The MakerBot Replicator 2 is now available in the Maker Shed! MakerBot’s latest machine won one of three Best in Class awards in our Ultimate Guide to 3D Printing and is a fantastic all-around printer. MakerBot clearly put a lot of effort into making this machine approachable to everyone – the instruction manual will have you extruding within fifteen minutes and printing your first part in under half of an hour!
Unlike all of MakerBot’s previous models, the Replicator 2 is optimized for printing with PLA plastic, which is generally easier to work with than ABS. PLA is also biodegradable, has a lower melting point, and is great for printing large objects since it doesn’t require a heated build platform to prevent warping. The unheated, acrylic platform on the Replicator 2 pops right off so you can easily remove your parts.
After spending a few weeks with this machine, I started to notice a few other improvements over the original Replicator – there’s now a cold pause feature that allows you to step away from the machine for extended periods, the build platform itself is 37% larger, and the on-board interface is quicker to respond to button presses. With the help of the new extruder mounted fan, the Replicator 2 is capable of printing some impressively complex parts.
The Replicator 2 is in stock and shipping from the Maker Shed warehouse. Assuming our stock holds out, your printer will ship within 24-48 hours of placing the order.
Want to find out more about this and other 3D Printers? Check out the new MAKE Ultimate Guide to 3D Printing!
2013 MAKE Ultimate Guide To 3D Printing
- 3D Printers Buyer's Guide — 15 Reviewed
- Getting Started in 3D
- Learn the Software Toolchain
- 3D Design for Beginners
- 3D Printing without a Printer
