3D printing: Unboxing the MakerBot Replicator 5th Generation

The MakerBot has arrived!

The first small UPS box contained a set of finishing tools used for cleaning parts and removing them from the print bed.

The separate filament rolls came packed in this box

Here's what a roll of filament looks like. Think of this as the printer's "ink".

A very nice-looking roll of orange filament

Opening the carton shows a top carton with the MakerBot logo.

The carton is quite welcoming.

Just above the MakerBot itself is a carton of components and resources.

Here's the build tray, in its carton.

The MakerBot comes with a full-sized roll of gray filament.

The USB cord is used for both configuring network connections with the MakerBot or for direct connection with a computer for submitting print jobs.

This is the extruder in its bubble wrap.

This is the extruder itself, otherwise known as "the hot end". The little brass tip at the end is what the filament comes out of. That's the point at which all the printing happens.

This is the other side of the extruder, where it magnetically snaps onto the MakerBot.

The MakerBot uses a standard PC power cord.

Here's the glass build tray, protected in bubble wrap. It was also shipped inside the protective foam of the carton.

I have come to be very familiar with the build tray, since it's what the objects are printed on, and removing those objects can be a bit of work.

And now, here's the inside of the carton with the MakerBot itself, and a nice educator's guide.

The MakerBot itself is secured nicely by strong packing foam.

Here's the machine in its box, ready to be taken out and set up.

Finally, here's the MakerBot itself, ready for initial setup.