How to Change Filament
The easiest way to change the filament for your MakerBot Rep is to use the control
panel.
1.
Select Filament > Unload Filament.
2.
The Smart E will start to heat up. When the extruder is fully heated, it will go through a
two-part unloading process. Remove the filament from the extruder only when prompted by the
control panel.
3.
Open the filament drawer and remove the old spool. Be careful to keep the spool tightly wound
as you pull the filament free of the guide tube. Place the new spool in the filament drawer.
4.
Select Filament > Load Filament.
5.
Wait for the Smart E to heat.
6.
Cut the end of your new filament to create a clean edge.
7.
Grasp the top of the extruder assembly and push the filament into the loading tube in the
extruder until you can feel the motor pulling the filament in.
8.
Wait until you see plastic emerging from the extruder nozzle before pressing the control panel
dial to finish the filament load process.
Note
: If you're changing colors, you'll need to run the extruder for a few moments to clear out
the old color before finishing the filament load process.
Changing Filament During a Print
To replace a spool that's running low, or to create a print with layered colors, you can change
filament during a print. Go to
Menu
>
and select
Change Filament
. This will pause your
print and take you directly to the
Filament
menu. Then follow the steps above before resuming
your print.If you’re up to date with the latest firmware and
, you can also allow your
Smart E to run out of filament. This will cause your MakerBot Rep to run the
Unload Filament
script. When the extruder has finished unloading, wait for it to cool to at least
50°C. Remove the last piece of filament from the extruder, then select
Load
Filament. When you
have finished the load sequence
