Problems with Makerbot After Makerware upgrade to 3.7.075

[RosetteHunter]

Greetings!

We have owned a Makerbot Replicator 2x since early 2014, and ,until the most recent upgrade to the Makerbot Desktop software, we had no problems using it.

Now, when we create a Dual Extrusion, The Two extruders and the Table heat up as expected UNTIL the replicator sings its happy tune and starts moving: At that point, the RIGHT extruder turns its HEATER OFF, and it of course cools to the point where it no longer extrudes, DESPITE the machine still moving as if theres nothing wrong!

We have determined that this must be something wrong with the current version of the Makerbot Desktop software, because if we were to use older X3G files CREATED BEFORE the Upgrade, we have NO PROBLEMS, with the extruders both remaining hot and extruding properly through the process. Additionally, No problems show up when we print the original Cone that came on the card.

We are using Makerware 3.7.075 on Ubuntu Linux, and the Firmware on the Makerbot is 7.5. We print from x3g files on the SD Card.

Might anyone have a solution to this problem?

Thank you in advance

[Guest]

Since it seems to be a software problem, you'll want to try to revert back to your previous version of Makerware. I didn't have any luck finding downloads for older versions, so you may have to contact Makerbot support for a download link.

I haven't had this issue with mine, but I'm not using Makerware or stock firmware anymore. I recently upgraded to the latest custom Sailfish firmware with Simplify3D and have had excellent results.

[RosetteHunter]

Yes. That has been what my partner and I have been thinking all this time. We also went on a search for an older version of Makerware (before it became Makerware Desktop) but we were only able to find dead links. Plus, with us using the Ubuntu version, we didnt even find any in this list (of dead links) for a linux version. I have also tried to open up the Linux repository and see if I could "roll back" but it doesnt seem to offer any previous versions to "Force Version" with.

So yes, any link or upload someone might have of Makerware 2.x (for Linux) would be appreciated

[Guest]

I'm having no luck with an extended search, and Makerbot's website is acting funny for me right now. Maybe someone else will have an older version for you.

[RosetteHunter]

Makerbot did get back to me and they suggested that I check the settings (in 3.7) which deal with the material type (PLA vs ABS) on the off chance that one extruder might be set wrong. However, I did notice that nothing seemed "off".

However, I am at a point where I want to get deeper into slicer settings since I have some old slicer settings from last year (before Makerware became Makerware Desktop). Playing a game of "what has changed?", here is one of the "works well" slicer settings (from Makerware Version 3.0). I was unable to grab a Standard Setting copy from 3.0 (just wasnt in my backup of last year's files, unfortunately), but here is one with relatively few tweaks (mostly to increase density of the print and for printing something that needed Supports)

{
    "comment" : [
     "This is a custom profile for MakerBot Slicer. Editing it will modify your",
      "slice settings. For documentation on MakerBot Slicer parameters, see here:",
      "http://www.makerbot.com/support/makerware/documentation/slicer"
    ],
    "version":"3.0.0",

    "layerHeightMinimum": 0.12,
    "layerHeightMaximum": 0.27,

    "layerHeight": 0.20,
    "layerWidthMaximum": 0.4,
    "layerWidthMinimum": 0.4,
    "layerWidthRatio": 1.48148,
    "bedZOffset": 0.0,
    "startX": -110.4,
    "startY": -74.0,
    "startZ": 0.2,
    "defaultExtruder": 0,

    "rapidMoveFeedRateXY": 150,
    "rapidMoveFeedRateZ": 23,

    "minLayerDuration": 5.0,
    "minSpeedMultiplier": 0.3,

    "doDynamicSpeed": false,
    "dynamicSpeedCurvatureThreshold": 15,
    "dynamicSpeedDetectionWindow": 3.0,
    "dynamicSpeedSlowdownRatio": 0.5,
    "doDynamicSpeedGradually": true,
    "dynamicSpeedTransitionWindow": 6.0,
    "dynamicSpeedTransitionShape": 0.4,
    "doDynamicSpeedOutermostShell" : true,
    "doDynamicSpeedInteriorShells" : false,

