We have an old replicator that used to work spot-on every time with a variety of materials, now we are having x-axis issues. The belt I think is missing a tooth, and it skips slightly when it gets to certain position. Has anyone worked on Gen 1 Replicators? Is there a good source to order replacement belts?
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Hi,
You might want to try some websites for clone replicators as I’m sure they use pretty much the same parts. I found this one in the UK: http://www.wanhaouk.com/collections/duplicator-4-parts/products/drive-belt-x-axis
and this one in the U.S. Store : http://wanhaousa.com/collections/hardware
I can imagine they fit as they are built of basically identical frame work.
I had the same thing u may need to change the the x loom as if u dnt have the black lead
Does it skip at the same place along the X axis or along the print?
I had an issue with mine where I started breaking some of the wires to drive the X axis where they flex along the Y axis.
You could check my doing a print and then trying to slow down the carriage by hand. If it skips with a slight load regardless of X position, then it is likely you have a loose or intermittently breaking wire.
I fixed my own by splicing in a length of flat flex cable out of a 2D printer.
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Nix3d
5
I have a rep2 and I just fixed the x axis cable, I thought it was the belt also. I was having jiddering problems, and fixing the cable helped. Don’t know if it’s the same issue but might be worth looking into.
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i Got the 2x but it’s the same. I had the xaxis that missed steps, but was the cable broken, it’s common that x cable cuts, try to check wiring integrity.
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If you can’t find a Rep1 specific part, I am almost certain you can order a match from McMaster. Just caliper it up and check the tooth density. They have most of the different timing belts there…
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I had the same issue but it wasn’t a result of my belt. I bought the original Replicator when it was released and around firmware version ~3 to ~6 this was a result of bad code. It happened again with the beta version of MakerWare. And the again when I tried using the latest version of MakerBot Desktop. So, I would recommend MakerWare 2.4.1. You can find it on legacy download sites. Alternatively, try running soley from the SD card instead of USB. This issue also occurred with my coworkers Replicator 2 with repeatable results. Found that if the machine bumps an axis limit between the initial homing to the end, the machine will lose itself in whichever axis and “shift” the print.
Nice Mcgiver move! I used to just call Stratasys support line and would get belts replaced every two years or so because we had service contract for a FDM2000. Our symptom was that in the z build on a flat surface the part would have pimples. Like the part had measles.
“SHIFT” been there:( since then I need to limit my build size under the advertised.
I had this issue as well and the culprit was the wire connection to the stepper.
Dano
12
I had a Rep 1 for a while and it’s a great printer as long as you’re willing to put up with how slow it is.
Regarding your problem, here is a helpful post I found: Redirecting to Google Groups
And here’s where to buy: Product | Designatronics Store | Stock Drive Products/Sterling Instrument
Good luck!
Hey @Revolutionize_C, did you manage to get it fixed? If so, what worked? Cheers
I think it may be a combination of a wiring issue you speak of as well as a belt that has a tooth missing- have to check again. I am off this week, but I will have my guys look into x-loom!
I think its a mechanical issue, but will try updating firmware thanks!
Not yet, we disassembled the extrude… and looked at the wiring for the carriage. Pretty sure it is an issue with the x-belt as well. I am off this week, but will have the guys look at it.
Good source Dano! If the fiddling doesn’t work, then I will look at replacement parts.
ill try that trouble shooting… i think it skips int he same spot roughly when moving x axis
