Makerbot Print Software
Step 1: Create .STL File
Reference Tutorial Creo: Creating Stereolithography File
Step 2: Import .STL CAD File into Slicing Software
Slicing Software: Makerbot Cloud
Makerbot Cloud Tutorial: Makerbot Print Cloud
Website: Makerbot Cloud
Material: PLA
Machines: Method, Sketch, Sketch Large
Login Profile
Option 1: Create Personal Makerbot Account
Option 2: Generic Login Login
Username: bhsbulldogs_1
Password: bhsbulldogs_1
Terminology:
Filament: Plastic that produces the part (i.e. PLA, ABS, PETG, etc.)
G and M Code: Programming Code that plots the x,y,z coordinates points and sets up the machine properties (I.E Tool Speed, Filament Rate, etc)
Layer Height: The Height of each layer for your part (Default Layer Height is .2 m)
Shell: Wall thickness of the part. Equal to that of the Layer Height
Infill: Total percentage of Material that will make up the part)
Support Angle: Determines at what angle will be supported below a surface that overhangs without support
Support to Model Spacing: Determines the distance between the first column of support and the adjacent vertical/angled surface
Stereolithography File (.stl): File that slices the Creo Solid Model into x,y,z coordinates
Step 1: Design Part
Step 2: Creo < File > Save As > Type > Stereolithography > Name File with Student's Last Names > Chord Height Varies (Based on curvature. Smoother Rounds = Very Low Value) > Click Apply/OK
Step 3: Open Makerbot Desktop from the Windows Start Menu
Check Correct Machine: Pull down Menu Devices> Select Type of Device > Replicator 2
Step 4: Import Files (one from you and your partners) > Place parts on build plates to the desired orientation. Be mindful of scale
Step 5: Plug in SD Card Reader and SD Card from machine > Settings > Standard
- Support Angle = 60 or greater: Sets the degree in which support material will be placed. The higher the number (up to 90) = less support material throughout the part (I.E 90 will give support only at surfaces that are parallel to the build plate)
- Breakaway Support = Check
Step 6: Check Preview of Model to see if support material is in the desired locations.
Step 7: Place SD Card in Makerbot > navigate to SD Card Menu > Select File to be Printed > Watch to make sure files get printed
Standard Settings
Infill: ??% (Depends on part, most parts 10-15% works, See Mr Jourden for details)
Layer Height = .3 (Lower Layer height will provide more detail on print, but runs the chance of fusing raft and support material to product)
Shells (Wall Thickness) = Standard 2
Higher Shell (wall thickness) should be used for areas that will need extra support because of applied torque/load, maybe cut into later using a secondary process (I.E hole, threaded Hole), or
Raft = Used to help better adhere part to build plate
Supports and Bridging
A. Support Angle: Any angle not supported and is less than 45 degrees needs support material
Range to where support will be applied: Calculation is done by taking the number inputted and subtrating number by 90 (i.e inputed number = 60; 90 - 60 = 30; Support will be placed on any surface from 0 to 30 degrees)
For mostly surfaces parallel to the build plate but do not touch the build plate use an angle of 85 degrees
B. Leaky Connections = Check: Allows for easier breakaway material
C. Support Density: Is the distance between each of the vertical supports. Lower the number fewer the supports.
D. Support Margin = 0: Sets the distance in which the support material will extend beyond the part
E. Support to Model Spacing = 1mm: Distance from the model to the edge of the support. (NOTE: Higher the number the further the support material will start from the face of the model.)
Specific Print Settings by Printer