USER MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 5 WELCOME 04 Legal 05 Safety and Compliance 07 About the MakerBot Replicator Z18 10 GETTING STARTED 14 Accessory Checklist 15 Unpacking the MakerBot Replicator Z18 16 Setting up the MakerBot Replicator Z18 21 STARTUP 25 The MakerBot Replicator Z18 Control Panel 26 First Steps 27 MAKERBOT DESKTOP 30 Downloading and Installing MakerBot Desktop 31 Printing from MakerBot Desktop 33 THE CONTROL PANEL 41 Home Screen 42 Print 43 Filament 47 Prehea
TABLE OF CONTENTS 6 7 TROUBLESHOOTING 53 Printing Problems 54 Leveling the Build Plate 57 Updating Firmware 59 Emptying the Filament Waste Bin 59 REFERENCE 60 Specifications 61 Glossary 62 How to use MakerBot Support 65 Contact 66 Welcome. Let’s get started.
1 WELCOME. Welcome to the User Manual for the MakerBot® Replicator® Z18 3D Printer. With the MakerBot Replicator Z18 you can print high-resolution, industrial-quality prototypes bigger than ever, but it also requires care and attention, so please be sure to read this manual all the way through.
LEGAL PRODUCT WARRANTY The MakerBot® Replicator® Z18 3D Printer is covered by a limited warranty. For terms and conditions, see makerbot.com/legal. OVERALL PROVISIONS All information in this user manual (“Manual”) is subject to change at any time without notice and is provided for convenience purposes only.
LEGAL DISCLAIMERS MakerBot does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information, products, or services provided by or through this Manual and assumes no assume no responsibility for any typographical, technical, or other inaccuracies in this Manual, which is provided “as is” and without any express or implied warranties of any kind, including warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement of intellectual property.
SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE Radio and Television Interference This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE Safety alert symbols precede each safety message in this manual. These symbols indicate potential safety hazards that could harm you or others or cause product or property damage. Warning: The MakerBot Replicator Z18 generates high temperatures. Always allow the MakerBot Replicator Z18 to cool down before you reach inside. Warning: The MakerBot Replicator Z18 includes moving parts that can cause injury. Never reach inside the MakerBot Replicator Z18 while it is in operation.
SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE Caution: The socket outlet must be located near the machine and must be easily accessible. Caution: In case of emergency disconnect the MakerBot Replicator Z18 from the socket outlet. Caution: The MakerBot Replicator Z18 melts plastic during printing. Plastic odors are emitted during this operation. Make sure to set up the MakerBot Replicator Z18 in a well-ventilated area.
ABOUT THE MAKERBOT REPLICATOR Z18 HOW IT WORKS The MakerBot Replicator Z18 makes solid, three-dimensional objects out of melted MakerBot PLA Filament. First, use MakerBot Desktop to translate 3D design files into instructions for the MakerBot Replicator Z18. Then transfer those instructions to the MakerBot Replicator Z18 via USB drive, USB cable, or your local network.
ABOUT THE MAKERBOT REPLICATOR Z18 MAKERBOT REPLICATOR DIAGRAMS 2 1 3 4 5 11 1. Build plate 3. Build plate latches 2. Filament waste bin 4. Control panel WELCOME. 5.
ABOUT THE MAKERBOT REPLICATOR Z18 MAKERBOT REPLICATOR DIAGRAMS 2 3 1 4 12 WELCOME. 1. Power switch 3. USB port 2. Power input port 4.
ABOUT THE MAKERBOT REPLICATOR Z18 MAKERBOT REPLICATOR DIAGRAMS 2 3 1 4 13 WELCOME. 1. Gantry 3. Filament guide tube 2. Extruder carriage 4.
2 GETTING STARTED When you set up your MakerBot® Replicator® Z18 3D printer, remember that it was built and packaged very carefully at the MakerBot factory. We hope you’ll take your time and be just as careful unpacking it and getting it set up.
