Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
1/Introduction
In which the reader shall learn about the
implications and responsibilities that come
with being the Operator and Caretaker for a
MakerBot and shall be introduced to robots of
great power and promise.
How Does a MakerBot Work?
All MakerBot prints start with a digital design—a 3D model of your object.
Software takes that model and slices it up into layers a fraction of a millimeter
thick. When it's time to print, a MakerBot works by laying down layers of
plastic. Each layer is precisely drawn by the machine using molten plastic. It
cools immediately, and in the process of cooling down transforms from a
molten liquid into a solid model!
Figure 1-1
shows the original MakerBot Rep-
licator.
MakerBots print in thermoplastics—either ABS (the same stuff Legos are
made of) or PLA (a biodegradable substance made from starchy foodstuffs).
A thermoplastic is a material that softens and becomes pliable above a cer-
tain temperature and then returns to its solid form as it cools. The thermo-
plastic printing material—also called filament—starts out on a reel like spa-
ghetti or very thick fishing line. When you're printing, a very precise motor
drives that raw filament through an extruder, a very tiny nozzle that gets hot
enough to melt it. What comes out the other end is molten plastic that looks
like super fine angel hair spaghetti, which quickly cools and turns into what-
ever it is you're printing.
As it prints, the MakerBot draws a “picture” in two dimensions with this small
bead of plastic. When it's done drawing each two-dimensional layer, it moves
up a fraction of a millimeter and draws another picture right on top of the
first one. Just like that, your object gets built, one layer of plastic at a time,
until it gets presented to you as a solid finished object.
