MakerBot Desktop 3.2.1 is Here, Along With a Firmware Update for 5th Generation Replicator 3D Printers

July 17, 2014 by Brian Krassenstein 3D Printing 3D Software

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As new 3D printer companies continue to make their way into the consumer market, MakerBot seems to remain a reliable, steady cornerstone. They are able to do this by seeing to it that their clients are happy, and constantly being rewarded with new ways to interact with the printers. In addition, they provide timely software updates to ensure users that their printers are the best that they can be, as soon as possible.

Today was a busy day for the company. Not only have they updated their MakerBot Desktop application, but they also released a fireware update, version 1.2, for Fifth Generation MakerBot Replicator 3D Printers.

Firmware 1.2

The biggest improvement within this firmware update is that of the filament unloading process. This update will make Smart Extruders even smarter, preventing jamming and making the removal of filament from the machine quite a bit easier.

If you are an owner of the Makerbot Replicator Z18, then you may also find this update useful, as it will provide users with more accurate z-homing, as well as easier to understand, more specific error messages for the Smart Extruder.

MakerBot Desktop 3.2.1

It has been several months since MakerBot Desktop was released to the public. The initial printers compatible with the application were Replicator Fifth Generation machines. Up until now, this meant that those using older versions of the Replicator were simply out of luck, and there are lots of those people out there. Today’s update makes the MakerBot Desktop application available for all of the following machines:

All MakerBot Replicator Fifth Generation
MakerBot Replicator 2X Experimental 3D Printer
MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer
MakerBot Replicator Desktop 3D Printer (The Original)

Besides some minor bug fixes, the final addition, which many users will enjoy, is that they can now use their print monitoring panel to snap a picture of their print whenever they’d like.

That does it for the updates, at least for today. Those wishing to, can download all updates at the Makerbot Desktop homepage. Let us know if you have installed either of these updates, and provide your feedback in the Makerbot software update forum thread on 3DPB.com.