    "doSplitLongMoves": true,
    "splitMinimumDistance": 0.4,

    "extruderTemp0": 230,
    "extruderTemp1": 230,
    "platformTemp": 110,

    "numberOfShells": 2,
    "infillShellSpacingMultiplier": 0.7,
    "insetDistanceMultiplier": 1.0,

    "roofThickness": 0.8,
    "roofLayerCount_disabled": 4,
    "roofAnchorMargin": 0.4,
    "floorThickness": 0.8,
    "floorLayerCount_disabled": 4,

    "coarseness": 0.0001,

    "sparseInfillPattern": "hexagonal",
    "infillDensity": 1,
    "infillOrientationOffset": 0,
    "infillOrientationInterval": 90,
    "infillOrientationRange": 90,

    "gridSpacingMultiplier": 1.0,
    "solidFillOrientationOffset" : -45,
    "solidFillOrientationInterval": 90,
    "solidFillOrientationRange": 90,

    "doBacklashCompensation": false,
    "backlashEpsilon": 0.05,
    "backlashFeedback": 0.9,
    "backlashX": 0.0,
    "backlashY": 0.09,

    "doBridging": true,
    "bridgeAnchorMinimumLength": 0.8,
    "bridgeAnchorWidth": 0.8,
    "bridgeMaximumLength": 80.0,
    "bridgeSpacingMultiplier": 1.0,

    "doExternalSpurs": true,
    "doInternalSpurs": false,
    "maxSpurWidth": 0.5,
    "minSpurLength": 0.34,
    "minSpurWidth": 0.12,
    "spurOverlap": 0.001,

    "doRaft": true,
    "defaultRaftMaterial": 0,
    "doMixedRaft": false,
    "raftAligned": true,
    "raftBaseAngle": 0,
    "raftBaseDensity": 0.7,
    "raftBaseLayers": 1,
    "raftBaseRunGapRatio": 0.8,
    "raftBaseRunLength": 15.0,
    "raftBaseThickness": 0.3,
    "raftBaseWidth": 2.5,
    "raftInterfaceAngle": 45,
    "raftInterfaceDensity": 0.3,
    "raftInterfaceLayers": 1,
    "raftInterfaceThickness": 0.27,
    "raftInterfaceWidth": 0.4,
    "raftModelSpacing": 0.35,
    "raftOutset": 4,
    "raftSurfaceAngle": 0,
    "raftSurfaceLayers": 2,
    "raftSurfaceThickness": 0.20,

    "doPurgeWall": false,
    "purgeWallModelOffset" : 2.0,
    "purgeWallSpacing" : 1.0,
    "purgeWallWidth" : 0.5,
    "purgeWallBasePatternWidth" : 8.0,
    "purgeWallBaseFilamentWidth" : 2.0,
    "purgeWallBasePatternLength" : 10.0,
    "purgeWallPatternWidth" :  2.0, 
    "purgeBucketSide" :  4.0, 
    "purgeWallXLength" : 30,

    "anchorWidth": 2.0,
    "anchorExtrusionAmount": 5.0,
    "anchorExtrusionSpeed": 2.0,

    "doSupport": true,
    "defaultSupportMaterial": 0,
    "doMixedSupport": false,
    "doSupportUnderBridges": false,
    "supportAligned": true,
    "supportLeakyConnections": true,
    "supportDensity": 0.1,
    "supportExtraDistance": 0.5,
    "supportAngle": 68.0,
    "supportModelSpacing": 0.4,
    "supportExcessive": false,

    "doFanCommand": false,
    "fanLayer": 1,
    "weightedFanCommand": -1,
    "doFanModulation": false,
    "fanModulationWindow": 0.1,
    "fanModulationThreshold": 0.5,


