Simplify3D with Makertbot Replicator 2X

[sejo]

I'm wondering if anybody has had success using Simplify3D with a Makerbot Replicator 2X. I unfortunately have not been able to get a single print from the Rep 2X with files sliced by Simplify3D. Each time I send a file to print, I get a clogged nuzzle with files sliced with Simplify3D. The same file prints just fine using the Makerbot Desktop slicer.

Makerbot Desktop has its own issues, but at least I'm able to print reliably with it.

Any Simplify3D/Replicator 2X users would like to chime in?

[JoeJ]

I've done MANY prints on my old Rep2X using the stock settings in S3D - they worked just fine. You might want to try going to Help --> reset all settings. After you restart the program, choose the Replicator 2X from the configuration assistant when it opens. Then try a print without making any other changes.

[sejo]

Thanks for the tip. I was able to do a test print with the default settings in S3D. However, there are some quality problems that don't appear using Makerbot Desktop with the Default Settings.

On the plus side, the dimensional accuracy is higher in S3D than with the Makerbot Desktop slicer.

Any suggestions with regards to the small bubbles when printed with S3D? It seems the feeding rate and the extruder speed are not optimized for each other.

Thanks.

[JoeJ]

It might be easiest if you just post the gcode files from the 2 programs. Then we can help point out what settings you might want to change.

In MakerBot's software, I believe when you try to export the toolpaths, you can use the drop down menu to select .gcode instead of .x3g.

[sejo]

These are the gcode (MB) and factory (S3D) files from the calibration model. I did not see an option to export a gcode file from S3D.

The Rep 2X simply cannot print a perfect circle from day one. I was attributing this to the hardware, but after I printed the calibration cylinders with S3D, which printed an almost perfect circle, I realize that MB's software may be the problem. Although the S3D print has some finishing problems, the printed cylinders are almost perfectly round.

Thanks.

[Scottbee]

I run a printer farm with a number of R2X's in a production environment. All we use for slicing is S3D and it has served us VERY well (even incorporated our auto-leveling system into the code).

What material are you using? I hope that is ABS.

[sejo]

The material used is ABS.

I work in an environment that has had 3D printers for over 20 years. I personally acquired the a Rep 2 and Rep 2X to develop prototypes of my designs and inventions. I have not seen this kind of printing issues with my workplace printers (mostly uPrint models, but some other lower end models as well) or my own printers using Makerbot slicer and Replicator G.

I'm not sure what the issue might be. I mostly use Macs for my own work. So the issue may be related to S3D for the Mac.

Is your printer farm all PC based?

[sejo]

I would like to add a few my details about my setup.

The 2X has upgraded extruders and filament spool support. I'm also using Builtak instead of kapton tape.

I clean and level the build plate before each print.

With this setup and workflow, the Rep 2X doesn't have any issues printing for 9 or more hours without a hitch.

Thanks for posting.

[billyd]

I use s3d with a rep 2 (heavily modified with heated glass bed, enclosure, aluminum z stage, aluminum carriage, high temp extruder.

I get stunning results with ABS. I've attached a typical profile I use. Try it out. If you are still having problems, it's got to be something with your individual printer.

This particular file I use with red abs from Matterhackers. Their filament is typically undersized and out of round, and yet I still get great results. Be sure to adjust the filament diameter to what your ABS average actually is.

[DarthRevan]

These are the gcode (MB) and factory (S3D) files from the calibration model. I did not see an option to export a gcode file from S3D.

The Rep 2X simply cannot print a perfect circle from day one. I was attributing this to the hardware, but after I printed the calibration cylinders with S3D, which printed an almost perfect circle, I realize that MB's software may be the problem. Although the S3D print has some finishing problems, the printed cylinders are almost perfectly round.

Thanks.

Sejo,

My Replicator 2X is having no issues with your factory file other than one print jammed on me but I was keeping a close eye on it so I didn't waste too much time. I'll attach some pictures of the final print below.

did you attempt Help --> Reset All Settings?