An experimental platform for engineers and developers to create, build, customize, and collaborate on MakerBot MakerBot Replicator+ and Replicator Z18 3D printing solutions.
MakerBot Labs was born out of feedback from advanced users looking to tap their innovative spirit and expand their 3D printing experience.*
Together, Let's Push the Boundaries of What's Possible.

Customizable Hardware and Software

Custom Material Print Modes

MB Labs Community
MakerBot Labs
Experimental
Extruder
Designed for the advanced user looking to push the limits of what's possible with MakerBot 3D printers. Customize your 3D printing experience with a modifiable hardware design and interchangeable nozzles.*
The Experimental Extruder is an experimental product and is not covered under warranty or MakerCare.

Creative Flexibility with a Range of Materials
Push the boundaries of MakerBot 3D printing with interchangeable nozzles and unlocked access to custom print modes for full experimental freedom.

Freedom to Switch From Production to Sandbox
Quickly switch from the reliability of the Smart Extruder+ to the Experimental Extruder to test the limits of your ideas.

Drafting for Speed
Print existing PLA materials with the included large diameter draft nozzles and dramatically reduce total print time by up to 75%.
Designed to Be Hacked
A customizable hardware experience
With a modified thermal core and a more secure thermal barrier tube, the Experimental Extruder was redesigned to make changing nozzles easier. Download and print the Experimental Extruder Jig to provide a more stable platform.
0.4MM BRASS
Standard Nozzle
0.6MM BRASS
Material Flexibility
0.6MM STAINLESS STEEL
Abrasive Materials
0.8MM BRASS
Draft Printing

Experiment with Materials
Discover a range of materials featured in the MakerBot Labs Community, or experiment with your own.
colorFabb® bronzeFill
colorFabb® copperFill
colorFabb® corkFill
colorFabb® woodFill
Filament manufacturers interested in becoming a MakerBot Labs filament partner can contact us at labs@makerbot.com.
MakerBot Labs Community
Create. Share. Collaborate.

Save and Share Your Material Print Modes
Unlock advanced print settings** with the Experimental Extruder and other MakerBot Labs hardware. Once you’ve found the settings that work best for your chosen material, save a custom Material Print Mode and share it with the MakerBot Labs Thingiverse community.

Explore Popular Material Print Modes
Browse, collaborate, discuss, and download. MakerBot Labs on Thingiverse is the community for discussing Material Print Profiles, software APIs, and hardware mods.
Popular Print Modes From MakerBot Labs
Print Mode | Material | Nozzle | Download | |
---|---|---|---|---|
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0.8mm Draft Enlightenme3 |
PLA | 0.8mm Brass | ![]() |
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0.6mm DraftThor3D |
PLA | 0.6mm Brass | ![]() |
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Wood maikagm |
colorFabb® woodFill | 0.6mm Stainless Steel | ![]() |
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Copper colorFabb |
colorFabb® copperFill | 0.6mm Stainless Steel | ![]() |
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Bronze colorFabb |
colorFabb® bronzeFill | 0.6mm Stainless Steel | ![]() |
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Cork Inspector_number_555 |
colorFabb® corkFill | 0.6mm Stainless Steel | ![]() |
*MakerBot Labs is an experimental community and contains experimental products. Please note that products featured on this page are intended to be used by advanced users only and are not covered under warranty or supported by MakerBot. Content is generated by the community - use custom profiles, APIs, and mods at your own risk.
**To slice a print for the Experimental Extruder you must be connected to the printer via USB cable, WIFI, or ethernet with the Experimental Extruder attached to the printer.
ATTRIBUTIONS
Moai by ET-Huang
Published on September 2, 2013
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:144668
Propeller by dreyfusduke
Published on August 27, 2015
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:986079
Fibonacci Vase by mnemo80
Published on October 5, 2015
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1054598