Replicator Gen 5: Level Build Plate Prob.

[Cole]

When I try to level the build plate on my new replicator (both in the setup and after the first couple prints), as message comes up telling me to clear my filament.  After following its guidance and removing the filament the replicator promptly skips the leveling step and proceeds to printing; however, when I do go back after an uneven print to try leveling again the same thing happens.  Does anyone know how to fix this, or have a link describing a similar problem?

[Zeca Ribroute]

Have the same F***** problem, i'm really tired of this new sh** that makerbot try to sold as a "revolution" 2 weeks i have it, still not get a proper piece!

On day my filament is block on this "SMART?" extruder, one day, the level build plate is horrible and i changed nothing, and now i couldn't change my level build plate cause it told me that i need to extrude the filament, but i already did it 10 times ! firmware 1.0.0.18...

[Marc Di Cioccio]

Me too. I have had a lot of problems. I think its very unfair how this product is marketed as a consumer product when it has so many issues. I have had probably 5 issues so far with it. less than a week old and can't get it to print, yet people suggest this is acceptable. All I want is to print what I have drawn, and this is all I can't achieve.

My extruder has clogged a few times, it is not unclogged, but now I can't print a full model without either the product printing air after a fair bit of time and clumps coming out. I live in Australia, and read other people have these problems commonly. For $4,000AU which it cost me after shipping and taxes (or the $3000US) it is far from acceptable to print 50 models and get issues. I have only done about 5.

[Rachel Jennerjohn]

I had this same problem and contacted MakerBot to see what they could tell me. Their advice was about right, but I had to tweak it to get it work properly.

First you need to make sure your firmware is up to date. The Bot comes standard with 1.0.1.18 and I believe and they are currently on 1.0.3.44. Just open the MakerBot desktop, select devices from the toolbar and then choose Update Firmware. (Devices>Update Firmware)

Second is the examining, cleaning and reattaching your smart extruder. I have tried doing this several ways, and it seems that there is only one way. First unload your filament and wait for the extruder to cool completely. Then power off your Bot. You can find this under Utilities. Next completely cut power to your Bot by flipping the switch on the back. Now that the Bot is off gently remove your smart extruder. 

1. Examine the extruder and check out the pins on the back. Make sure they can be depressed and that the return to their original height. To the left of the pins is a silver, toothed, nut , make sure that it rotates freely. Also check out the cap nut on the front opposite the toothed one. Make sure that it is secure inside the extruder. If you see any problems with the extruder I would contact support and make sure to give them the SN for the extruder. If its functionally move on the cleaning. 

2. Check the tip to see if you have any leftover material that has melted on. You'll want to remove it and possibly shine up the tip just a little. I would use a wire brush with thin but stiff bristles. 

Once you think it is good and clean turn the power back on and wait for it to complete the start up process. Once its ready to go, reattach the extruder. 

3. The attach process is under Utilities, (Utilities>System Tools>Attach Extruder). Start the attachment and then gently place the extruder back on. Make sure that the centering pin is aligned to the center of the nut, and that the toothed nut on the back of the extruder is completely attached the the corresponding toothed nut on the gantry.

Now try running your level build plate process. Even after running the assisted leveling I really haven't had a truly level surface. I think this might be because the plate for the build surface isn't a very sturdy/precise design. The best result I've had is when I used a gauge block and manually leveled the surface to the extruder. It took a lot longer but it seemed to work.

I hope this helps.