Summary of Replicator Z18
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User manual.
Page 2: Table of Contents
1 welcome 04 legal notices 05 safety and compliance 07 about the makerbot replicator z18 10 2 getting started 14 accessory checklist 15 unpacking the makerbot replicator z18 16 setting up the makerbot replicator z18 21 3 startup 25 the makerbot replicator z18 control panel 26 first steps 27 4 makerb...
Page 3: Table of Contents
Welcome. Let’s get started. 6 troubleshooting 53 printing problems 54 leveling the build plate 57 updating firmware 59 emptying the filament waste bin 59 7 reference 60 specifications 61 glossary 62 contact 65 table of contents version 1.
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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. 1.
Page 5: Legal
5 legal the makerbot ® replicator ® z18 3d printer is covered by a limited warranty. For terms and conditions, see makerbot.Com/legal. All information in this user manual (“manual”) is subject to change at any time without notice and is provided for convenience purposes only. Makerbot industries, ll...
Page 6: Legal
6 legal 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 expres...
Page 7: Safety and Compliance
Welcome. 7 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 aga...
Page 8: Safety and Compliance
Welcome. 8 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 make...
Page 9: Safety and Compliance
Welcome. 9 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...
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Welcome. 10 about the makerbot replicator z18 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 ma...
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Welcome. 11 about the makerbot replicator z18 1 makerbot replicator diagrams 4. Control panel 5. Filament drawer 1. Build plate 2. Filament waste bin 3. Build plate latches 5 2 4 3 6. Smart extruder 6.
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Welcome. 12 about the makerbot replicator z18 2 1 makerbot replicator diagrams 3 4 3. Usb port 1. Power switch 2. Power input port 4. Ethernet port.
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Welcome. 13 about the makerbot replicator z18 2 1 makerbot replicator diagrams 4 4. Bellows 1. Gantry 2. Extruder carriage 3. Filament guide tube 3.
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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. 2.
Page 15: Accessory Checklist
Getting started 15 accessory checklist power cord build plate tape usb cable 5 mm hex wrench safety booklet makerbot replicator smart extruder large makerbot pla filament spool inside your makerbot replicator z18 you’ll find everything you need to get started, including a spool of makerbot pla filam...
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Getting started 16 2 remove packaging materials unpacking the makerbot replicator z18 cut the straps holding the makerbot replicator z18 box in place and lift off the cardboard lid and sleeve. Remove the tape and foam holding the door and filament drawer of the makerbot replicator z18 open. Peel the...
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Getting started 17 3 remove accessories unpacking the makerbot replicator z18 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 ...
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Getting started 18 5 adjust leveling feet unpacking the makerbot replicator z18 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 l...
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Getting started 19 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..
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Getting started 20 7 remove gantry clips unpacking the makerbot replicator z18 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..
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Getting started 21 setting up the makerbot replicator z18 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. 1 install smart extruder no...
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Getting started 22 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. Th...
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Getting started 23 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 replica...
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Getting started 24 setting up the makerbot replicator z18 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 m...
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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. 3.
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Startup 26 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. See chapter 5 for more on the control panel and its menus...
Page 27: First Steps
Startup 27 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 filamen...
Page 28: First Steps
Startup 28 first steps 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 > i...
Page 29: First Steps
Startup 29 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 ethern...
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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 wi...
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Makerbot desktop 31 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 compu...
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Makerbot desktop 32 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 a...
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Makerbot desktop 33 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 se...
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Makerbot desktop 34 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...
Page 35: Preparing to Print
Makerbot desktop 35 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. +/– • • click the plus and minus butto...
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Makerbot desktop 36 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 dow...
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Makerbot desktop 37 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 ...
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Makerbot desktop 38 print settings printing from makerbot desktop 1 5 4 6 2 3 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 standa...
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Makerbot desktop 39 print settings printing to the makerbot replicator z18 printing from makerbot desktop when you are ready to print, click print to slice the model using the current settings and send a .Makerbot print file to your makerbot replicator z18. • • • if makerbot desktop is connected to ...
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Makerbot desktop 40 using the camera a feed of images from the onboard camera is always available when you’re connected to your makerbot replicator z18. 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 ...
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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. 5.
Page 42: Home Screen
The control panel 42 home screen 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. Preheat: preheat the smart extruder. 4. Utilities: access di...
Page 43: Print
The control panel 43 print 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 m...
Page 44: Print
The control panel 44 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 av...
Page 45: Print
The control panel 45 print 4 3 2 1 4. Print menu. Press the control panel’s menu button to open the print menu. The print menu contains the following options: • • pause. Select this option to temporarily pause your print. You can also • pause by pressing the control panel dial. • • change filament. ...
Page 46: Print
The control panel 46 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 p...
Page 47: Filament
The control panel 47 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 t...
Page 48: Filament
The control panel 48 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...
Page 49: Utilities
The control panel 49 utilities use the utilities menu to access plate leveling, diagnostics and other tools. Level build plate select to begin the assisted leveling process. For best results when leveling, make sure filament is unloaded and the extruder nozzle is clean, and wipe any plastic debris o...
Page 50: Utilities
The control panel 50 utilities 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 makerbo...
Page 51: Settings
The control panel 51 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 accou...
Page 52: Info
The control panel 52 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 availa...
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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. 6.
Page 54: Printing Problems
Troubleshooting 54 problem solution can’t load filament into the makerbot replicator smart extruder. 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...
Page 55: Printing Problems
Troubleshooting 55 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 contin- ue to peel off the plate, your plate may no longer be level. Follow the instructions on page...
Page 56: Printing Problems
Troubleshooting 56 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 ...
Page 57: Leveling The Build Plate
Troubleshooting 57 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 plat...
Page 58: Leveling The Build Plate
Troubleshooting 58 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 i...
Page 59: Updating Firmware
Troubleshooting 59 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 rep...
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Reference 7.
Page 61: Specifications
Reference 61 specifications printing print technology: fused deposition modeling build volume: 30.0 l x 30.5 w x 45.7 h cm [11.8 l x 12.0 w x 18.0 h in] layer resolution: 100 microns [0.0039 in] filament: 1.75 mm [0.069 in] makerbot pla filament nozzle diameter: 0.4 mm [0.015 in] print file type: .M...
Page 62: Glossary
Reference 62 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 make...
Page 63: Glossary
Reference 63 glossary gantry: the apparatus that allows the extruder assembly to move around. Heated chamber: the interior chamber of the makerbot replicator z18. For information on heating the chamber during a print, go to mbot.Co/15pwxxo. Internal storage: the part of the internal storage on your ...
Page 64: Glossary
Reference 64 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. ...
Page 65: Contact
Reference 65 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/new/support at makerbot, we take pride in...
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Makerbot one metrotech center, 21st floor, brooklyn, ny makerbot.Com.