ACCESSORY CHECKLIST Inside your MakerBot Replicator Z18 you’ll find everything you need to get started, including a spool of MakerBot PLA filament and a sheet of build plate tape. To order more build plate tape or filament, go to store.makerbot.
UNPACKING THE MAKERBOT REPLICATOR Z18 1 REMOVE THE BOX Cut the straps holding the MakerBot Replicator Z18 box in place and lift off the cardboard lid and sleeve. 2 REMOVE PACKAGING MATERIALS Remove the tape and foam holding the door and filament drawer of the MakerBot Replicator Z18 open. Peel the film off the outside of the MakerBot Replicator Z18.
UNPACKING THE MAKERBOT REPLICATOR Z18 3 REMOVE ACCESSORIES Take the accessory and filament boxes out of the MakerBot Replicator Z18 and set them aside. 4 TAKE THE MAKERBOT REPLICATOR Z18 OFF OF THE PALLET Lift the MakerBot Replicator Z18 off of the pallet and place it on a stable surface. You will need to remove the lid of the MakerBot Replicator Z18 in order to load filament, so make sure the surface is low enough to allow you to access the top of your 3D printer.
UNPACKING THE MAKERBOT REPLICATOR Z18 5 ADJUST LEVELING FEET If the MakerBot Replicator Z18 shows any tendency to wobble, stabilize it using the adjustable leveling feet. To adjust one of the feet, tilt the MakerBot Replicator Z18 up at one corner and rotate the foot to raise or lower that corner of your 3D printer.
UNPACKING THE MAKERBOT REPLICATOR Z18 6 REMOVE LID Use a tool to unlock the lid of the MakerBot Replicator Z18. Pull the lid off and set it aside.
UNPACKING THE MAKERBOT REPLICATOR Z18 7 REMOVE GANTRY CLIPS Remove the orange plastic clips from the top compartment of the MakerBot Replicator Z18. There are two clips, one on the belt at each side.
SETTING UP THE MAKERBOT REPLICATOR Z18 1 INSTALL SMART EXTRUDER Locate and unwrap the Smart Extruder and press it against the back of the extruder carriage, with the connector pins facing the front of the MakerBot Replicator Z18. Magnets will lock the Smart Extruder into place. Note: If you need to install the Smart Extruder i again at any time, go to the control panel and select Utilities > System Tools > Attach Smart Extruder.
SETTING UP THE MAKERBOT REPLICATOR Z18 3 ROUTE FILAMENT 3a. Detach the free end of the filament from the spool and insert it into the hole at the back left corner of the filament drawer. 3b. Continue to feed the filament by hand into the slot at the side of the filament drawer. The filament will move up through the MakerBot Replicator Z18 to the top compartment. Stop feeding the filament when you see it emerge from the end of the filament guide tube.
SETTING UP THE MAKERBOT REPLICATOR Z18 4 APPLY BUILD PLATE TAPE 4a. The build plate on the MakerBot Replicator Z18 has two parts: a removable plastic top plate, and a flat, sturdy aluminum base. Turn the latches on the front of the build platform and slide the top plate forward to release it. Then lift the top plate out of the MakerBot Replicator Z18. 4b. Peel the backing off of the sheet of build plate tape and lay the tape flat on the top plate, with the sticky side facing down. 4c.
SETTING UP THE MAKERBOT REPLICATOR Z18 5 PLUG IN AND POWER ON 5a. Make sure the power switch is in the Off position. 5b. Locate the power cord and plug it into the power input port at the back of the MakerBot Replicator Z18. 5c. Plug the power cord into an electrical outlet. Caution: The socket outlet must be located near the equipment and must be easily accessible. 5d. Switch the power on and wait for the MakerBot Replicator Z18 to boot up. This will take several minutes.
3 STARTUP The first time you turn on your MakerBot® Replicator® Z18 3D Printer, it will run a setup assistant that will introduce you to the control panel and walk you through everything you need to do to start your first print. Press the dial to begin the setup assistant.
