the machine looks perfect in an office, lab, workbench, and even the living room and is durable enough to withstand high 3D printing speeds. Top features include:

  • 100-micron layer resolution.
  • Very large build volume: 410 in3 (11.2 L x 6.0 W x 6.1 H in) / 6691.0 cm3 (28.4 x 15.5 x 15.2 cm).
  • No-curl, no-shrink MakerBot PLA Filament, a sturdy, renewable bioplastic.
  • Professionally engineered and expertly built for speed.
  • Pop-out build platform for convenient print retrieval.
  • New MakerBot MakerWare software that speeds the 3D printing process.
  • Brand new look and feel.

How good is the quality of the MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer?

The MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer sets an entirely new standard in resolution and accuracy. The MakerBot Replicator 2 has a layer resolution of 100 microns (0.1 mm). That’s over 2.5 times finer than the default layer resolution of the first generation MakerBot Replicator Desktop 3D Printer, meaning users can make objects so smooth they don’t need sanding or any other post-production. Experienced users will have the freedom to work in even higher layer resolutions.

How big is the build space on the MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer?

The MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer has a very large build volume of 410 cubic inches (11.2” L x 6.0” W x 6.1” H). The MakerBot Replicator 2 gives users 37% more space to build in than the first generation MakerBot Replicator Desktop3D Printer, meaning users can think and make bigger than ever. The new build volume is ideal for large architectural or mechanical models, or for projects with many different parts, such as a model car. With all that build space, MakerBot operators can also make several different things at once, meaning they save time for the next projects on their lists.

What can a MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer make?

The MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer is an ideal machine for making true-to-life replicas, high-resolution models, functioning prototypes, visual aids, real world products, and more. Designed and optimized for the renewable bio-plastic PLA, The MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer makes things quickly and efficiently that not only look great, but also feel amazing to the touch.

What software and operating system do you need to run a MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer?

The MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer is compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux operating systems. In order for your computer to communicate with the MakerBot Replicator 2, you need to download our new MakerBot MakerWare Desktop 3D Printer software. MakerWare is free software that includes everything you need to prepare models for your MakerBot, including a lightning fast toolpath engine and a brand new user-friendly interface.

What is the layer resolution of the MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer?

The 100 micron layer resolution setting on the MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer enables users will be able to create smooth, professional-quality objects right off the build platform, with no sanding or post-production needed. With MakerBot’s new user-friendly MakerWare software, experienced users have the freedom to explore even finer resolutions, down to 20 microns.

How are MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printers made?

Every single MakerBot Desktop 3D Printer is assembled and tested by skilled labor in our Brooklyn, New York factory.
What is the difference between the MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer and the MakerBot

What’s great about MakerBot PLA Filament?

MakerBot PLA Filament is the perfect source material for making detailed, beautiful, professional-quality models and final products. Our materials research department has put countless hours into developing reliable filament that sticks to the platform without peeling, cracking, or curling. Even better, MakerBot PLA Filament is highly reliable, even without a heated platform, saving you 32% in energy costs. MakerBot PLA Filament comes in a variety of colors and effects, including translucent, fluorescent, glittery and metallic.

What is Thingiverse?

At MakerBot’s website Thingiverse, MakerBot owners can access and contribute to a “universe of things.” Over 28,000 projects, models, and things are available that can be downloaded and printed on a MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer!


More About the MakerBot Replicator 2

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