The build plate is the surface on which your 3D objects will be printed. The MakerBot 2x has a build plate that heats up to around 250°F when in use, so be careful not to touch it when it’s HOT!

A clean and level build plate is essential to a successful 3D print because it ensures good adhesion. For the plastic to stick properly, the plate must be level to within a hundredth of an inch. Otherwise the object may become dislodged, ruining the print. Or you could scratch your build plate with the nozzle because it’s too close.

The MakerBot 2x walks you through the leveling routine in its menu. The process will perform a test print and then will prompt you to adjust the build plate to the spot that had the best adhesion. Adjustments are made by tightening or loosening the screws located on the underside of the build plate.

MakerBot recommends adjusting the screws while sliding a standard sized business card between the nozzle and the build plate until you can slide the card through with the resistance of a pencil writing on paper. For best results, you should do this at least twice, though the MakerBot will ask you to do it three times.

Leveling the build plate on your 3D printer can be tricky, but the more you do it the easier it will be.

Watch the video below for a demonstration by our fellow 3D Printing PLC member Michael George III, TBAISD Career Tech Center Drafting and Design Instructor: