Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Leveling Your Build Platform
Pay close attention: leveling your platform is very important to print quality
and is one of the biggest challenges for new MakerBot users. The leveling
procedure has two main objectives: To ensure that your build platform is
parallel to the extruder and is the correct distance from the extruder nozzle.
If the build platform is too far from the extruder nozzle, your builds might not
stick to the build plate. However, if the build platform is too close to the ex-
truder nozzle, the build plate can either block the filament from extruding
from the nozzle or your first layer may be smooshed, making it difficult to
remove your model from the platform.
This topic and the user guides use the term “level” but the real
goal is to make sure that your platform is
trammed
or com-
pletely parallel to the extruder nozzle. It is not enough to sim-
ply make the platform “level” by using a carpenter's level. This
is why you must follow the procedure outlined below to get the
desired print results. You may need to repeat the procedure
several times to get it right. Keep at it!
After the initial welcome message, the Startup Script displays the message
shown in
Figure 6-3
.
Figure 6-3.
Getting ready to level the platform
At each stage of the script, your Replicator2 will ask you to test the platform
height by sliding a piece of paper between the platform and nozzle. Your ac-
cessory box included a business card from MakerBot Support. It's about .12
mm thick, and should work great for this purpose.
There are three knobs under the build platform (
Figure 6-4
). These three
knobs will lower and raise the build platform:
• Tightening the knobs (turning to the right) moves the build platform
away from the extruder nozzle.
• Loosening the knobs (turning to the left) moves the build platform closer
to the extruder nozzle.
