Makerbot Print

This tutorial will show you how to create a .makerbot file using the new MakerBot Print software. The new MakerBot Print software is available on all the CADLAB machines. It has a new interface and completely re-written slicing engine for improved results. You can also download and install it on your own computer for free by visiting MakerBot Print. Once the software is installed, proceed with this tutorial. Click on the image for more details.

• In order to use MakerBot Print, you need to be signed in to a MakerBot account. Log in to our account. (Note: This is not your school account. See Mr. C for the Login information.)

• Once the software opens, you need to make sure that the right type of 3D printer is selected. To do this, click the Red Plus Sign Button in the bottom right next to the text that says “Add a Printer”. Then go to Select Type of Device and choose Replicator (5th Generation).

• Once the printer is selected, it will appear with status Export Only under the Replicator 5th Gen name and Offline at the bottom of the window.

• Next you will need to add your 3D model to the build platform. To do this, click on the Project Panel button that appears in the top left side of the MakerBot Print application window.

• Now you can select the file you wish to add by clicking the Add Models button.

Windows users can import and manipulate Native CAD files* while Mac users can import assemblies in STL format.

*MakerBot (.makerbot), STL (.stl), SolidWorks (.sldprt, .sldasm), InventorOBJ (.ipt, .iam), IGES (.iges, .igs), STEP AP203/214 (.step, .stp), CATIA (.CATPart, .CATProduct), Wavefront Object (.obj), Unigraphics/NX (.prt), Solid Edge (.par, .asm), ProE/Creo (.prt, .prt., .asm, .asm.), VRML (.wrl), Parasolid (.x_t, .x_b)

• Once your model has been added, you can adjust the Print Settings. There are a few Print Settings that need to be set correctly or your 3D print will fail. Click on the Print Settings gear icon in the toolbar on the right side.

• For most 3D printing you will want Print Mode to be set to Draft or MinFill. These will also print faster and conserve filament, or allow you to print larger objects.

• Next you need to make sure that Rafts are turned OFF or your 3D Print will fail. Click Add a Custom Setting at the bottom of the Print Settings panel. Then click the check box to turn off Rafts.

• The final setting that may cause failure if it is turned off is Support. This is related to many different aspects of the model such as how gradual of an angle there is when parts transition from vertical to horizontal, or if you are printing directly of negative space with nothing underneath the part. When in doubt, turn on Support by clicking the check box.

• Now you are ready to export the .makerbot file. Click Export in the bottom right. Name your file taking care to not delete the .makerbot file suffix. Save the file to your network drive.

Now that you have exported your .makerbot file, you are ready to submit it to Mr. C in the CADLAB for printing.

3D Printing Checklist

1. Adhering to Schools Policy

Content of all submissions must conform to the Schools 3D Printing and Copyright Policy.

2. Sticking to the 30 Gram Restriction

There is a 30 gram restriction for all prints. Make sure that your print does not exceed 30 grams.

3. Use Smart Extruder+

Make sure you adjust your settings to use Smart Extruder+

4. Centering Your Object

Make sure your model is centered and actually on the platform in the MakerBot Desktop position settings.

5. Orienting Your Object

Make sure your model is oriented correctly on the MakerBot platform. If your print is tall, you may want to re-orient the object to lay flat so it will need less support while printing.

6. Turning On the Raft

Make sure Raft is turned on in Makerbot Desktop settings before you export. The raft provides a consistent base and keeps your object from slipping during printing.

7. Adding Support, If Needed

Make sure Support is turned on in Makerbot Desktop settings before you export if your object has any area that is supposed to exist over empty space. Without support the print is almost certain to fail and you will end up with a spaghetti print. You may also have to go into custom settings and add Extra Support, Breakaway Support and/or Bridging if you have a particularly challenging object.

8. Adjusting Quality Settings

Make sure your Quality setting is set to Low or Standard. We do not recommend changing this to High unless you have printed a working low resolution print.

9. Lowering Infill Density

Lowering infill into the range of 3%-5% will help reduce the amount of filament needed for your print and keep it under the 30 gram limit.

10. Staying Within Build Volume

The build volume on the MakerBot printers is 9.9 inches L x 7.8 inches W x 5.9 inches H. Print submissions cannot exceed this size or they will not be able to be printed. Also be aware that objects that fill large portions of the platform will likely warp due to the characteristics of PLA filament on the unheated build plate.