I have a replicator 2x. when i first got the machine, it was producing great prints.
I made sure to always do maintenance on time. But for the last 6 months, I have started to experience issues completing prints.
I have tried different filaments, different temps, replacing the nozzle, calibration, and many other things.
I figured it may be one of two things. these issues started when I upgraded Makerware to 3.6 (The one that enables you to create detailed profiles), not sure if this has something to do with it, but my prints fail even when i use the quick settings.
The other thing is that my print bed has a couple of dents in it and also seems to be very slightly bent. I have to admit I was a complete beginner to 3d printing and 3d printers so this is probably self inflected. The print usually will complete until about 30-40% before failing however. It may get to 80% if im lucky. and also any prints with thin or complex sections are sure to fail.
Can I use a glass surface on top of my build plate to ensure it is level?
Any other suggestions?
I am getting to a point where I don’t know what to do any more. Can this be bad filament? Wrong temp? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Yeah I’ve had issues with mine. At first I thought maybe the build plate was heating unevenly but I used my Flir camera and found that the heat is more or less even give or take about 8 degrees F.
I think the build plate has warped over time, you can tell because it never really levels correctly anymore. I ordered an aftermarket build plate from BC tech last week. I’ll try to remember to post the results once I get it.
I also ordered a new set of extruders/hot ends. Mine have many hundreds of hours of use and are looking a little worn out.
I had a print which stuck really hard to the plate and I used a flathead to pry it out. I think that incident created both the dents and bent the plate
I had the same uneven build plate issues you have straight out of the box - i used spirit levels placed in each corner to show that the plate is not level. I then returned it for a full refund and bought a printer that does what it says it can do.
I have the Chinese copy of your machine (duplicator) so it is pretty much exactly the same. The solution I came up with for a scratched bed was to buy a picture frame from a pound shop for (you guessed it) a pound. The glass from it was nice and thin with a little flex and double the size of the bed. Cut it in half and now have two sheets that can be held on with mini bulldog clips. I printed a little clip the same thickness as the glass and placed it on the vertical board at the back of the bed to offset the Z stop switch. This way if I was to not use the glass I just lift off the clip. I found that once print is complete remove glass with print on it and let it cool. you can hear the print lifting itself off the glass as it cools. Two glass plates and a little tub of mini bulldog clips two pound (no brainer).
Have you tried re installing the original software that came with the machine? I know that this is a pain but at least it will ether eliminate that or confirm the problem.
I have done the same mod about 1 year ago and has been flawless ever since. Hair spray and glue stick produces fabulous results. I have over 4000hours printing on both of my Replicator 2X machines and they are printing wonders!
do you have pics of your setup? I tried it for a while, but the print kept hitting the clips or getting stuck… also how did you cut the glass in half (I’m guessing a glass cutter duh but if you didn’t I’d be happy to hear it!)
