design

Testing out the Makerbot Replicator 2x

The Replicator 2X from MakerBot
The Replicator 2X from MakerBot

We recently added a Replicator 2X from MakerBot to our prototyping arsenal. I definitely like the more refined chassis of this 3D printer and the build area increase is fantastic. I selected the 2X because we often like to work in ABS and the Replicator 2 is only capable of printing PLA. To quickly test the printer, I like to use a chair I designed in Solidworks as a quick evaluation of quality. There are some subtle filets, chamfers, and overhangs that are often difficult to print correctly. With the exception of some warping due to a temperature gradient on our print bed, the chair came out great. I’m really looking forward to putting this machine through its paces.

3D Printed Chairs
The blue chair was printed using the Replicator 2X and the orange one was printed using a Thing-o-matic.