    "doPrintProgress": true,

    "startGcode": "",
    "endGcode": "",

    "commentClose": "",
    "commentOpen": ";",

    "extruderProfiles": [
        {
            "bridgesExtrusionProfile": "bridges",
            "feedDiameter": 1.77,
            "feedstockMultiplier": 0.93,
            "firstLayerExtrusionProfile": "firstlayer",
            "firstLayerRaftExtrusionProfile": "firstlayerraft",
            "infillsExtrusionProfile": "infill",
            "insetsExtrusionProfile": "insets",
            "nozzleDiameter": 0.4,
            "outlinesExtrusionProfile": "outlines",
            "raftBaseExtrusionProfile": "raftbase",
            "restartExtraDistance": 0.0,
            "retractDistance": 1.3,
            "retractRate": 25,
            "toolchangeRetractDistance" : 19.0,
            "toolchangeRetractRate" : 6.0,
            "toolchangeRestartDistance" : 18.5,
            "toolchangeRestartRate" : 6.0
        },
        {
            "bridgesExtrusionProfile": "bridges",
            "feedDiameter": 1.77,
            "feedstockMultiplier": 0.93,
            "firstLayerExtrusionProfile": "firstlayer",
            "firstLayerRaftExtrusionProfile": "firstlayerraft",
            "infillsExtrusionProfile": "infill",
            "insetsExtrusionProfile": "insets",
            "nozzleDiameter": 0.4,
            "outlinesExtrusionProfile": "outlines",
            "raftBaseExtrusionProfile": "raftbase",
            "restartExtraDistance": 0.0,
            "retractDistance": 1.3,
            "retractRate": 25,
            "toolchangeRetractDistance" : 19.0,
            "toolchangeRetractRate" : 6.0,
            "toolchangeRestartDistance" : 18.5,
            "toolchangeRestartRate" : 6.0
        }
    ],
    "extrusionProfiles": {
        "bridges": {
            "feedrate": 40,
            "temperature_disabled": 230.0
        },
        "firstlayer": {
            "feedrate": 30,
            "temperature_disabled": 230.0
        },
        "firstlayerraft": {
            "feedrate": 50,
            "temperature_disabled": 230.0
        },
        "infill": {
            "feedrate": 90,
            "temperature_disabled": 230.0
        },
        "insets": {
            "feedrate": 90,
            "temperature_disabled": 230.0
        },
        "outlines": {
            "feedrate": 40,
            "temperature_disabled": 230.0
        },
        "raftbase": {
            "feedrate": 10,
            "temperature_disabled": 230.0
        }
    }
}

Continued in part 2 (due to the character limit)

[RosetteHunter]

