Tools You'll Need
The Stepstruder MK6 goes together pretty easily, but you'll need a few tools to speed the process along:
- Scissors
- 2.5mm Hex Wrench
- Tape
Parts You'll Need
To complete the upgrade from a MakerBot Plastruder MK5 to a MakerBot Stepstruder MK6 you need a fully assembled MakerBot Plastruder MK5 and a MakerBot Stepstruder MK6 Upgrade Kit.
Part List
Assembly
Disassemble MakerBot Plastruder MK5
Remove DC motor
Dismount the DC motor by unbolting the four bolts holding it in place.
Remove M3x22 bolts
Remove the four M3x22 bolts where the stepper motor will mount.
Fan mount assembly
Remove the fan connector
Using wire clippers clip off the fan connector as shown.
Strip the wires
Strip the ends of the fan wires and the black/red cable.
Add heat shrink
Place 1 inch of large heat shrink around both fan wires and 1 inch of small heat shrink around the black fan wire as shown.
Solder wires
Ensure the heat shrink is a few inches from the cable ends. Solder the fan wires to 24 inches of black/red wire as shown.
Shrink the heat shrink
Place the small heat shrink tube over the solder joint and heat as shown.
Place the large heat shrink over both solder joints and heat as shown.
Mount the fan to the bracket
Using two M3x16 bolts, two M3 nuts, and two M3 washers bolt the fan to the bracket as shown. Ensure the fan cable is oriented as shown. Ensure the fan label is facing the inside of the bracket.
Bolt motor to filament drive housing.
Add the motor
Place the motor on a flat surface. Ensure the wires are to your left when facing the motor.
Add the fan mount
Place the fan mount on the motor as shown.
Add cork gasket
Place the cork gasket as shown.
Add drive housing
Using four M3x25 bolts place the filament drive housing as shown.
Tighten bolts
Tighten the bolts evenly. The cork gasket should be evenly compressed on all sides as shown.
Tighten the bolts such that the drive gear is symmetric in the filament slot as shown.
Completed Stepstruder MK6, 3 mm filament configuration
