We’re always working to continuously improve and update our software, so we are thrilled to share the big improvements to print quality and reliability that came with our latest MakerBot Desktop and MakerBot Firmware upgrades.
Step 1. Download MakerBot Desktop 3.4
If you haven’t downloaded the latest version of our free 3D printing software, MakerBot Desktop 3.4, please do so now.
DOWNLOAD MAKERBOT DESKTOP 3.4 NOW
Step 2. Update Your MakerBot Firmware
Once you’ve opened up MakerBot Desktop 3.4, connect to your MakerBot Replicator 3D Printer via Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or USB. Next, head straight to the Devices menu in MakerBot Desktop and click Update Firmware to load MakerBot Firmware 1.5 onto your printer.
NOTE: Updating both MakerBot Desktop and MakerBot Firmware is the only way to activate all the new improvements. To take advantage of these new features, continue to prepare and print your files through MakerBot Desktop. When printing files via the USB port, your printer’s internal storage, or your Library, reprepare them through this updated version of MakerBot Desktop to achieve the best results.
Improvements to Print Quality and Reliability
As promised, we’ve made significant improvements to our MakerBot Firmware and print slicing software in order to help improve print quality and reliability.
First off, we’ve updated how the MakerBot Replicator Smart Extruder and the gantry motors that move it around in three dimensions work together.
We’ve also improved the speed and acceleration of the gantry motors, which means better handling of curves and edges in your 3D designs.
Lastly, we’ve shortened the distance that the MakerBot Replicator Smart Extruder’s retractable nozzle has to move during prints, improving the life of your Smart Extruder, and helping to prevent clogs.
With these enhancements, you’ll see a big increase in print quality and a noticeable decrease in print times, so don’t miss out.
Advanced Calibration
Another great feature we packed into MakerBot Desktop 3.4 is a calibration tool called Z-Axis Offset, which you can find in the Device Preferences panel under the Devices menu in MakerBot Desktop. This tool lets you adjust where your build plate is, relative to your Smart Extruder.
If you’ve been experiencing print quality issues with your rafts and the initial layers of your print, or hear clicking noises when you’re printing, your build plate may be too close or too far from your Smart Extruder. Adjusting your Z-Axis Offset could be the solution, so give it a try.
Tell Us About Your Experience
We want to hear about your experience using MakerBot Desktop 3.4 and MakerBot Firmware 1.5. Let us know how things are going by shooting us an email at thoughts@makerbot.com.