MakerBot Smart Extruder Plus

The MakerBot Smart Extruder Plus+ is the swappable part of your MakerBot Replicator 3D Printer that melts, deposits, and fuses filament in precise layers to create 3D printed objects.The Newly designed MakerBot Smart Extruder Plus+ with improved components and enhanced sensor systems ensures greater reliability and print success for your MakerBot 3D Printer.

After 160,000 hours of testing, the MakerBot engineers claim they have produced their most reliable product ever. This extruder has improvements to 4 main areas- connectivity, homing, clogging and filament jams.

It has been engineered for a seamless workflow from the start of a print to completion. The smart technology inside includes a filament presence sensor and encoder wheel to ensure your filament is extruding correctly. The hot end homing system has been improved for better bed calibration. An extended PTFE tube been included which reduces filament clogging. Connection points have been extended and stronger magnets now hold the extruder in place better for improved connectivity.  Another enhancement is the fact that you can now open the extruder case yourself without any special factory tools.

This video runs through the improvements that the MakerBot engineers have included to the Makerbot Smart Extruder+ design

What makes it smart?
A system of sensors keeps you connected to the MakerBot Ecosystem, meaning you stay informed of your 3D print’s status wherever you are.
• The positioning sensor assists with automatic build plate leveling for the MakerBot Replicator Mini and
assisted build plate leveling for the MakerBot Replicator and MakerBot Replicator Z18. A level build platform is essential for the 3D printing process and the positioning sensor helps to take the fuss out of leveling.
• The filament detection sensor ensures filament is present in the extruder at all times. If filament runs out, your print is paused and a notification is sent to MakerBot Desktop and MakerBot Mobile to prompt you to load more filament before resuming the print.
Constant communication between these sensors and the MakerBot Ecosystem minimizes your downtime and keeps the guesswork out of your printing workflow.
How is the MakerBot Smart Extruder+ different than the MakerBot Smart Extruder?
The MakerBot Smart Extruder+ is engineered and extensively tested for better performance. Improved
components within the Smart Extruder+ reduce clogging to extend the life of your extruder. The enhanced sensor system improves detection while improved alignment between your extruder and carriage ensure proper connection. These enhancements make the Smart Extruder+ easier to use and ensure greater print success over longer periods of time.
How is the Smart Extruder+ different from the extruder on other desktop 3D printers?
Most desktop 3D printers include a non-swappable extruder without sensors or connectivity to the 3D
printer’s corresponding software. This requires the user to be more actively involved in monitoring their 3D printer. The design of the Smart Extruder+ makes 3D printing more accessible with an easy-to-use design that doesn’t require a toolbox.
I have more than one MakerBot Replicator 3D Printer. Will the same Extruder+ work for all of them?
There are two versions: one that’s compatible with the MakerBot Replicator Z18 3D Printer and another
that’s compatible with both the MakerBot Replicator Mini Compact 3D Printer and the MakerBot Replicator Desktop 3D Printer. To ensure optimal functionality, select the extruder that is compatible with your MakerBot Replicator 3D Printer.

Will future extruder designs be supported by my MakerBot 3D printer?
The latest generation of MakerBot Replicator 3D Printers were designed with the ability to swap in new,
compatible extruders. Those include the MakerBot Replicator Desktop 3D Printer, MakerBot Replicator Mini Compact 3D Printer, and the MakerBot Replicator Z18 3D Printer.
What do I need to use the Smart Extruder+?
In order to take advantage of all that the Smart Extruder+ has to offer, you must upgrade MakerBot Desktop to version 3.9 and your MakerBot Firmware to version 1.9.