Part 2

Below are the standard settings for 3.7 (Makerware Desktop) - Standard Settings

{
   "_bot" : "replicator2x",
   "_extruders" : [ 0 ],
   "_materials" : [ "abs", "abs" ],
   "adjacentFillLeakyConnections" : false,
   "adjacentFillLeakyDistanceRatio" : 0,
   "anchorExtrusionAmount" : 5.0,
   "anchorExtrusionSpeed" : 2.0,
   "anchorWidth" : 2.0,
   "backlashEpsilon" : 0.050,
   "backlashFeedback" : 0.90,
   "backlashX" : 0.0,
   "backlashY" : 0.090,
   "bedZOffset" : 0.0,
   "bridgeAnchorMinimumLength" : 0.80,
   "bridgeAnchorWidth" : 0.80,
   "bridgeMaximumLength" : 80.0,
   "bridgeSpacingMultiplier" : 1.0,
   "coarseness" : 9.999999747378752e-05,
   "commentClose" : "",
   "commentOpen" : ";",
   "configPath" : "",
   "defaultExtruder" : 0,
   "defaultRaftMaterial" : 0,
   "defaultSupportMaterial" : 0,
   "description" : "",
   "doBacklashCompensation" : false,
   "doBridging" : true,
   "doDynamicSpeed" : false,
   "doDynamicSpeedGradually" : true,
   "doDynamicSpeedInteriorShells" : false,
   "doDynamicSpeedOutermostShell" : true,
   "doExponentialDeceleration" : false,
   "doExternalSpurs" : true,
   "doInternalSpurs" : false,
   "doMixedRaft" : false,
   "doMixedSupport" : false,
   "doPrintProgress" : true,
   "doPurgeWall" : false,
   "doRaft" : false,
   "doSplitLongMoves" : true,
   "doSupport" : false,
   "doSupportUnderBridges" : false,
   "dynamicSpeedCurvatureThreshold" : 15,
   "dynamicSpeedDetectionWindow" : 3.0,
   "dynamicSpeedSlowdownRatio" : 0.30,
   "dynamicSpeedTransitionShape" : 0.40,
   "dynamicSpeedTransitionWindow" : 6.0,
   "endGcode" : "",
   "exponentialDecelerationMinSpeed" : 0.0,
   "extruderProfiles" : [
      {
         "bridgesExtrusionProfile" : "bridges",
         "feedDiameter" : 1.769999980926514,
         "feedstockMultiplier" : 0.930,
         "firstLayerExtrusionProfile" : "firstLayer",
         "firstLayerRaftExtrusionProfile" : "firstLayerRaft",
         "infillsExtrusionProfile" : "infill",
         "insetsExtrusionProfile" : "insets",
         "nozzleDiameter" : 0.40,
         "outlinesExtrusionProfile" : "outlines",
         "raftBaseExtrusionProfile" : "raftBase",
         "raftExtrusionProfile" : "raft",
         "restartExtraDistance" : 0.0,
         "restartExtraDistance2" : 0,
         "restartExtraRate" : 25.0,
         "restartExtraRate2" : -1,
         "restartRate" : 25.0,
         "retractDistance" : 1.299999952316284,
         "retractDistance2" : 0,
         "retractRate" : 25.0,
         "retractRate2" : 50,
         "toolchangeRestartDistance" : 18.50,
         "toolchangeRestartRate" : 6.0,
         "toolchangeRetractDistance" : 19.0,
         "toolchangeRetractRate" : 6.0
      },
      {
         "bridgesExtrusionProfile" : "bridges",
         "feedDiameter" : 1.769999980926514,
         "feedstockMultiplier" : 0.930,
         "firstLayerExtrusionProfile" : "firstLayer",
         "firstLayerRaftExtrusionProfile" : "firstLayerRaft",
         "infillsExtrusionProfile" : "infill",
         "insetsExtrusionProfile" : "insets",
         "nozzleDiameter" : 0.40,
         "outlinesExtrusionProfile" : "outlines",
         "raftBaseExtrusionProfile" : "raftBase",
         "raftExtrusionProfile" : "raft",
         "restartExtraDistance" : 0.0,
         "restartExtraDistance2" : 0,
         "restartExtraRate" : 25.0,
         "restartExtraRate2" : -1,
         "restartRate" : 25.0,
         "retractDistance" : 1.299999952316284,
         "retractDistance2" : 0,
         "retractRate" : 25.0,
         "retractRate2" : 50,
         "toolchangeRestartDistance" : 18.50,
