Makerbot 2x 3d printer

Replicator 2X comes with 0.4mm nozzles. Printing accuracy levels repeat those of the base model: a minimum layer thickness of 100 microns, positioning accuracy along the X and Y axes of 11 microns, and along the Z axis - 2.5. And here it is worth making a clarification: the designers frankly admit that the indicated layer thickness is rather arbitrary. The settings allow you to experiment with thinner layers.

Fourth generation MakerBot printers are fast enough to print, surprisingly even faster than fifth generation printers. The presence of well-established algorithms for positioning the print head and a fairly fast drive affects.

Print data is transferred via USB connection or using an SD memory card

Since the Replicator is equipped with an SD card reader, it is possible to print without the usual USB connection to a PC, which is very useful, because freezing the computer during printing can lead to interruption of the process and loss of the model, and at least to serious deformations. The only pity is that the developers did not provide for a wireless connection - this drawback was eliminated only in the fifth generation of devices.

Software

MakerBot MakerWare is used as the main program. It retains all the necessary functions, but the design is somewhat simplified. Although designers recommend using proprietary, proprietary software (and the RepRap community rages at the full commercialization of the company that grew out of their ranks), it is in principle possible to use third-party open source programs that were used on earlier generations of MakerBot printers. This includes popular examples such as Skeinforge, ReplicatorG, and Repetier-Host. These programs are more flexible when you need to fine-tune print settings.

Supported file types include STL, OBJ, and THING. The latter option is supported by MakerWare and is an archive with several STL files for simultaneous printing. MakerWare itself is compatible with Windows 7 and 8, Mac OS X and Linux.

3D modeling software not supplied, but almost any software can be used: 3dtin, Tinkercad, Sketchup, OpenSCAD, Wings3D, Scupltris, Autodesk 123D, Blender - take your pick. Moreover, the same Blender is provided with a free license and is respected by MakerBot designers.

Summary

Printing with two extruders creates a world of new possibilities. Or just peace. That is, such a globe

With the advent of the Replicator 2X, MakerBot has closed a serious gap in the product line. The company now offers three fifth-generation models, including the small-sized Mini, the large-sized Z18, and the flagship Replicator, which print with one extruder and one plastic, polylactide (PLA). And the Replicator 2X will keep those who look back nostalgically at the early days of MakerBot, full of experimentation with different materials and two extruders. By the way, do not think that the fourth generation is outdated, because the difference between it and the fifth is only one year, and in terms of functionality and print quality, they are almost on the same level. In terms of reliability and printing speed, the fourth generation even outperforms the raw "beginners".

The choice of the Replicator 2 as the basis for the experimental platform is rational, as it is one of the most successful models of MakerBot. In addition, the pleasure of owning a universal version of the fourth generation "replicator" will cost only $ 500 surcharge compared to the original. By comparison, an additional extruder alone would cost the same amount as the competing CubeX, not including the heated deck and without the panels covering the openings in the chassis. It is quite possible that over time a similar model based on the fifth generation “replicator” will appear, but the frank dampness of the newest flagship does not yet allow for additional engineering experiments.

The Replicator 2X is designed for true enthusiasts and professionals with that "patience, skill and thirst for adventure". Ordinary users who do not want to delve into all the intricacies of the 3D printing process should take a closer look at more “friendly” models - the Replicator 2, the fifth generation Replicator, or the MakerBot Mini, specially created for domestic and educational needs.

• High versatility in supplies and color
• Extensive fine-tuning options
• High print quality
• Acceptable price for its class

Disadvantages

• Quite difficult to use, requiring a good understanding of the 3D printing process
• No Wi-Fi interface

MakerBot Replicator 2X 3D Printer

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MakerBot Replicator 2X

This model contains two printheads , thanks to which printing is carried out in two colors at once. Among printers of this class, this is definitely the best model. It gained popularity through the use of ABS plastic in printing, the color palette of which is rich enough to create a different plan of parts and objects. The working chamber of the 3D printer is designed to create objects with a size of 24. 6 x 15.2 x 15.5 cm. The body of the equipment is made of high-strength shock-resistant materials, which gives the printer such characteristics as durability and reliability. This device allows you to withstand high loads while creating objects quickly.

In this model, the developers paid much attention to the platform, as the print quality largely depends on it. The MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2X features an anodized aluminum platform that has been specially machined for high quality item building. The plane of the working surface is ideal, which eliminates the displacement and deformation of parts during the printing process.

The MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2X has two print heads, which means you can load 2 filaments of different colors at the same time. Naturally, printing in two colors at once is much more practical, since there is no need for additional disassembly and assembly of complex structures, and the work is not interrupted. The printing process itself runs smoothly, the plastic is applied evenly. The printer allows you to apply a layer of 100 microns with high resolution, when with standard printing it reaches 270-340 microns. Savings are significant, which is why this model is the most popular among successful businessmen.

MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2X has an advanced plastic loading mechanism. The new design is greatly improved by the use of a spring loaded bearing where other models use a piston and screw that require further adjustment. Changing the spool is now easy and takes much less time. The 3D printer uses a common ABS plastic for printing. The process of applying this material to the product is quite optimized, but for a high-quality result, it is still necessary to carry out additional settings when calibrating the equipment. That is why the developers called this model "experimental". The user must be sufficiently prepared to carefully control the printing process. The advantage of ABS plastic is its prevalence and availability. It is also possible to use a rich palette of ABS plastic colors:

In the REPLICATOR 2X model, the developers have significantly increased the volume of the working chamber. Compared to the previous model, this is approximately 37%. Thanks to this volume, the printer allows you to work with parts measuring 28.44 x 15.49 x 15.24 cm. You can also process many small objects that can fit into these dimensions. MAKERBOT REPLICATOR 2X successfully uses MakerWare software, which greatly simplifies and speeds up the work with a 3D printer. The workflow has been optimized by 30%, respectively, the speed of preparation and printing itself has become much faster. The program interface is intuitive, the tasks do not require additional training. The MakerWare platform allows you to work with various operating systems such as Windows, Mac and Linux. To create complex 3D objects, common file formats are used - .obj and .stl.

MakerBot Replicator 2X Key Features:

Professional MakerWare software with an intuitive user interface.

Print speed increased by 30%.

The use of ABS plastic.

Loading plastic is now faster and easier.

Support for major 3D file formats.

Ability to work on different operating systems.

Hi all. Today we would like to talk about the MakerBot Replicator 2X 3D printer.

MakerBot is an American company founded in 2009. Actively engaged in the popularization and promotion of 3D printing technology. At the initiative of MakerBot, the Thingiverse portal was created, in 2014 it was acquired by Stratasys.

Unpacking.

Theater starts with a hanger, but the first impression of a printer is from the box.

The printer is packed in 2 boxes. Printer - separately, top cover - separately.

All carriages and moving parts were fixed with ties with special pads.

Knowing our transport companies, I would be wary if my printer is shipped in separate boxes. But when ordering a printer from us, you can not worry, we always additionally pack a second box in order to avoid damage.

Complete set.

MakerBot was not very rich in packaging.

• 1 spool of ABS plastic 0.5 kg.

• Lubricant based on PTFE

• Business card - a probe for setting the gap between the nozzle and the table.

• Flash drive

• 2 spool holders

• Hexagon set

• Plastic spatula for easy sticking of the film on the table

• 3 Kapton films

• USB-A to USB-B cable

• Mains power cable

• Instruction in Russian and warranty card

• Thread guide tubes

It is quite logical that the MakerBot only has an ABS plastic coil in the kit. The manufacturer's website states printing only with ABS plastic.

Looking ahead, I will say that we will carry out printing tests with ESUN plastic. The spool of 1kg plastic (the hole diameter of the spool is 51 mm.) did not fit on the MakerBot holder. For him, you will have to print the holders for the coils.

Appearance.

The printer looks very nice. I didn't find any printed parts inside. All plastic parts are cast. The body is essentially a metal frame sheathed with a composite and transparent acrylic inserts.

MakerBot is a bit disappointing - the composite does not fit snugly at the bottom of the body, there is a small but unpleasant gap.

And the door does not close completely due to ill-conceived holes for the hinges (the manufacturer says that it is necessary for ventilation).

The hinges are tight and the door can be easily locked in the open position. Acrylic sidewalls can be removed, but it will be inconvenient to do this, because they are unscrewed only from the inside.

The top cover is complete. The lid at the base has a small "skirt" in which there are holes. These holes align with the bolts on top of the printer. Due to this, the cover does not roll around the printer and can be easily removed.

The front panel has a user-friendly display with soft rubber buttons.

Mechanics.

Two motors for feeding plastic are located on the “head” of the printer. In theory, this increases the weight, and consequently the inertia. But on the other hand, this layout allows you to print with soft types of plastic without problems.

The Y-axis motor is attached to the carriage.

X-axis motor mounted on the body. Nothing dangles anywhere and does not play. The straps are well tensioned.

A trapezoidal screw and 2 shafts are installed on the Z axis.

Extruders.

We will not analyze the design of the extruder in detail. Let's just say that there is no "Teflon" tube in the design, which in theory increases the reliability of the extruder.

