MakerBot Industries

In September and October 2010 MakerBot Industries received a number of support requests relating to our 37 mm extruder motors. While we have always been ordering the exact same part number from our supplier, It has come to our attention that we have been receiving two distinctly different motors.

In an effort to determine the cause of these issues and respond accordingly we are asking the community to help us do some science. Please complete this form once for each motor you have purchased from us. This will help us determine the quantity and failure rate for each type of motor. Even if your motor has never given you problems, it is important for you to provide feedback.

After removing the white plastic cover from each type of motor the difference is clear. One has a circuit board while the other does not.

The two types of motors we have in stock look different on the outside. The motor with the circuit board has a dull body with a shiny ring near the plastic while the other motor is completely shiny. This is true for the motors we have in stock, but we don’t know if the motors with shiny rings have always had the circuit board.

For more photos view the Motor Issue photo set.