This very simple object aims to help solve the problem so many Makerbots are plagued by each and every day. This problem is that prints are not automated. Most Makerbots start the print by going up a little then heating up, doing a test extrusion, then the operator has to get rid of the extrusion before continuing the print.

This simple add-on allows your prints to go unattended after you press build. Using this object and some custom start gcode, it will move from the center to over the bucket, do a test extrusion, wipe the nozzle on the side of the platform and start the print. Here is a video of it in action: http://www.flickr.com/photos/49325300@N07/4886162173/

I have been using this for a couple weeks now and it works really well.

First print the included STL file. Next attach the resulting object to your platform at the lower left hand corner via duct tape, screws, glue, or whatever you want. And finally change your start gcode to something similar to this: G21 (Metric FTW) G90 (Absolute Positioning) G92 X0 Y0 Z0 (You are now at 0,0,0) G1 X-60 Y-35 F2500 M104 S200 T0 (Temperature to 200 celsius) M108 S255 (Extruder speed = max) M6 T0 (Wait for tool to heat up) G04 P5000 (Wait 5 seconds) M101 (Extruder on, forward) G04 P10000 (Wait 10 seconds) M103 (Extruder off) G1 X0 F2500 (end of start.)

Remember to change the temperature to whatever your extruder requires. Here it is set to 200C.

When you're ready to print, center the nozzle over the platform at whatever Z height you would normally have it at and start the print. It should move over the extrusion bucket, heat up, test extrude for 10 seconds, move over the side of the platform, and start the print.