Electronics

MakerBot has an external power supply. I think this is more of a plus than a minus.

All wires are very well shielded. Drivers signed.

SW

MakerBot Desktop can be downloaded for free from the MakerBot website. It's not even really a slicer. The program has sections with video reviews on setting up the printer and slicer, company history, explanations of how the printer works, showing some printing defects and how to fix them. Through the Explore tab, you can go to the site of free 3D models Thingiverse and from there download models directly to the slicer. In general, everything-everything-everything that will be needed and interesting for a novice user has been collected in one place.

We tested the latest version 3.9.2.

Nice interface. Despite the lack of the Russian language, everything is intuitive.

Video tab

Thingiverse tab.

First, in the Devices menu, select the printer on which we will print, load the model.

And then you can edit the model in the menu on the left. Change the size, location on the table, choose which extruder we will print the model and support (if the model requires printing with support).

In the Preview menu, you can see how the model will be printed layer by layer.

There are 2 kinds of settings in the Settings menu.

Quick settings. Here you can select the print quality (Low-0.30mm, Standard-0.15mm, High-0.10mm), type of plastic in the extruder, nozzle temperature, bed temperature, infill, substrate and support, if necessary.

And a bunch of advanced settings. You can set different options for each print quality.

The program is very convenient, especially for a novice user. It contains answers to most questions that arise when working with a 3D printer. From "What to print?" to "How does it work?"

For a user with experience, the whole variety of programs can sometimes be lacking.

Calibration.

When turned on, the printer greets you on the screen and beeps friendly.

The camera light turns on. In general, the printer has a sound notification for almost any reason. Turned on, heated the extruder for loading / unloading plastic, heated up and began to print. On the one hand, it is convenient, you can put the printer to warm up and go about your business. On the other hand, if you are typing at night and do not live alone, this will only be a minus.

Setting the table level is quite simple. Go to Utilities - Level Build Plate. Instructions on what needs to be done appear on the screen in English.

The head alternately moves to 7 different points of the table, on which, using the probe included in the kit, you need to set the gap. Calibration takes place with 3 screws. Five minutes and the table is calibrated.

We did not need to calibrate the distance between the print heads. It can also be done without problems through the menu.

The printer will print lines on the table with 2 nozzles, you must select lines that are parallel to each other.

Print

For tests, we used Esun ABS, PLA, PVA, HIPS plastic. When switching from one type of plastic to another, the extruder was cleaned with Esun cleaning plastic (By the way, a good and convenient thing. It is very economical. A standard 100 gr package turned out to be quite large).

First we tested the ABS, of course. On the move, it turned out such a boat. (15% infill, Standard quality).

Maker Bot did it in 1h 19m.

Still, when printing ABS in a closed chamber, it is desirable to blow it. On small details (pipe of a boat) this is especially noticeable.

On printed tests, this became more noticeable. (15% infill, High quality)

MakerBot completely refused to print bridges. Printing time - 1h 32m.

Small ABS test (15% coverage, High quality)

Print time - 46m.

ABS printing in two colors.

Here already MakerBot has shown itself from the best side. Almost no snot on the model and color mixing. This is more the merit of the slicer. MakerBot Desktop builds a cleaning fence with two nozzles. Printing time - 2h 17m.

After the very first boat, it became clear that MakerBot with the maximum open camera cannot print objects from PLA. We decided to cheat a little and set to print two boats at once and two tests at once.

Small and large tests.

Bicolor boat.

No wonder the manufacturer declares printing only with ABS plastic. Without additional airflow, high-quality PLA printing is hardly possible.

The most interesting thing in my opinion is printing with soluble supports.

PLA+PVA

The printer did not print a small fang on the model even with additional airflow.

But there is almost no mixing of the two plastics, despite the fact that PVA is a very capricious and fluid material.

ABS+HIPS

Here the printer was "in its element". The model is printed very high quality.

Even a thin partition in the nose of the model was printed.

Print speed test.

The dice test was not very revealing.

Let's take a closer look at the first and last cube.

It can be seen that at high speeds, airflow becomes necessary. Plastic at the corners does not have time to cool down (especially close to a heated table) and begins to deform.

Despite this, the layers lie very evenly. I did not notice that the printer would shake at high speeds.

Totals

Maker Bot turned out to be a good workhorse.

A very decent printer with a very thoughtful slicer. When printing did not cause any problems. The only negative is the lack of airflow, which is still required even for ABS when printing small products.

By tradition, a minute of advertising)

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5. You buy a 3D printer from an official distributor in Russia
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