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david.z16
(@david-z16)
New Member
Windex alternative?

When printing PETG I have a lot of trouble getting the print off the print bed, which of course is no surprise.

A lot of people use Windex as a release agent and seem to have great success with it. Here in Germany I have no luck buying the original Windex. I tried some other window cleaner and was not to impressed - ripped parts off the PEI regardless.

The other common suggestion of using a glue stick did not work for me. In fact the print had even more adhesion with a glue stick than with window cleaner.

Does the original Windex have any ingredient that makes it more usable as release agent than other window cleaners?
Which Windex alternative one can buy in Germany / Europe has worked (best) for you?

Posted : 25/01/2019 3:25 pm
timo.m
(@timo-m)
Estimable Member
Re: Windex alternative?

Since I couldn't find Windex in Germany either and don't like the texture of Gluestick on my prints, I switched to Hairspray. Aquanet seems to be commonly used in the US but I couldn't find that either in Germany so I ordered 3DLac and I couldn't be more happy. It's a bit costly for hairspray but it lasts forever and PETG sticks when warm and pops off easily when cold. I also use it for PLA prints and haven't had any major adhesion problems so far.

https://www.3dlac.com/3dlac/3dlac-product/

Posted : 25/01/2019 4:08 pm
david.z16
(@david-z16)
New Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: Windex alternative?

Thank you so very much!!! I am definitely going to try this!
For weeks I searched the internet for recommendations and all I could find was Windex and glue stick.

Posted : 25/01/2019 4:16 pm
Kai
 Kai
(@kai-2)
Famed Member
Re: Windex alternative?

You can also use any window cleaner that leaves a slight coating of something that makes water roll of.
In my case it is "Sidolin Zitrus".
Works perfekt since one year now.

Wer freundlich fragt bekommt auch eine freundliche Antwort.
nec aspera terrent

Posted : 25/01/2019 4:42 pm
JoanTabb
(@joantabb)
Veteran Member Moderator
Re: Windex alternative?

or talcum powder,
or forehead / finger grease

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 : 25/01/2019 5:19 pm
Sembazuru liked
bjoern.h2
(@bjoern-h2)
Active Member
Re: Windex alternative?

"AJAX 3-Fach Aktiv" works fine for me...

Posted : 25/01/2019 5:48 pm
Calire
(@calire)
Honorable Member
Re: Windex alternative?

Yes in french "Ajax triple-action Vitres-glas" www.cleanright.eu It work well.

Posted : 25/01/2019 7:12 pm
gz1
 gz1
(@gz1)
Estimable Member
Re: Windex alternative?

You know what would be awesome? An adhesive that was water soluble.

That way, after the print is finished, you just spray a little water around it to get it to release and voila.

It's too bad no such thing exists. Clearly.

Posted : 25/01/2019 10:12 pm
DCS21
(@dcs21)
Eminent Member
Re: Windex alternative?

I am using "Frosch Spiritus Glas Reiniger" with great success. Never had a problem since I started using it. You should be able to get it at DM or any grocery store.

Posted : 29/01/2019 5:17 pm
seidtgeist
(@seidtgeist)
New Member
RE: Windex alternative?

@dennis-s14

Oh hell yeah, I love Frosch, had no idea! Thank you for the advice!

Posted : 15/10/2020 11:59 pm
Neophyl
(@neophyl)
Illustrious Member
RE: Windex alternative?
Posted by: @gz1

You know what would be awesome? An adhesive that was water soluble.

That way, after the print is finished, you just spray a little water around it to get it to release and voila.

It's too bad no such thing exists. Clearly.

Mmm thats what most glue sticks are, water soluble.  Designed for kids to use and easily clean out with water.  Water cleans it better than IPA I think too.

Posted : 16/10/2020 6:13 am
Same Old Shane
(@same-old-shane)
Member Admin
RE: Windex alternative?

you could try home made windex.
https://www.food.com/recipe/homemade-windex-73104

but honestly I would consider cutting the ammonia down a bit, or at least make sure its dry before you preheat the bed.

If you decide to use hair spray, I would suggest removing the sheet from the printer and spray it away from the printer. Over time the hairspray will build up on the rods and printer and just start getting a real mess and could bind up bearings.

The idea is to dirty up the sheet so the PETG does not stick so well to smooth pei, but for the textured sheets it should not stick once its cooled down. If the live Z is set right for PETG, it should not be a problem.. Just if you are planning on doing any sort of large scale production in PETG and printing the same model over and over, I would make several versions of the model and each one rotated in a different position so it does not wear out the textured sheet and you will notice that the textured coating is starting to lift a bit around the part.

Shane (AKA FromPrusa)

Posted : 16/10/2020 2:34 pm
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