Eagerly awaiting the arrival of a brand new MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer?

Well, here’s a little treat to tide you over!

We’ve made four video tutorials that will walk you through everything you’ll need to know about setting up, operating and maintaining your Replicator 2. Setup for the MakerBot Replicator 2 is incredibly easy (even easier than it was for the original Replicator, if you can believe it!) and we’ve worked really hard to get you thorough documentation and instructions (including a top-notch user manual!) so that you’ll always have a hand to hold as you make your way into the wonderful world of owning a MakerBot.

ONE: Unboxing
The MakerBot Replicator 2 comes assembled and it takes just a few minutes to get it started up. In the Unboxing video I’ll show you how to carefully unpack and setup your Replicator 2.

TWO: Startup Process
Once you’ve unboxed your MakerBot Replicator 2 you’ll be ready to run through the startup process. In the Startup Process video I’ll show you how to level your build platform and load your MakerBot PLA filament so that your Replicator 2 can make its very first thing!

THREE: MakerBot MakerWare
MakerWare is a brand new software developed here at MakerBot that prepares models for being made on a MakerBot Replicator 2. In the MakerBot MakerWare video I’ll show you how to load a file into the software, move it, scale it, and make it!

FOUR: Maintenance Routine
The MakerBot Replicator 2 is an easy to use machine that requires a simple occasional maintenance routine. In the Maintenance Routine video I’ll show you how to lubricate the threaded rod and clean out the drive gear on your Replicator 2.

Look out, world. Your MakerBot just got a whole lot more taken care of.

With the launch of the MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer today, we also announce a new premium service offering from our famous Support Team. In addition to the expert online help that is always available with all MakerBot product, the new MakerCare package gives our customers an added level of security for the times when things go wrong. Says Ben, “It’s great for us to be able to provide a deeper level of care, now that the use cases of our machines are getting more and more complex. We want to keep your Replicator 2 happy and healthy for a long time.”

A couple of comments have come in through the blog, our twitter, and our Facebook channels to the same effect: does MakerBot still sell the Thing-O-Matic?

Let’s clear this up!

Kits

Since The Replicator launched in January, we have continued to ship Thing-O-Matic kits. We are, however, now completely out of stock of the Thing-O-Matics. We will no longer be offering the Thing-O-Matic for sale.

Support

For those who already own Thing-O-Matics, we absolutely plan to continue our support efforts for the foreseeable future. Please feel free to contact Support at the email address below with your needs.

If you’d like to get some insights from other community members, check out the forums on Support pages, or for the more advance user, dig into the MakerBot Operators Google Group.

Parts

We do still have several relevant replacement parts in stock that you may be interested in. If there’s something that you need, and you don’t see it on the store, drop us an email to[email protected].  We’ll do our best to find what you need to get you up and running.

Feedback From You

No matter what MakerBot 3D printer you are using, we value your input and participation on this blog and in all community outlets. Got a question about an event? Want to chime in with an idea for a blog post? Feel free to drop a line to [email protected].

 

In case some of you have been pinging us with your support queries, or simply reaching out for a nice chat, you should know that MakerBot Support is down today while we move boxes and desks. Everything will be back up and running tomorrow, March 29, 2012.

This one’s for you.

 

As many of you know, the recent release of ReplicatorG has introduced some of the software features that are necessary to use your Thing-O-Matic with two extruders, a process we like to call DualStrusion.

DualStrusion is highly experimental right now, and we’re all learning about it — engineers, developers, and tech support agents included.  While it’s a very exciting process, don’t expect DualStrusion to work right out of the box without some serious troubleshooting: that’s the cost of being on the cutting edge.

In light of that, we’ve just created a new support forum for DualStrusion experimenters to share their learning and experiences.  And so, I give to you: the DualStrusion experimenters support forum.

As you know, I loved the original tiny toy dump truck.  Madscifi showed us the progression of each of the versions leading up to the one that had a movable bed and rolling wheels.  We’ve seen some pretty cool print-at-once things on Thingiverse, but madscifi’s work seems to be opening up a new area with an awesome cam shaft.

His Thingiverse post also provides a lot of detail about how he used manual support to accomplish this print.  The process amounts to introducing pauses into the GCode, putting clay on the platform at the exact proper level, and then resuming the print.

 

When I’ve needed to get into my Thing-O-Matic for upgrades, service, or just to play around with something I’ve had to lean the case back with one hand as I work with my other hand.  Pchretien’s servicing support legs are just downright brilliant.  I’ll admit to have let the Thing-O-Matic case rest on my right wrist as I peer down through the acrylic bottom while making a small change – rather than trying to hold the entire case at an angle.  That’s the robotic equivalent of holding a car hood up with the back of your neck while you peer around inside.

I have a feeling that a derivative that is mounted on the inside of the Thing-O-Matic and swivels down when you lift up the case can’t be far behind.

Apparently, when you properly arrange objects in an STL for printing at once, you can do so in such a way as to eliminate the need for support structures!  Not only is this a clever use of limited build space, but it also conserves plastic while allowing printing of ever more intricate designs.

PieterNr1′s Simple Hinge above is the first object I’ve seen to use this technique.  It appears from the photograph that there is some slight drooping underneath the top two ledges – but I’m guessing this isn’t enough to interfere with proper operation.  Looking at his implementation of this technique, I have to wonder whether it could be used to print some of the various tracks and treads under development on Thingiverse.

If you’ve got a dual extruder in your 3D printer, you’re not far off from printing with support material.  A few months ago our friends at iFeelBeta published the details on their newly developed formula for a solution that would dissolve PLA and leave ABS intact.  As these chemicals are no joke, it’s no wonder that it’s taken several months for them to get the legal clearances to be able to ship this solution throughout Europe.  (It’s basically the equivalent of a heavy duty drain cleaner)  However, they now have BetaSolution up for sale on their website!

Once again, thanks to these guys for being amazing open source innovators and blazing this trail for everyone.  Now that they’ve launched their shop, be sure and buy the solution from them!

Also, be sure and read their safety data sheet and manual before using it!

This position is in the heart of the action of a growing start-up and demands a person who wants to work hard, has patience, technical knowledge and writing skills. You’ve got fires to put out, questions to answer, orders to process, and infrastructure to implement, all the time.

You’ll be responsible for eloquently representing a growing DIY 3D printer and technology company to it’s customers directly. Via email, on the phone, or in person. You’ll help customers solve their technical challenges, sooth their nerves, and reinforce our brand. It’s a challenge, but it’s a dynamic, fun one. The person best suited for this position is an adaptable problem solver with a mind for mechanical, electronic, and software troubleshooting challenges. You’ll put your strong interpersonal and written skills to the test.

We need you to answer emails, but you should also be proficient and comfortable with Mac, PC, and Linux operating systems, design/editing softwares, cameras, and the creative process. The office tools we use most of the time should be a no-brainer. Current MakerBot Operators preferred, but not a requirement. If you’ve had experience with DIY technology, that could be very helpful. You will be processing orders, so an interest in participating directly in a multifaceted online store is a final requirement. Full time, on-site only.

Desire to offer revolutionary technologies and change the world a plus.
Help democratize manufacturing and establish personal manufacturing as a household phrase.

Submit your cover letter, resume, and linkedin profile (preferred)

Brooklyn. Easy access to subway.

Reply to: http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/tch/2239730862.html

No phone calls, please.