Markforged Desktop - Load Plastic

When switching materials or replacing an empty spool on a Markforged Desktop printer, follow this plastic material loading procedure: NOTE: Start with the Unload Plastic procedure if you haven’t already. This will remove all filament from the feed and bowden tubes as well as leave the feed tube disconnected from the extruder.

1. Discard the old spool and previous desiccant (if any) in the dry box and retain the magnetic spool mount

2. Transfer the desiccant packets from the new material packaging

3. Insert the spool mount into the new material spool.

4. Insert the spool and mount it into the box so the material is winding over the top towards the opening and so it rests on the metal brackets and spins freely.

NOTE: Keep tension on the spool to prevent it from unrolling accidentally and creating a problem unspooling

5. Cut the end of the new filament at a 45 degree angle to make it sharp and easier to enter into the various chambers and transitions in the printer and extruder.

6. Guide the plastic filament into the drybox adapter and through the load tube until it is visible through the open end of the feed tube where it will enter the extruder.

7. Securely close the dry box, making sure both latches click twice to fully seal the box and material from moisture. NOTE: the dry box should remain closed at all times except for short periods during loading or unloading.

8. If the spool is a partial spool from another run (but not the spool that was just unloaded) it will need to be measured using a scale to the nearest gram. Record that number

9. Run the load plastic utility in Menu – Materials – Load Plastic and follow the prompts depending on the type of spool and material. Follow the instructions fully and let us know if you have any issues!