correct distance from the Smart E when you begin a print. To run the
calibration routine, select
Z Calibration
and then select
Run Home Calibration.
Manually Adjusting the Z-Axis Offset
If your rafts and first layers are printing poorly or if your filament isn’t sticking to your
build plate, the Smart E is probably printing a little too far from the build
plate. Similarly, if no filament is coming out of the nozzle, or you’re hearing a clicking
noise when your MakerBot Rep starts a print, your extruder may be a little
too close to the build plate.
To adjust the Z-axis Offset, you will need to have your printer connected to MakerBot
Print:
1.
Navigate to the Printer Panel and select the printer whose Z Offset you wish to
manually adjust.
2.
Select
Utilities.
3.
Select
Calibration.
4.
Select
Z-Axis Offset.
Next, lower or raise the distance between the extruder nozzle and the build plate
and select
Apply Changes.
We recommend changing this value just one notch at a
time. Changes will only affect the next print.
Note: Decreasing the offset too much can damage your build plate.
Smart E Tips
These are some tips for avoiding clogs and extending the life of your Smart
E.
•
Your MakerBot 3D printer’s cooling process is designed to prevent filament
clogs. Always wait for the extruder to cool to 50
°
C before detaching it or
turning off your MakerBot 3D printer.
•
Wait until the extruder finishes unloading your filament before pulling it free.
Always allow the Smart E to do most of the work when unloading
filament.
•
Prevent tangles in the filament by keeping filament tightly wound when
switching spools.
•
When changing filament, allow plastic to extrude for several seconds to
ensure all residue and partial blockages are cleared from the thermal barrier
tube.
