Can a print deform the bed?
Soon after assembling the mini+, did a few prints that all came out good. Then printed 5 shells the shape of a sphere scaled in one access to flatten it out so it was about 1/4 the width on that side, but otherwise still circular, and cut off at the base. These were about 150mm tall. I added a brim in the slicer because I just imagined this tall thing wobbling about, but they all printed just fine. Now I'm not sure that brim was even needed. This was with PLA and the included smooth sheet
But right where these shells sat on the base, I can feel a slight indentation. Can't see it. Can only feel it with my fingers. The bed leveling stage goes right around it. But printing the bed scrapper right after came out just fine, and is totally flat on my table, which I think is totally flat. Tested it with a level before using it for the printer. Is this indentation anything to worry about?
The smooth sheet, especially when new, can retain a ghost of the previous print, or sometimes small bubbles where warping pulled hard at the surface. All of these disappear in time as long as the next print doesn't use the same footpint.
Cheerio,
RE:
Disclaimer: I do not have a Mini.
On the PEI build plates, I've had cases of the 'ghost' of one small-footprint print showing up on subsequent flat-bottom prints, but that will go away over time and usage.
The only time I've ruined a PEI build plate was when I first got the I3 and was unfamiliar with how to properly use the smooth PEI plate. I got impatient with a stuck ABS print and used a kitchen implement to remove it, along with a few pieces of the PEI coating.
In another related case, another local user gave me an off-brand one-sided PEI plate which she said she ruined by being too aggressive with the Z calibration.
At first it appeared that the 'square waves and flag' were gouged into the PEI surface, but I could barely feel them. I gave it a wet scuff sanding with a sanding sponge and although the marks are still quite visible, they are only barely visible on the bottom of a flat print. I cannot feel them at all with my fingers. It seems to get better and better over time.
RE: Can a print deform the bed?
I couldn't see or feel any deformation on the bottom of the hex scrapper. This is really fascinating. For now I'm keeping that side in place. I'll turn it over when I start ASA prints.
Thanks both of you! I was worried for a bit there.