Makerbot Replicator 2

Upgrades

https://3dprinting-blog.com/category/makerbot-replicator-2-upgrades/page/6/

Extruder, hot end upgrades

Replace plastic extruder parts with CNC metal parts https://www.fabberworld.com/makerbot-2-2x-extruder-upgrade

E3D v6 hot end

EZstruder

Build plates

Glass build plate should be 3mm thick

Heaters https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eure74A9HNc

Heated build plates

DIY: get a 1/4" aluminum plate, cut to size and check for warp and mill or surface grind if needed?

Allows use of ABS filament and promotes build plate adhesion with all filament types

This one has a glass top attached by magnets to a heated metal plate. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:884335

https://www.ide-3d.de/epages/83488941.sf/en_US/?ObjectPath=/Shops/83488941/Products/MKB2hbp

Super deluxe pricey version (moot because it says it's unavailable) https://www.p3-d.com/collections/replacements-parts/products/replicator-2-heated-aluminum-build-plate Looks like they used a PID temperature controller: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-Digital-PID-Temperature-Controller-SSR-Control-output-1-alarm-New/301029311023?epid=710119091&hash=item4616bec22f:rk:1:pf:0

Here is another similar model under the brand name "Inkbird", same layout but different colors on the front panel: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N6OCKV9/ref=s9_acsd_top_hd_bw_bKkBEp_c_x_4_w?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-4&pf_rd_r=QP2PJ04JXNB1F1RPGDXD&pf_rd_r=QP2PJ04JXNB1F1RPGDXD&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=ffa702fe-2d70-5b41-b42f-1db9dda3248f&pf_rd_p=ffa702fe-2d70-5b41-b42f-1db9dda3248f&pf_rd_i=306533011

Here it is under the name "Extech" from Grainger: https://www.grainger.com/category/temperature-controllers/temperature-controls-and-process-heating/industrial-automation/industrial-controls-automation-and-machine-safety/electrical/ecatalog/N-qg9Z1z0r4q1?okey=extech+temperature+controller&mkey=Temperature+Controllers+EXTECH+Brand+&NLSCM=4&EndecaKeyword=Temperature+Controllers&searchBar=true&searchRedirect=extech+temperature+controller&sst=subset

Here is the matching Inkbird timer: https://www.amazon.com/Inkbird-Digital-Switch-110-220V-IDT-E2RH/dp/B008KV65MS/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1543184233&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=digital+timer+inkbird

Power supplies

You probably want a bigger power supply if you add a heated build plate. Stock is 6.5A Or you want a mains heater instead of DC, which makes more sense really.

Some sources for DC supplies

• 16A https://www.3dmakerworld.com/store/parts-accessories/electronics/switching-power-supply-24v-400w
• 13A https://www.mpja.com/24-Volt-Power-Supply-13A-with-PFC-Hengfu/productinfo/31344+PS/
• 10A https://www.allelectronics.com/category/480075/power-supplies/24-volts-dc/1.html

I looked up 24VDC supplies on Digikey and did not see anything promising. Newegg has some but they say "ship from China".

Z-axis upgrade

Three options,

1 Add stiffeners to the existing plastic arms https://www.p3-d.com/collections/replacements-parts/products/replicator-2-heated-aluminum-build-plate

2 Replace plastic arms:

3 Replace plastic parts with metal and replace aluminum guides with steel https://www.ide-3d.de/epages/83488941.sf/en_US/?ObjectPath=/Shops/83488941/Products/MKBz