Print plate life
What is the expected life of a print plate and how do you tell it's dying. Mine is still quite new but prints are no longer binding to it so well as they did...
Best Answer by Neophyl:
I'm still using the original smooth sheet from my MK3, that's a non S mk3. So that's years of use. Don't use acetone on it as that will over time lead to damage. Just clean it thoroughly to remove all grease. That takes either lots of IPA or a detergent like plain dish soap and hot water to rinse. Plenty of threads on the forums about cleaning sheets. The plater on the MK4 is no different to the Mk3 machines so everything in the Mk3 forum sections is still applicable.
RE: Print plate life
They probably just need a good cleaning, even if they already look and feel clean. Mine are all very old, but are still working fine.
For my textured and satin sheets, I use IPA, bought in bulk so I can use a big puddle of it for each cleaning. In my experience, using a small amount of fluid isn't effective.
RE: Print plate life
ok thanks i'll try that
RE: Print plate life
I'm still using the original smooth sheet from my MK3, that's a non S mk3. So that's years of use. Don't use acetone on it as that will over time lead to damage. Just clean it thoroughly to remove all grease. That takes either lots of IPA or a detergent like plain dish soap and hot water to rinse. Plenty of threads on the forums about cleaning sheets. The plater on the MK4 is no different to the Mk3 machines so everything in the Mk3 forum sections is still applicable.
RE: Print plate life
Hot water and Dawn (Fairy in the UK) dish soap will fix the adhesion problems. It is important to handle the sheets by the edges when cleaning them. Fingers will transfer oil to the sheet and make the prints not stick. Also make sure the dry the sheet after cleaning, even on the edges so you don't get rust.
RE: Print plate life
I have one smooth plate and one textured plate that are both over three years old.
They do need to be spotlessly clean to properly adhere to the filament, but the method and products you used to clean them are far less important than the fact that they are clean.
There is some anecdotal evidence that after 'seasoning', as in using for several to many prints, the adhesion tends to improve.
For my plates that have ended life, it was due to damage, and in one case impatience on my part.
Also, don't be afraid to use an adhesion booster. Something like Layerneer works well as both an adhesion booster and release agent. I use this with all ABS prints, most PETg prints, and often with PLA. It particularly helps with prints that have small footprints and with prints with break-away supports that contact the build plate.
RE:
I found that washing once in a while with soap and water helps a lot, and I scuff up my textured plate periodically with sandpaper. Sounds nuts, but years of use and its still in perfect condition without damaging the surface - if looking a bit duller due to all the scuffing lol. Never had to use any adhesion promoter and still going strong 4 years later.. I bought a couple extra sheets thinking I'd need them, but still on the original and only one side at that. Got the MK4 now. Given my history so far, I suspect I'd never have to replace it in any practical sense with 4 years on one side - so at least 10 years?
RE: Print plate life
I bought my Mk3s in 2019. I am still printing on the same side of my PEI smooth sheet. I have not even flipped it over. I print daily. I did hit it with very fine sand paper a couple of years ago which in my case gives me good results. Some tricky prints I'll use glue stick or hair spray and then wash it off with warm soap. I use 90% iso to clean before every print. I think most people that go through the smooth PEI print the wrong materials on them. I use a textured ultistik for PETG, TPU, and PLA (for when I want that textured look). That plate will also last forever from what I can tell. If you are having grip issues for first layer consider 400-600 sand paper and just so slightly sand it. If it does not work you still have the other side.