Full disclosure: I work for RepTech, an Authorized MakerBot Reseller.

At $2,899, the MakerBot Replicator 5G is definitely one of the pricier desktop 3D printer options. However, it boasts an impressive 9.9 L x 7.8 W x 5.9 H inch build platform, large enough to make many models on Thingiverse.

The Replicator 5G arrives in a pretty big cardboard box, with no retail packaging inside. The packing material is built into the box, and is primarily foam padding on the sides of the printers.

The build platform is made of glass, and is meant to be covered with a sheet of blue tape before printing. These sheets are included, and it will take a bit of testing to figure out how long they last.

The accessory box includes a power cable, a USB cable, a Smart Extruder, several sheets of blue tape, and a spool of MakerBot filament.

The filament is the natural PLA that usually comes with similar printers, and is a semi-translucent color.

The included Smart Extruder is the same style found on the MakerBot Replicator Mini. The Smart Extruder automatically lifts the print head a few millimeters when finishing a layer, preventing any dimpling or dotting on the actual print. The one that came with this printer was a little scratched up, as though it had been used several times before.

The Replicator 5G has a built-in camera, which can be used for monitoring prints using the MakerBot Mobile app. The resolution is good, not great. Here’s an example:

The built-in screen shows an ETA of print time remaining, as well as on overall progress report on the completion of the print. Because it has a non-heated build platform, the print will start as soon as the extruder is heated and the nozzle is calibrated.

The printer itself is pretty quiet when it’s running, and it definitely makes less noise than the Printrbot Jr. I’ve been using.

For a test print, I used the ‘Coffee Table’ that is included with the Replicator 5G. This model is stored internally, and does not require any kind of computer/phone connection to print.

The finished test print had a lot of stringing between three of the legs, but curiously not between the front two. I’m assuming the stringing has something to do with the inexpensive test filament the printer ships with. The raft was clean, and the model popped right off with minimal resistance.

The stringing was a little problematic to remove, so I decided to try a different print to test out the Replicator 5G. I’ve used the Octopus Magnet to calibrate the UP! Mini and the Printrbot Jr., so I used the same model on the Replicator. I printed it at .1mm, which is the highest quality this printer offers. The total print time was estimated at 3 hours and 15 minutes, much longer than the 45 minutes it would take on a lower quality setting.

The print actually took 3 hours and almost 30 minutes. The finished product was a little stringy, but the detail was fantastic. As always, the ‘natural’ colored PLA is difficult for me to photograph or get any level of visible detail. The layers are smooth and consistent, and there is no beading or excess filament.

The big test with this print is placing the magnet in the model. The calibration of the printer can be measured by how securely the magnet is held in place. For this print, the magnet fit in perfectly, and snapped right into place. I was very happy with the calibration of the model, and the finished product.

Overall, I’m happy with the level of quality and the ease of use of the Replicator 5G. I’m looking forward to more experiments, raftless printing, and using other types of filament. Definitely a cool printer with a lot of features that should age gracefully.