Does PEI coating become less effective over time?
For approaching a year my MK3S+ has been turning out excellent prints in PLA on a smooth PEI coated bed. Over the past few days I have been seeing random first layer adhesion problems with this configuration; so I...
Thoroughly cleaned the build plate with water with washing up detergent and then IPA.
Dried a few rolls of PLA from different manufacturers and tried printing with them all with the same model.
Confirmed that my Z-axis calibration and first layer calibration were good.
All to no avail. Then I remembered I had a new build plate, which was delivered with the printer, sitting in a cupboard. I put it on the printer and after giving it a light dusting with a paper towel, set it to print. It produced an excellent print!
This all leads to this topic, does anyone have any insights ir comments?
Thanks
Whichever cleaning material you use there is a slow build-up of insoluble residues. With the smooth sheet *only*, you can try cleaning with acetone - no more than once or twice a year.
Other sheets sometimes benefit from rubbing in neat dishwashing detergent, leaving it for a few minute and then rinsing clear with near boiling water. Again, this is extreme, not for regular cleaning.
Cheerio,
RE: Does PEI coating become less effective over time?
Whichever cleaning material you use there is a slow build-up of insoluble residues. With the smooth sheet *only*, you can try cleaning with acetone - no more than once or twice a year.
Other sheets sometimes benefit from rubbing in neat dishwashing detergent, leaving it for a few minute and then rinsing clear with near boiling water. Again, this is extreme, not for regular cleaning.
Cheerio,
Thanks. This is pretty much what I thought but it is nice to have confirmation.
B
RE:
Hi
Don't clean your sheet with IPA after washing it, first use IPA then dishwashing liquid with warm water. To be honest IPA with pla on the smooth sheet I just found is more problematic. And yes if all else fails then do a acetone wash on the smooth sheet only. Also once you cleaned it use the side you where not printing on the last round. This also helps with some of the light bubbles it sometimes create on the surface where the heat will correct this again
RE: Does PEI coating become less effective over time?
I clean my sheets with DAWN and a white scotchbrite
RE: Does PEI coating become less effective over time?
I have been using the same textured plate on my 3S+ since it was purchased a bit over 3 years ago. It was originally cleaned in Dawn and very hot water and has not been deep cleaned since. Before every print I wipe down the plate with a paper towel and a bit of denatured alcohol, not IPA. I have only ever used the same side of the plate and have never had a print failure due to separation once I had my Z dialed in. This printer has only been used to print PETG. I use denatured alcohol because 1) I already had it on hand, 2) it is pure alcohol with no water in it. It dries faster and leaves no residue behind. Denatured alcohol is often sold as 'stove fuel'.