THE MAKERBOT REPLICATOR Z18 CONTROL PANEL The MakerBot Replicator Z18 is operated by means of a control panel at the lower right of the 3D printer. The control panel includes a color LCD screen, a rotary/push dial, and two buttons. 1 • • • • 3 1. LCD screen 3. Back button 2. Menu button 4. Dial • • • • 4 5 5. USB drive port Turn the dial to scroll through the available options on a screen. Press the dial to make a selection.
FIRST STEPS LOAD FILAMENT Your MakerBot Replicator Z18 uses 1.75 mm diameter PLA filament to create 3D printed objects. Once your spool of MakerBot PLA Filament is loaded into the filament drawer and routed up to the top of the MakerBot Replicator Z18, all you have to do is load the free end of the spooled filament into the heated MakerBot Replicator Smart Extruder. 1. When instructed to by the LCD screen, press the control panel dial to start heating the Smart Extruder. 2.
FIRST STEPS PRINT A TEST OBJECT Once you’ve loaded filament into your Smart Extruder, you’re ready to print something. The LCD panel will display the test prints we’ve loaded onto your MakerBot Replicator Z18 for you. Note: To view the files stored on your MakerBot Replicator Z18 at any time, go to Print > Internal Storage. 1. Use the dial to highlight one of the available prints. 2. Push the dial to select your chosen print. You will be taken to the file info view. 3. Select Print.
FIRST STEPS CONNECT TO YOUR COMPUTER There are four ways to move files from your computer to your MakerBot Replicator Z18: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB cable and USB drive. Before you proceed, set up your computer to connect using one of these methods. To connect via Ethernet: 1. Locate an Ethernet cable (not included). 2. Connect one end of the cable to the Ethernet port at the back of your MakerBot Replicator Z18. Connect the other end to a wall jack or router used by your local area network.
4 MAKERBOT DESKTOP MakerBot® Desktop is a free app for preparing 3D prints and managing your 3D content. Whether you print directly to the MakerBot Replicator® Z18 3D Printer via USB cable, Wi-Fi or Ethernet, or you export your print files to a USB drive, MakerBot Desktop is where all your prints will begin.
DOWNLOADING AND INSTALLING MAKERBOT DESKTOP 1. Open a browser session and go to makerbot.com/desktop. Click the Download button. 2. Select your operating system from the dropdown menu on the download pack and click Download. A system-specific installer will download to your computer. 3. Double-click the MakerBot Desktop installer to run the installation wizard. Follow the installation instructions. 4. When you open MakerBot Desktop for the first time, you will be asked to log in.
DOWNLOADING AND INSTALLING MAKERBOT DESKTOP 5. Select how you will connect your MakerBot Replicator Z18 to your computer. If you will print only via USB drive, click Skip. You will be asked to choose a MakerBot 3D Printer. Choose Replicator Z18. You can connect to your MakerBot Replicator via USB cable, Ethernet or Wi-Fi at any time. WI-FI 1. Connect the USB cable to your MakerBot Replicator Z18 and to your computer. MakerBot Desktop will automatically connect to your MakerBot Replicator Z18. 2.
PRINTING FROM MAKERBOT DESKTOP HOW IT WORKS MakerBot Desktop consists of four sections: Explore, Library, Prepare and Store. Explore gives you access to Thingiverse and the hundreds of thousands of free 3D printable objects designed by the Thingiverse community. Use Explore to search Thingiverse for inspiration or new things to print, then save them to your collections or prepare them for printing. Library gives you access to your MakerBot Cloud Library and helps you organize your 3D model files.
PRINTING FROM MAKERBOT DESKTOP FINDING A 3D MODEL Every 3D print starts with a 3D model. If you design a 3D model yourself, export it from your 3D modeling application in STL or OBJ format. If you don’t have a 3D model, download one from Thingiverse, either through the website at Thingiverse.com or through the Explore view in MakerBot Desktop.
PREPARING TO PRINT You should now see your model or models at the center of a gray rectangle. This is MakerBot Desktop’s representation of your 3D printer’s build plate. Let’s take a look at the other features visible in the Prepare view. 1 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 12 1. +/– • • • • Click the Plus and Minus buttons to zoom in and out. You can also zoom using a track pad or the scroll wheel on your mouse. 2.
