successful replication with the MakerBot

Posted on Posted in Hacks

Hey Hackers.  Just thought I would share my success story with the new VHS MakerBot.

Backstory:  Two days after purchasing a new cupcake holder one of the 4 corner snaps broke.   Rather than returning/exchanging the product, I decided to repair it.

Designing:  Using a pair of digital calipers I measured and reproduced the part in Google Sketchup.  The process took no more than 20 minutes to get the basic shape sketched out.  Once I was happy with the look of the part I exported it to a STL file using this ruby script.

Printing:  The printing part was very easy.  The MakerBot software directly imports STL files.  Once the part was imported I clicked the button to generate the GCode necessary to drive the machine.  25 minutes later I had a completed part with the exact dimensions as the original.

Conclusion:  The MakerBot rocks!  The process to design, create and print any custom plastic part is so easy!  I would almost encourage people to break something just so they can have the opportunity to try out this process.

good times!
fish

Original part:

MakerBotted:

2 Comments on “successful replication with the MakerBot”

  1. Recently looking into creating the RepRap. It’s famous for being able to replicate it’s own parts. Do you think the MakerBot can be used to create a RepRap? Your insight is appreciated.

  2. | wonderful put up, very informative. I wonder why the opposite specialists of this sector do not understand this. You should continue your writing. I’m sure, you have a great readers’ base already!