MakerBot Replicator 1

A few steps to keep the MakerBot running smoothly and continously.

Improvements

• Add blue thread-lock to all grubscrews on all the axis to prevent them to fall out [1]
• Use Triflow or similar PTFE lubricant to all metal-to-metal mechanical motion [2]
• Replace the system fan with a large 80x80 mm fan to reduce noise
• Add a adhesive label on the right side of the joy-pad to indicate the insertion point for the SD card
• Remove the ABS residue from the drive gear regularly [3]
• Fit side and top covers to prevent dust from settling on the extruder and internal components
• Enable accelerated prints to increase the print speed and efficiency, see below

Accelerated prints

A new feature which appeared on community 3D printers early in 2012 was the ability to accelerated the printing process. What this means is that instead of linearly moving the position by instantaneously starting and stopping the motors, the travel speed is gradually increased and decreased. While this method is slower when using the same travel feedrate as before, it will be faster when increasing, or doubling, the travel feedrate. The bot will not shake and vibrate as violently and work smoothly. But make sure to use high resolution models/gcode.

• MakerBot accelerated prints