Complete Review of MakerBot Replicator 2X 3D Printer

MakerBot keeps pushing the limits of 3D printing technology, and their products are a testament to this commitment. The latest MakerBot Replicator 2X Experimental 3D Printer (dual extruders) 3D Printer is no exception. It is a heavy duty version of the hugely successful fourth generation MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer. The MakerBot Replicator 2X Experimental Desktop 3D Printer is a high precision and heavy duty 3D printer designed for 3D printing enthusiasts, who want to get a taste of what this technology is all about.

Most notably, the 3D printer is optimized for printing thermoplastic MakerBot ABS filament, in addition to PLA filament. This newest design from MakerBot is the perfect choice for 3D printing enthusiasts, as the cost of maintenance has been deliberately reduced, in comparison to professional grade 3D printers.

Innovation
The Replicator 2X has been designed to be the future of 3D printing. Its innovative experimental dual-extruder allows users to print using multiple materials. Users can use different materials or colors to enjoy the next generation of 3D printing. Additionally, the 3D printer is designed to have minimum movable or reciprocating parts, reducing the maintenance costs for the owners. Therefore, the daredevils and enthusiasts of 3D printing can enjoy it without bothering about the high costs of maintenance.

Design and Build
MakerBot Replicator 2X Experimental Desktop 3D Printer sports a high-tolerance aluminum build plate, which has been produced with superior manufacturing technology to prevent warping, or sagging during printing. Even the frame is built of industrial strength steel to provide extra stability during high speed printing. Users can enjoy their machine at work from all sides, except the bottom, of course, as they are fitted with transparent glass panels.

Despite its dual extruders, the filament loading is a breeze. Operating the filament lever to load the filament is so simple that anyone can do it in seconds. The printer also boasts of a better thermal control that ensures even heating of the build plate throughout. The filament feeder system has been redesigned to reduce movable parts, and therefore the entire stripping, skipping and jamming process is greatly simplified. The advantage of this is that there are no machine parts to wear and tear, thereby reducing the maintenance costs.

Buy on Amazon

Filament and Printing
Unlike its smaller brother, Replicator 2, the new Replicator 2X is a full-featured 3D printer. As part of its repertoire, the printer is also capable of making use of ABS filament in addition to the PLA filament. The printer offers an astonishing precision of printing that goes beyond 100-micron resolution. The printing experience has been completely overhauled in this printer. Since the dual extruder now supports multi-color printing, the software has also been upgraded to make use of this new feature.

Users can simply drag and drop models onto a virtual build plate, where they can see their virtual models in all their colored glory, even before printing. The printing process has undergone changes to make the acceleration of the printing speed a far smoother affair. This reduces the vibration, and results in high precision models.

Conclusion
A number of improvements have made the Replication 2X faster than the previous models. The heavy duty 3D printer needs significantly lesser maintenance, and delivers high precision models. This mid-range printer makes a great collection to any 3D printing enthusiast, who wants to enjoy all the features of 3D printing, without shelving a fortune on a professional grade 3D printer.