Thanks for all the help appreciated.

@erniehatt said:

> One this that puzzles me, the z switch, I assume this is the stop end, you say that it should be at the top, would this not cause the nozzle to keep pushing on the bed, or does the control software take this in consideration.

If I understand correctly it sounds like you're asking if the Z limiting end stop plays a part in the bed leveling.

If the Z end stop switch is at the top of the printer, then the Z height (typically set in firmware or EEPROM) counts the steps from the switch to the bed. If you're using software leveling, the Z height can be longer than the actual print height since the leveling will keep the nozzle from digging into the bed.

If the Z end stop switch is at the bottom (or there are both), there should be an adjustable screw you can adjust so the Z switch does not trigger until just below the proper nozzle height so software leveling can still be used.

Yes, that's what I wanted to know, thanks Ryan

Hi,

thanks for the clearification! Now all is lost, and i’m stuck with that horrible software.

Still, good job on MatterControl … maybe in the future some kind of protocol support would be possible … somehow. At least a quick search didn’t turn up any protocol re-engineering yet. So still … thanks!

Best,

NebuK

Simplify3D -- commercial product costing around $140 US -- does support MakerBot's 5th Gen printers. To the best of my knowledge, they are the only alternative slicer & external control software for MBI's 5th gen printers. Of course, for $140 US, you could gut the electronics and put in a RAMPS or similar board. You'll also need one of the ass't thermocouple amps that are compatible with boards only supporting thermistors.

Is it possible with Matter Control to stipulate where you put support? I wanted to print two pieces at once tonight, and one piece could have used support, but the other piece I didn't want to have any support. I didn't know how to tell it to put support on the one but not on the other. Thanks!

MatterControl does not have the ability to specify support material for different parts of the print at this time. It's on the long-term list for development.

I extruded two 10 mm long pieces of 1.75mm ABS using the manual extruder controls (E+) in MatterControl. I noticed twice a popping sound. It sounded like the popping of tiny air balloons. I looked at the filament and found two tiny knots in it. I think that air got into the extruding material. Are the air inclusions in the raw material filament or do they get mixed in during fast extrusion?

Currently I start an ABS print with a "paper sword" in my hands to move the initial few inches of filament away from the nozzle that failed to stick to the plate. I wonder how other printer operators get their prints started.

This is fairly common. In some cases the filament may have air bubbles in it. You can check by slicing it in a few random spots to see if you find any. But usually its just some moisture boiling off. All plastics are hygroscopic to varying degrees (which means they absorb moisture from the atmosphere). ABS is moderately prone to this and some bubbling/popping is typical on older spools. It may affect the texture of your prints, but is otherwise nothing to worry about.