Let’s Install:

Ceramic Tape for the MakerBot Rep 2

You should replace the ceramic insulation tape on your MakerBot Replicator 2 approximately every 50 hours, if the white insulation has turned brown, or if it falls off of the heater block. We use pre-cut ceramic insulation tape to make the job easier. You can find some here, or purchase a six-pack to stock up!

As always, turn off and unplug your machine before doing any repair work.

Tools You'll Need:

5mm Hex Key
Ceramic Tape
Scissors
Needle Nose Pliers

1

Remove the active blower duct and set aside.

Use the 2.5MM Hex Key to take out the two hex bolts on the carriage (which holds the assembly onto the gantry system).
Grab the entire head and place it on top of the machine.

2

Take a scissors and cut the ceramic tape apart. Remove the old ceramic tape and throw away.

Clean all remaining debris from the heater block. Take the new ceramic tape and find the slit which will go around the barrier tube.
Slide the ceramic tape over the barrier tube.

3

Fold the ceramic tape around the heater block and nozzle (make sure it is tight).

Pull off tape and fold the ceramic tape over itself to secure.
Use the needle nose pliers to push the leftover ceramic tape behind the heater block.

4

Grab head and place it back onto the gantry system.

Screw hex bolts back onto the carriage (do not tighten too tight because you will damage the aluminum block).
Replace blower duct and be careful not to have the blower duct touching the heater block.

1 Comment

J. Donovan Moore 4 years ago

The “new” ceramic tape I ordered (order 5991) was delivered as ceramic dust. I would expect some kind of adhesive would be what makes this strip of crumbly junk “tape”. Some instructions that vaguely resemble my select mini would have been helpful, but your video for installing the tape is for a Makerbot, and if you would look at the two machines, you ‘ll see they are not the same. Please send some kind of replacement tape that will stick to the heater block.