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reddtoric
(@reddtoric)
New Member
Spring Steel Sheet suggestion

Although it could mean 2 separate printing templates depending on how it's made, I think it would be a good idea if you guys had A/B or 1/2 printed on each side of the steel sheet. Sometimes I'm cleaning the sheet and I flip it a few times and lose track which side I want to use to balance the usage between the 2 sides.

Just a thought. Very low priority feature.

Posted : 08/01/2021 3:47 am
JoanTabb
(@joantabb)
Veteran Member Moderator
RE: Spring Steel Sheet suggestion

I have one build plate where I know which side I am using, 

it's made by a company called Energetic,   is available on Ali Express,  it is Gold coloured so easily distinguishable from other build plates and is textured on one side and smooth on the other... 
🙂 

regards Joan

I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK

Posted : 08/01/2021 12:27 pm
bobstro
(@bobstro)
Illustrious Member
RE: Spring Steel Sheet suggestion
Posted by: @reddtoric

Although it could mean 2 separate printing templates depending on how it's made, I think it would be a good idea if you guys had A/B or 1/2 printed on each side of the steel sheet. Sometimes I'm cleaning the sheet and I flip it a few times and lose track which side I want to use to balance the usage between the 2 sides.

Not a bad idea, but in the meantime: I followed a suggestion by a user here to put a strip of blue painter's tape on my sheet to record the last Live-Z offset used. Sharpie pen erases nicely with isopropyl alcohol so it's easy to update. It serves the additional purpose of identifying each side.

My notes and disclaimers on 3D printing

and miscellaneous other tech projects
He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan

Posted : 08/01/2021 3:33 pm
RedDawg
(@reddawg)
Reputable Member
RE: Spring Steel Sheet suggestion

@joantabb

Awhile back I floated the idea of a smooth/rough plate (see https://forum.prusa3d.com/forum/general-discussion-announcements-and-releases/the-best-idea-ive-had-today/ ). At that time, the ability to select different plate configurations had not yet been implemented, although I believe it was in the works. I tried making my own by covering one side of a textured plate with Kapton tape. This worked to a degree, and I am still using that plate. The Kapton side is starting to develop some bubbles at higher plate temperatures (ABS/PETG/etc.), but are easily burnished flat with a smoothing tool. I may redo that side adding a high-temp spray-on adhesive to assist the tape's own adhesive. That said, I was not able, as I had hoped, to find one Z axis first layer height that works consistently for both sides. Typically, the textured side requires a lower Z setting. To that issue, now that the firmware provides for multiple plate "profiles", I tried creating different profiles for each side. While these are useful as starting points, there are still enough variables affecting first layer adhesion, primarily what type of filament, but to a lesser degree, room temperature, air currents and the "mood" of the printer (yes, they all have their own "personalities"), that adjustment of the Z setting is almost a per-print necessity. Because of all of these variables, the likelihood of a universal/set-it-and-forget-it, all plates/all filaments/all environments first-layer Z setting is unlikely, at least in Prusa price-point machines.

Hear ye, Hear ye! Step right up folks and get your Government salvation here! Less than $.002 per word! Amazon.com/dp/B0B8XMMFP4

Posted : 08/01/2021 3:45 pm
bobstro
(@bobstro)
Illustrious Member
RE: Spring Steel Sheet suggestion

Way back when the original textured sheets were unicorns and months away from release, several of us were experimenting with alternatives. I did some experimentation with using textured vinyl and other surfaces on a spring steel sheet. For a while, I had a sheet with different vinyl textures on each side. It actually worked very well, and the vinyl textures were similar enough that not a lot of adjustment was needed between them.

I'm surprised somebody hasn't started marketing textured PEI stickers as an alternative to the -- apparently troublesome to produce -- powder-coated sheets.

 

My notes and disclaimers on 3D printing

and miscellaneous other tech projects
He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan

Posted : 08/01/2021 4:05 pm
cwbullet
(@cwbullet)
Member
RE: Spring Steel Sheet suggestion

@joantabb

Energetic is not a bad surface.  

--------------------
Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog

Posted : 08/01/2021 5:35 pm
RedDawg
(@reddawg)
Reputable Member
RE: Spring Steel Sheet suggestion

@cwbullet

I don't think Joan was implying it was. How close to Prusa's textured sheet is it? Any pics?

This post was modified 3 years ago by RedDawg

Hear ye, Hear ye! Step right up folks and get your Government salvation here! Less than $.002 per word! Amazon.com/dp/B0B8XMMFP4

Posted : 09/01/2021 12:12 am
JoanTabb
(@joantabb)
Veteran Member Moderator
RE: Spring Steel Sheet suggestion

Same shape, similar thickness,
smooth side is similar to Prusa smooth, but has a gold colour
Textured side has a shaper texture to the Prusa sheets, and is also gold. 

this is the textured side  the actual build plate does not have red text on it!

 

regards Joan

 

I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK

Posted : 09/01/2021 1:39 am
cwbullet
(@cwbullet)
Member
RE: Spring Steel Sheet suggestion

I recommend a couple of sheets that are made in the US and Canada also.  The Ultistik by FilamentOne comes for the Mk3s and Mini.  It is also a gold textured PEI.  I have found it to be pretty close to equal to the Prusa TXT Plates.  

--------------------
Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog

Posted : 09/01/2021 3:25 am
bobstro
(@bobstro)
Illustrious Member
RE: Spring Steel Sheet suggestion

Just be aware that not all textured sheets are powder-coated. This FYSETC sheet gave out during sustained printing early last year.

In fairness, the prints did hold and I muddled through. The finish was not impressive.

 

My notes and disclaimers on 3D printing

and miscellaneous other tech projects
He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan

Posted : 09/01/2021 3:42 am
cwbullet
(@cwbullet)
Member
RE: Spring Steel Sheet suggestion

@bobstro

I have to agree with FYSETC - it will not hold up to PETG or ABS.  

--------------------
Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog

Posted : 09/01/2021 3:44 am
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