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Cleaning PETG off the print bed  

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JP Guitars
(@jp-guitars)
Reputable Member
Cleaning PETG off the print bed

Anyone got any tips for cleaning PETG off the plain print bed? Even the dots where it is calibrating are hard to get off and I am worried I am going to scratch it.

Posted : 05/11/2023 11:08 am
Neophyl
(@neophyl)
Illustrious Member
RE: Cleaning PETG off the print bed

Did you use an adhesion blocker ?  PETG is not supposed to be used on the smooth sheet as it sticks too well.  So something to reduce adhesion is needed or you risk pulling off the pei coating and ruining your sheet.  

https://help.prusa3d.com/article/flexible-steel-sheets-guidepost_2195   and https://help.prusa3d.com/materials   

Posted : 05/11/2023 11:53 am
JP Guitars
(@jp-guitars)
Reputable Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: Cleaning PETG off the print bed

I realise that now, trying to fix it without trashing the sheet

Posted : 05/11/2023 12:18 pm
JoanTabb
(@joantabb)
Veteran Member Moderator
RE: Cleaning PETG off the print bed

Dribble IPA around the print, and let it soak in. then try removing again, IPA Seeps between PETG and PEI and weakens the bond between the materials

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 : 05/11/2023 12:32 pm
JP Guitars
(@jp-guitars)
Reputable Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: Cleaning PETG off the print bed

Thanks, I think I've got rid of most of it now. I'll use glue from now on.

Posted : 05/11/2023 1:22 pm
JoanTabb
(@joantabb)
Veteran Member Moderator
RE: Cleaning PETG off the print bed

Never tried it myself, but some folk say they apply gluestick, then use a cloth soaked in IPA to wipe over the glue, to even out the streaks and make the film of glue more even. 
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 : 05/11/2023 1:26 pm
blauzahn
(@blauzahn)
Reputable Member
RE: Cleaning PETG off the print bed

Whenever I use gluestick (rarely, e.g. for Flex on the satin-sheet), I wet a kitchen paper-towel with a bit of ethanol, then wipe it across the head of the gluestick, then across the cool bed. That usually is enough to limit the adhesion and the film is still practically invisible. This is so little that most of the time I do not have to clean the sheet afterwards at all. Using the gluestick directly on the plate always makes a big mess because it is always too much glue and always very uneven. Then you have to get rid of the mess again. The way I practise avoids having a mess in the first place. In addition to that your gluestick lasts very long.

Posted : 05/11/2023 2:10 pm
Zappes liked
Crab
 Crab
(@crab)
Reputable Member
RE:

I did the same thing.. then bought a textured (not satin) sheet for my PETG prints as I use PETG quite a bit. The textured works really well with PETG,). If you print a lot with PETG, the textured sheet is worth it. PLA won't print well on the textured, but I use glue stick on the textured with PLA when I want the nice, rough texture on the bottom layer. But glue stick and the smooth sheet works well with PETG. I like the technique above, but I just smear it on(somewhat carefully) and I've never had any issues that I noticed.. But I'll think the alcohol and wipe method would be more consistent.

Posted : 06/11/2023 2:09 pm
JP Guitars
(@jp-guitars)
Reputable Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: Cleaning PETG off the print bed

Thanks for that, and thanks to everyone who has offered advice.

I've actually got a Satin sheet which would have been a better option so I will switch to using that for PETG and keep the smooth for PLA, then at some stage get the textured sheet.

Posted : 06/11/2023 2:42 pm
Zappes
(@zappes)
Reputable Member
RE: Cleaning PETG off the print bed
Posted by: @crab

I did the same thing.. then bought a textured (not satin) sheet for my PETG prints as I use PETG quite a bit.

I almost exclusively use PETG and I'm printing it on the satin sheet, which works exceptionally well. I also have the textured sheet, but the texture (while being really pretty) isn't always what I want. Adhesion-wise, I haven't noticed any differences between satin and textured.

My models on Printables
Posted : 06/11/2023 2:50 pm
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