MakerBot Replicator+ (Plus)

Popular Mechanics DIY Editor Timothy Dahl believes that the Replicator+ does well in “introducing 3D printing to newbies and satisfying the technical demands of enthusiasts.” Dahl enjoys the simple setup, which he feels would appeal to a wide variety of users. Dahl outlines the convenience of MakerBot Mobile, monitoring your progress using the printer’s on-board camera, and discovering new prints on Thingiverse as just a few options you can benefit from during your experience. “You’ll be hard pressed to find a printer that works out of the box as seamlessly as the Replicator+,” he says.

ZDNet DIY-IT blog host David Gewirtz published a comprehensive piece comparing our 5th generation model to the new Replicator+. In this article, he details the differences in build volume, Wi-Fi connectivity, performance, and more. Gewirtz, who doubles as a Distinguished Lecturer for CBS Interaction, is admittedly leary of new technology. In this instance, however, he confides that the MakerBot Replicator+ made him feel, “a sense of amazement that I’d thought wasn’t possible anymore.”

He identifies distinct highlights that make the MakerBot Replicator+ stand out. “Having a more robust gantry and a more robust extruder is a really good thing. The slight speed increase is also a benefit. Automatic bed leveling is good as well,” he says.

“The Replicator+ was one of the fastest printers we have tested, which is important if you are producing a lot of prints.” Richard Baguely, writer for Tom’s Guide, says that the MakerBot Replicator+ is “a great pick for a school or college that teaches design or 3D modeling, as it could crank out 3D prints all day.” In his in-depth piece, Baguely explores the printer’s design, build volume, speed, quality, and more. After extensive testing, he noticed that “the prints stuck well to the print bed.” He also noted that “…the Replicator+ was one of the fastest printers we have tested, which is important if you are producing lots of prints.” He gave the MakerBot Replicator+ a rating of 8/10, believing that it’s a solid pick that should stand up to heavy usage.