PRINTING FROM MAKERBOT DESKTOP 4. Move • • • • • • • • • • • Click the Move button or press the M key to go into Move mode. In Move mode, click and drag with your mouse to move your model around on the build plate. In Move mode, hold down the Shift key and click and drag with your mouse to move your model up and down along the z-axis. Click the Move button again to open the Change Position submenu and center your object or move it by a specific distance along the x-, y-, or z-axis. 5.
PRINTING FROM MAKERBOT DESKTOP 9. Add File • • Click Add File to open an Open File dialog. • • Navigate to the location of any STL, OBJ, or Thing file and select the file to add a • model to the build plate. • • You can add as many models to the plate as will fit. Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl/ • Command + L to automatically arrange multiple models on the plate.
PRINTING FROM MAKERBOT DESKTOP PRINT SETTINGS If you want to change any settings before printing, click Settings. This is where you can specify options that will affect the quality of your printed object, like print resolution and object strength. To print with standard or previously specified settings, skip this step and go straight to printing. 1. Resolution Choose Low, Standard, or High resolution to specify the surface quality of your 3D print.
PRINTING FROM MAKERBOT DESKTOP PRINT SETTINGS 4. Advanced Click Advanced for additional options, including print speed and object strength. For information on what the advanced settings are and how to use them, go to makerbot.com/support. 5. Cancel Click Cancel to return to the Prepare view without saving changes. Any print settings you have selected will be discarded. 6. Save Settings When you are finished, click Save Settings.
PRINTING FROM MAKERBOT DESKTOP USING THE CAMERA A feed of images from the onboard camera is always available when you’re connected to your MakerBot Replicator Z18 via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. To view the feed, click the menu icon at the right side of the status bar to open the monitor panel. As long as you are connected to your MakerBot Replicator Z18 via a network, the camera image will refresh every few seconds.
5 THE CONTROL PANEL The control panel on the MakerBot® Replicator® Z18 3D Printer allows you to interact with your 3D printer. You can use it to initiate prints, edit settings, and access information. This chapter describes the different things you can do with the control panel.
HOME SCREEN Use the control panel to: • • Print objects from a USB flash drive or the internal storage of your • MakerBot Replicator Z18. • • Start prints initiated via MakerBot Desktop. • • Change printer settings. • • View print history and statistics. 1 2 3 4 5 6 1. Print: Initiate a print stored on a USB drive or internal storage, or synced from your MakerBot account. 2. Filament: Load filament into or unload filament from the MakerBot Replicator Smart Extruder. 3.
PRINT Select the Print icon to initiate a print stored on a USB drive or internal storage or synced from your MakerBot Cloud Library. 1 SELECT A FILE Turn the dial to scroll through the list of available locations. Push the dial to select the location of the file you want to print. Select USB Storage to print a file stored on a USB drive inserted into the USB port. Select Internal Storage to print a file stored on the MakerBot Replicator Z18. The internal storage has a capacity of about 2 GB.
PRINT 2 START PRINT • • If you select a file from the USB drive or internal storage, the control panel will • display the file screen. • • If you select something from your MakerBot Cloud Library, you will see a list of all • the layouts associated with the file. Scroll through the available layouts and select • one in order to go to the file screen. • From the file screen, choose what to do with the part or layout: • • Select Print to start printing the file.
PRINT PRINTING During a print, you will be able to view print progress information as well as other details about your print. 1 1. Percentage of the print completed. 2 2. Time elapsed and estimated time remaining in the print. While the Smart Extruder is heating, this area will display the current and target temperatures. 3. Location in active print screens.
PRINT 3 PRINT COMPLETE If you are printing a file from Thingiverse, you will be prompted to share a photo. Photos shared to Thingiverse will appear on the Thing page in the I Made one! section. Sharing a photo is a nice thing to do – other Thingiverse users will love to see how your prints of their designs come out. To share a photo, select Share to Thingiverse. The MakerBot Replicator Z18 will take a photograph of your build area. Push the dial again to post the photo to the Thing page.
