3D Printer Update

Our makerbot 3D printer has undergone some improvements in the last week or so.

The extruder tension piece needed replacement. This switch was made easy by the ability to print the new piece that we needed in-house. Using an available online schematic, we were able to upgrade from a Mk 7 to mk 8 without ever leaving the Help Desk (save for coffee breaks).

STL files were downloaded from the makerbot website, and were printed without modification. No paying for postage, no waiting on a package in the mail. The pieces were printed and off the build tray in approximately thirty-five minutes.

Below is a picture of the pieces printed for the improvement.

The only items that we needed to order were two bolts, a bearing and a spring.