About the MakerBot Sketch & Termonlogy

HOW THE MAKERBOT SKETCH WORKS 

 The MakerBot Sketch makes three-dimensional objects out of different types of melted materials. First, download a model from the internet or design a part, then use MakerBot Cloud Print to translate 3D design files into a .makerbot file, which creates instructions for the MakerBot printer. (Files must be saved as a .stl or .obj.) Then, transfer the .makerbot file to the MakerBot printer via your local network, or USB flash drive. The MakerBot Sketch will melt materials and extrude it out onto the build plate in thin lines to build your object layer by layer. This 3D printing technology is called fused deposition modeling (FDM).  

It is helpful to become familiar with the common terms used in 3D printing.  

• Filament - material used to build 3D printer parts.
• Filament drawer - holds the filament.
• Extruder - the 'hot glue' of the 3D printer.  The extruder uses filament to draw out layers of 3D-printed parts.
• Build plate - surface on which 3D prints are built.
• Carriage - carries the extruder.
• Gantry - moves the carriage in the x-axis and y-axis.
• Slicing - turning a 3D model into 2D layers used for 3D printing.