FILAMENT Select the Filament icon to load or unload filament. To load filament: 1. Use the dial to select Load filament. 2. Unlock and remove the lid of the MakerBot Replicator Z18. 3. Wait for the Smart Extruder to heat. 4. Cut the end of your filament to create a clean edge. 5. Grasp the top of the extruder assembly and push the filament into the Smart Extruder’s loading tube until you can feel the motor pulling the filament in.
FILAMENT To change filament spools: 1. Unload filament. 2. Open the filament drawer and rotate the spool counterclockwise to wind the filament by hand around the spool. Caution: Be careful to keep the spool tightly wound as you pull the filament free of the guide tube. If you do not, the filament could unravel or tangle on the spool. 3. Remove the spool from the filament drawer. 4. Place the new spool in the drawer with the MakerBot logo facing up. 5.
PREHEAT Select the Preheat icon to preheat the Smart Extruderr. When you select Preheat, the Smart Extruder will immediately start heating. The current and target temperatures will be visible on the main screen. UTILITIES Use the Utilities menu to access plate leveling, diagnostics and other tools. Level Build Plate Select to begin the assisted leveling process.
UTILITIES SYSTEM TOOLS Additional options are available under System Tools. Home Position Select to move the build platform and extruder assembly to their home positions. The build platform will move all the way down and the extruder carriage will move to the front left corner of the MakerBot Replicator Z18. Attach Smart Extruder Select for assistance in attaching the MakerBot Replicator Smart Extruder. Diagnostics Select to run a diagnostic sequence or to copy recent diagnostics logs to the USB drive.
SETTINGS Use the Settings menu to edit network and sharing settings and to personalize your MakerBot Replicator Z18. Network Settings • • Network Info. Select for information about your network connection. MakerBot Account • • Unlink Account. Select to unlink your MakerBot account from the MakerBot • Replicator Z18. You will not be able to share to Thingiverse or print items from your MakerBot Cloud Library when logged out. Other Settings • • Name.
INFO Use the Info menu to view your 3D printer’s history and statistics. Firmware View the version number of the firmware currently installed on your MakerBot Replicator Z18. Statistics Select to view printing statistics, including total print time and the amount of space available in internal storage. History Select to view recently printed items. Select an individual item from the list to view the date, print time, and quantity of filament used.
6 TROUBLESHOOTING As you get to know your MakerBot® Replicator® Z18 3D Printer, you may run into issues with different parts of the printing process. Here is a handy guide to some simple-to-fix problems. For help with issues not covered in this chapter, go to makerbot.com/support or contact the MakerBot Support team by emailing support@makerbot.
PRINTING PROBLEMS PROBLEM Can’t load filament into the MakerBot Replicator Smart Extruder. SOLUTION Try unloading and loading again. Hold the Smart Extruder in place and try pushing the filament through. Push hard; as long as you are holding the Smart Extruder in place, pushing on the filament will not damage it. Can’t remove filament from the Smart Extruder. Try running the filament load script and allowing plastic to extrude for a few seconds. Then try unloading again.
PRINTING PROBLEMS PROBLEM SOLUTION Object peels off the build plate during printing. Make sure that the build plate tape is clean and securely applied to the build plate. If prints continue to peel off the plate, your plate may no longer be level. Follow the instructions on page 57 to level the build plate. Touchscreen doesn’t respond. The control panel screen on the MakerBot Replicator Z18 is not a touchscreen. Turn the dial to scroll through the available options on the screen.
PRINTING PROBLEMS PROBLEM SOLUTION The Smart Extruder is installed, but the MakerBot Replicator Z18 does not recognize it. Remove the Smart Extruder and run the extruder attachment script by going to Utilities > System Tools > Attach Smart Extruder. A print pauses unexpectedly. Make sure the front door of the MakerBot Replicator Z18 is closed. When the door is opened during a print, the print will automatically pause.