         "toolchangeRestartRate" : 6.0,
         "toolchangeRetractDistance" : 19.0,
         "toolchangeRetractRate" : 6.0
      }
   ],
   "extruderTemp0" : 230,
   "extruderTemp1" : 230,
   "extrusionProfiles" : {
      "bridges" : {
         "feedrate" : 40.0,
         "temperature_disabled" : 230.0
      },
      "firstLayer" : {
         "feedrate" : 30.0,
         "temperature_disabled" : 230.0
      },
      "firstLayerRaft" : {
         "feedrate" : 50.0,
         "temperature_disabled" : 230.0
      },
      "infill" : {
         "feedrate" : 90.0,
         "temperature_disabled" : 230.0
      },
      "insets" : {
         "feedrate" : 90.0,
         "temperature_disabled" : 230.0
      },
      "outlines" : {
         "feedrate" : 40.0,
         "temperature_disabled" : 230.0
      },
      "raft" : {
         "feedrate" : 90.0,
         "temperature_disabled" : 230.0
      },
      "raftBase" : {
         "feedrate" : 10.0,
         "temperature_disabled" : 230.0
      }
   },
   "floorLayerCount_disabled" : 4,
   "floorThickness" : 0.8000000119209290,
   "gridSpacingMultiplier" : 1.0,
   "infillDensity" : 0.4900000095367432,
   "infillOrientationInterval" : 90,
   "infillOrientationOffset" : 0,
   "infillOrientationRange" : 90,
   "infillShellSpacingMultiplier" : 0.70,
   "insetDistanceMultiplier" : 1.0,
   "jsonToolpathOutput" : false,
   "layerHeight" : 0.2000000029802322,
   "layerHeightMaximum" : 0.270,
   "layerHeightMinimum" : 0.120,
   "maxSparseFillThickness" : 0.2000000029802322,
   "maxSpurWidth" : 0.50,
   "metadataOutput" : false,
   "minLayerDuration" : 5.0,
   "minRaftBaseGap" : 0,
   "minSpeedMultiplier" : 0.30,
   "minSpurLength" : 0.340,
   "minSpurWidth" : 0.120,
   "numberOfShells" : 2,
   "platformTemp" : 110,
   "purgeBucketSide" : 4.0,
   "purgeWallBaseFilamentWidth" : 2.0,
   "purgeWallBasePatternLength" : 10.0,
   "purgeWallBasePatternWidth" : 8.0,
   "purgeWallModelOffset" : 2.0,
   "purgeWallPatternWidth" : 2.0,
   "purgeWallSpacing" : 1.0,
   "purgeWallWidth" : 0.50,
   "purgeWallXLength" : 30.0,
   "raftAligned" : true,
   "raftBaseAngle" : 0.0,
   "raftBaseDensity" : 0.6999999880790710,
   "raftBaseLayers" : 1,
   "raftBaseRunGapRatio" : 0.8000000119209290,
   "raftBaseRunLength" : 15.0,
   "raftBaseThickness" : 0.3000000119209290,
   "raftBaseWidth" : 2.50,
   "raftExtraOffset" : 0.0,
   "raftInterfaceAngle" : 45.0,
   "raftInterfaceDensity" : 0.3000000119209290,
   "raftInterfaceLayers" : 1,
   "raftInterfaceThickness" : 0.2700000107288361,
   "raftInterfaceWidth" : 0.4000000059604645,
   "raftModelSpacing" : 0.3499999940395355,
   "raftOutset" : 4.0,
   "raftSurfaceAngle" : 0.0,
   "raftSurfaceLayers" : 2,
   "raftSurfaceShellSpacingMultiplier" : 0.6999999880790710,
   "raftSurfaceShells" : 2,
   "raftSurfaceThickness" : 0.2000000029802322,
   "roofAnchorMargin" : 0.40,
   "roofLayerCount_disabled" : 4,
   "roofThickness" : 0.8000000119209290,
   "shellsLeakyConnections" : false,
   "solidFillOrientationInterval" : 90,
   "solidFillOrientationOffset" : -45,
   "solidFillOrientationRange" : 90,
   "sparseInfillPattern" : "linear",
   "splitMinimumDistance" : 0.40,
   "spurOverlap" : 0.0010,
   "startGcode" : "",
   "startPosition" : {
      "x" : -112,
      "y" : -73.0,
      "z" : 0
   },
   "supportAligned" : true,
   "supportAngle" : 68.0,
   "supportDensity" : 0.2000000029802322,
   "supportExcessive" : false,
   "supportExtraDistance" : 0.50,
   "supportLeakyConnections" : true,
   "supportModelSpacing" : 0.4000000059604645,
   "travelSpeedXY" : 150.0,
   "travelSpeedZ" : 23.0,
   "version" : "3.7.0.75"
}

