MakerBot Mini Build Plate Support

thingiverse

Over time through frequent removal and installation of the MakerBot Mini build Plate it may become loose and move up and down at the front. Out of the box, when everything is new and firm, this isn't an issue however as the built plate is not supported underneath whatsoever, when the brackets holding it start to wear the build plate can start moving around. This can affect print quality and/or cause Smart Extruder issues. The Mini Stablizer Plate can be printed on a Mini and simply drops in place before installing the build plate as per usual. It effectively adds solid support underneath the build plate so it can't drop down. Movement is almost eliminated. The Build Plate Stabilizer prints upside down so make sure you invert it when you install it. This makes the Stabilizer lock against the existing brackets to form a solid and stable base for the Mini build plate to sit on. Please Note: (1) The Stabilizer Plate was developed with prints from a Replicator 2. Please check it does not affect the original build plate height or position as that could affect the Mini's positioning and/or first layers. This is intended to support the original build plate and make it more solid not reposition it or alter the level of the plate. Please check when installing it and watch the start of the first print closely. To achieve the desired result for your Mini you may need to print using slightly scaled Z height (the development print functions perfectly but not every machine will print the same as this was on a Replicator 2) (2) Nothing directly to do with this Build Plate Support, as it should not affect the standard Build Plate level, use the Z-Offset feature in MakerBot Desktop to increase the start clearance when first installing this plate. This provides a safety margin just in case. Having said that, even without the support plate fitted I have been adding 0.24mm to ensure adequate clearance so extrusion starts well... which helps avoid extruder issues. Instructions Print with raft (standard on a Mini) with 4 shells and 25% or more infill to ensure the plate is solid and will adequately support the original build plate. The Stabilizer Plate prints upside down so invert to install. This makes it lock against the original brackets to provide a solid base platform for the Mini build plate and will effectively eliminate almost all up/down movement cue to wear. The Stabilizer Plate simply drops into place in a matter of seconds. No attachment required and the original build plate will slip in/out as usual on top of it but will be better supported almost to the front of the build plate as a result. Please Note: (1) The Stabilizer Plate was developed with prints from a Replicator 2. Please check it does not affect the original build plate height or position as that could affect the Mini's positioning and/or first layers. This is intended to support the original build plate and make it more solid not reposition it or alter the level of the plate. Please check when installing it and watch the start of the first print closely. To achieve the desired result for your Mini you may need to print using slightly scaled Z height (the development print functions perfectly but not every machine will print the same as this was on a Replicator 2) (2) Nothing directly to do with this Build Plate Support, as it should not affect the standard Build Plate level, use the Z-Offset feature in MakerBot Desktop to increase the start clearance when first installing this plate. This provides a safety margin just in case. Having said that, even without the support plate fitted I have been adding 0.24mm to ensure adequate clearance so extrusion starts well... which helps avoid extruder issues.