LEVELING THE BUILD PLATE The build plate on your MakerBot Replicator Z18 is leveled at the MakerBot Factory and locked into place, but over time it might shift slightly. If you observe that your prints are consistently peeling off of the build plate, you may need to level the plate again. Before leveling your build plate, unload any filament, clear debris from the extruder nozzle and build plate, and allow the Smart Extruder to cool. 1.
LEVELING THE BUILD PLATE 4. Follow the directions on the control panel. The Makerbot Replicator Z18 will move the Smart Extruder to different positions on the build plate. At each point it will prompt you to adjust one of the leveling knobs and prompt you again when the plate is in the correct position. Caution: Only turn the leveling knobs as directed by the instructions on the control panel. 5. When the leveling process is finished, tighten down the four locking bolts to secure the build plate. 6.
UPDATING FIRMWARE Firmware is the software that runs on your MakerBot Replicator Z18. Keeping your firmware up to date will help ensure that your MakerBot Replicator Z18 is in the best possible working order. Firmware updates allow MakerBot to add new features to your MakerBot Replicator Z18 and improve old ones. MakerBot Desktop will let you know if there’s a firmware update available. To upgrade to the new version, just select Upload Firmware from the Devices menu.
7 REFERENCE
SPECIFICATIONS PRINTING Print Technology: Build Volume: Layer Resolution: Filament: Nozzle Diameter: Print File Type: Fused deposition modeling 30.5 L X 30.5 W X 45.7 H cm [12.0 L X 12.0 W X 18.0 H in] 100 microns [0.0039 in] 1.75 mm [0.069 in] MakerBot PLA Filament 0.4 mm [0.015 in] .makerbot SOFTWARE Software Bundle: 3D Model File Types: Supported OS: MakerBot Desktop Software .stl, .obj, .thing Windows (7+), Mac OS X (10.7+), Linux (Ubuntu 12.
GLOSSARY BACK BUTTON: The button at the top right corner of the control panel’s LCD screen. The back button will often allow you to return to a previous screen or cancel an action. BUILD PLATE: The plate on which your MakerBot Replicator Z18 prints an object. The build plate on the MakerBot Replicator Z18 has two parts: a removable plastic top plate, and a flat, sturdy aluminum base. Additional plastic top plates are available for purchase at store.makerbot.com.
GLOSSARY FIRMWARE: The software that runs on your MakerBot Replicator Z18. GANTRY: The apparatus that allows the extruder assembly to move around. HEATED CHAMBER: The interior chamber of the MakerBot Replicator Z18. The chamber is heated during the printing process. INTERNAL STORAGE: The part of the internal storage on your MakerBot Replicator Z18 that you can use to store print files. The capacity of the internal storage is about 2GB. LAYOUT: An arrangement of 3D models on the build plate.
GLOSSARY PROFILE: The settings used to slice your 3D model and create a print file. MakerBot Desktop Software comes with preset profiles for Low, Standard and High resolution prints. RAFT: A plastic base printed on the build plate and used as a printing surface for your printed object. SETTINGS DIALOG: The dialog that allows you to change which print settings will be used when you create a print file.
HOW TO USE MAKERBOT SUPPORT At MakerBot, we take pride in offering expert, responsive, friendly customer support to customers around the world. When you call us or open a case on makerbot.com/support, there are a few things you can do ahead of time to help us help you. HAVE YOUR SERIAL NUMBER READY The serial number helps us to quickly look up your order and get more complete information on your MakerBot Replicator Z18.
CONTACT Support makerbot.com/support Our website has extensive documentation and troubleshooting information about your MakerBot Replicator Z18. It’s a great resource when you want to try to solve issues quickly on your own. makerbot.com/support/submit-a-case At MakerBot, we take pride in offering expert, responsive, friendly customer support to customers around the world. If you need help resolving an issue with the MakerBot Replicator Z18, open a case with the MakerBot Support Team at the address above.
MakerBot One MetroTech Center, 21st Floor, Brooklyn, NY support@makerbot.com makerbot.