In relation to what Makerbot Support came back with, I do notice that in the 3.0 custom settings, there is no specification in there for "what material are you printing with?". In 3.7, there is a line that reads "_materials" : [ "abs", "abs" ]. They actually seem to allow such a specification in the new slicer settings.

One other thing they said is that my firmware should be updated. I will have to see if I can find a version, as I do notice that Makerbot Desktop is going more for the idea that you update your firmware with the Replicator hooked directly to your computer via USB. We dont have that setup but Ill try and see if the firmware update does the trick.

[Guest]

I suppose I assumed 7.5 was the latest firmware. There can definitely be issues if you update your slicing software and not your printer. Looks like 7.6 should be the latest version. Printing from SD card tends to be more reliable, so that's what I use as well. When updating, I usually just drag the printer over to my PC and place it on the floor.

As far as specifying the material in the slicing settings goes, I believe at one point, the replicator 2X could only used ABS, so there wasn't a need for this specification. They later released capabilities to use other options such as dissolvable filament. That may be the reason for the change you see.

[RosetteHunter]

I suppose I assumed 7.5 was the latest firmware. There can definitely be issues if you update your slicing software and not your printer. Looks like 7.6 should be the latest version. Printing from SD card tends to be more reliable, so that's what I use as well. When updating, I usually just drag the printer over to my PC and place it on the floor.

As far as specifying the material in the slicing settings goes, I believe at one point, the replicator 2X could only used ABS, so there wasn't a need for this specification. They later released capabilities to use other options such as dissolvable filament. That may be the reason for the change you see.

You are right. Through searching on my problem, I did see that Firmware 7.6 had come out. As I said before, my printer is not directly hooked up to my computer. I just use the SD card to move files from my computer into the printer for production. So, it was a matter of me taking the time to set my computer up near enough to the printer (need to get a table in that studio so, without a table I had to set up a makeshift one for the duration of the firmware upgrade). Apologies for the delay in getting back on this thread to give an update.... I work Full Time so even though setting up a makeshift surface to rest my laptop on wasnt the most complicated thing in the world, I needed time that i just didnt have in the last week due to RL work.

Anyhow,it seems that the firmware upgrade has fixed the issue of the right extruder going cool as soon as printing starts. I have tested a few x3g files (old ones and new ones) to make sure that the improvement of performance is consistant. Seems to be doing the trick but I do think Ill be cleaning my extruder nozzles and such just to make sure the last of the created clutter is gone.

[Guest]

Real life always gets in the way of the fun stuff, doesn't it? Glad you got it working and thanks for the update!

[stronghero3d]

I had a problem use destop 3.7, I must use USB cable connect computer to the 3d printer to print something. the X3G file can't be read well on the SD card.

and some days later I update to 3.8, maybe the problem solved. but we have another problem, some time print with the X3G file, the printer stop after some minutes. I make a new X3G file, but the same problem happen on the 3d printer.

I also have other 3d printer ,use Cura to slic, never occur any problem like makerware desktop.

[RosetteHunter]

Argh...the problem continues. Seems that 3.8.x is going to keep having its problems re: the left extruder cooling down. As of now, the problem has become known to Makerbot. They have listed it under 3.9.1's notes: http://www.makerbot.com/desktop

Bug Fixes:
Single-walled prints being printed at the wrong speed affecting quality
Single-walled extrusions not showing up in the toolpath visualizer
Inner shells being printed at higher speeds than recommended
Small features in models causing prints to stop before completion
Left extruder not heating when printing files generated using custom profiles
Purge walls no longer on by default for dual extrusion prints

The unfortunate part? Makerbot's repository for Ubuntu seems to be stuck on 3.8.0 and doesnt see the 3.9.1 version for me to update (sudo apt-get update) . I have traveled all over the internet looking for a place to download this beyond Makerbot's site. Even had to resort to calling Makerbot's support line to see if they could send me the debian file manually by mail or address the issue with their Linux repository. Just like usual, Makerbot's CSR only half listen to people and I found their reply to just be asking me questions I just answered. So, another business day lost because I cannot get the fixed version 3.9.1

I̶f̶ ̶a̶n̶y̶o̶n̶e̶ ̶e̶l̶s̶e̶ ̶h̶a̶s̶ ̶r̶u̶n̶ ̶i̶n̶t̶o̶ ̶t̶h̶i̶s̶ ̶p̶r̶o̶b̶l̶e̶m̶ ̶a̶n̶d̶ ̶h̶a̶s̶ ̶b̶e̶e̶n̶ ̶a̶b̶l̶e̶ ̶t̶o̶ ̶g̶e̶t̶ ̶a̶ ̶c̶o̶p̶y̶ ̶o̶f̶ ̶3̶.̶9̶.̶1̶ ̶f̶o̶r̶ ̶U̶b̶u̶n̶t̶u̶,̶ ̶i̶t̶ ̶w̶o̶u̶l̶d̶ ̶b̶e̶ ̶a̶p̶p̶r̶e̶c̶i̶a̶t̶e̶d̶.̶ ̶
Edit: After a bit of unnecessary back and forth with Makerbot, they have finally given me the answer I was suspecting .... Looks like they are lagging on Linux support as usual and 3.9.1 is only available for Windows and Mac. Unfortunately Im going to have to wait on printing anything I need that requires dual extrusion until "who knows"