MakerBot Quickstart

This page provides information for using the MakerBot of lvl1, "Veruca Gloop," for the first time. If you need more advanced help, see MakerBot Troubleshooting.

Step 1: Software

The MakerBot prints using instructions from your computer. ReplicatorG is the software specifically designed to work with MakerBots. Get ReplicatorG here.

Using ReplicatorG

ReplicatorG uses STL (stereolithography) files as models for printing in three dimensions. These STL files come from most major 3D CAD programs. Once you have your STL file, open it in ReplicatorG with File > Open.

Your model should appear somewhere in the cube outlined on the screen. This 10cm cube represents the boundaries of the MakerBot's build area (the MakerBot cannot print anything larger than 10cm cubed). If your model is not sitting on the build platform, choose Move > Put on Platform. You may need to use Rotate to align your model correctly. You can also scale your model by choosing Scale.

For best results, orient your model such that the widest part is on the platform. The MakerBot builds using extruded plastic, so it cannot build over large open spaces. Important: Make sure your model does not go below the build platform at any point. The MakerBot will try to build inside the platform by jamming the print head into it, potentially ruining both. When you have your model lined up, it's time to generate a toolpath.

Gcode and Toolpaths

The toolpath is a set of literal instructions that guide the MakerBot in each step of construction. ReplicatorG automatically uses a plugin called Skeinforge to generate toolpaths (in a language called "Gcode" from your model files. While your model is a pure theoretical representation of an object, the Gcode is different for every MakerBot. Every MakerBot has its quirks, and the Gcode should account for these.

Skeinforge uses groups of settings in "profiles" to manage different build styles. Veruca runs best on a custom profile, which you should download from the Veruca Gloop page. See the instructions on that page to guide you through adding the profile to your computer.

Once you have Veruca's optimized profile, click "Generate Gcode" and select this profile to prepare your model for printing. The toolpath generation step is computationally intensive and may take a while, depending on the size and complexity of your model.

A new tab should appear above the model viewing window, called "Gcode." You can look in this tab at the Gcode that will print your model (it should look like a huge plain text file). To ensure uninterrupted printing, you should use "Build to File" and save your build to the MakerBot SD card. Remove the SD card from Veruca's motherboard (on the side of her case) and put it into an SD card reader. There should be a reader on the table or in the drawer. Click the Build to File icon in the toolbar and choose a model name on the "LVL1MKBOT" SD card. ReplicatorG should write quickly to the card, and when the write is complete you can replace the SD card into the MakerBot.

Your Gcode now ready! Read on...

Step 2: Hardware

At this point you're ready to interface (read: wrestle) with the MakerBot hardware. This step can be time-consuming and frustrating, but don't be discouraged!

Connect the Bot

First you need to connect the MakerBot to ReplicatorG.