Maintenance for the Replicator 2
Filament changes and repair and maintenance procedures should only be performed by 3SPACE faculty or staff, or students who are certified for these procedures.
Applying blue tape
The MakerBot Replicator 2 in 3SPACE should always be used with blue painter’s tape on the acrylic build plate. If tape is not used then prints may stick agressively to the build plate and be difficult or impossible to remove, resulting in damage to the print or even to the build plate itself. The tape we have had most success with is wide 3M tape that can be purchased on Amazon. Cheaper tapes do not have enough surface texture to adequately hold prints to the platform. When the tape on the platform gets damaged or worn through then it should be replaced with fresh tape.
Leveling the build plate
If prints aren’t adhering properly to the build plate, or if the nozzle prints so close to the build plate that filament cannot extrude properly, then you might need to raise or lower the build plate on one or both sides. The thin MakerBot business card is perfect for leveling the build plate; if you can’t find that, then use a thin paper or a Post-It note. Follow the procedure in the first half of the video below to level the build plate.
Changing filament
Follow the instructions in the video below if you need to load or unload filament from the Replicator 2. Make sure that you ONLY use 1.75mm PLA filament in this machine, and preferably filament directly from MakerBot (unless you are familiar with any temperature adjustments needed for off-brand or exotic filament, and certified to make those changes).
Pushing out a filament clog
If the nozzle is not extruding and you suspect the machine is clogged, you might be able to push or pull out the clog without resorting to dismantling the nozzle assembly. Before you pull out the screwdrivers and allen wrenches, try this “atomic clean” method. When you’re done, make sure you change the temperature back to the usual PLA setting of at most 230 degrees in Preheat Settings. Follow along with this video:
Dismantling and unclogging the nozzle
Probably the most common problem that occurs with the Replicator 2 machine is a clogged nozzle, and sometimes it can’t be fixed by the method above. Usually this occurs because of a piece of filament stuck between the feeder gear and the hot extruder; since the filament isn’t in the gear it can’t be pushed forward or pulled backward, and since it is above the heated block it can’t be pushed through. Or, sometimes a giant print disaster causes a huge ball of filament to wrap around and inside the extruder. Luckily, it is not difficult to disassemble the fan/plunger assembly to clean it out. Follow the steps in this video:
Replacing Kapton tape
After a major clog incident, or over a long period of time, the yellow ceramic Kapton tape around the nozzle block can become damaged or worn out. Replacement tape cut-to-fit for the Replicator 2 can be purchased from Fargo 3D Printing. Here’s how to replace it:
Tightening the plunger
If the filament is underextruding while printing, try testing to see if the plunger that feeds the filament has become too loose. If so, then remove the side fan and tighten the set screw for the plunger. This video shows both how to test the tightness and how to tighten as needed:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOJN_8AAC9U
Tightening the X&Y axis belts
The belt across the back of the machine should have a little bit of snap to it. If it doesn’t, or if your prints have sudden “shifts” to one side or the other, you might try tightening the belts as described in this video:
Routine maintenance
Every once in a while it’s a good idea to grease certain rods and clean out the feeder gear on the Replicator 2. Here’s how:
Replacing the XYZ motor cable
If things have really gone sideways — including a terrible loud noise when the extruder travels or reaches the back of the machine — then it might be time to replace the XYZ motor wiring harness/endstop. It’s a pain, but every Replicator 2 I’ve seen has had to have this repair performed at least once. First, check that things are working by following this guide. If you need a new endstop cable assmbly then buy one here and follow the instructions in this video to install it:
Replacing the thermocoupler
Oh no, you are getting heating error warnings and you need to repace the thermocoupler? Buy one here. Then do this:
Replacing the MightyBoard
Oh dear. If you need to do this, then order the MightyBoard (Rev H or Rev G, depending on the age of the machine) directly from MakerBot support by calling 925-529-8563. Then follow the detailed instructions here or in this shorter official MakerBot video: