PETG difficult to release
I'm new here, just built the MK4S kit, everything works well on the first try! Several PLA prints done, all seems great.
Yesterday I tried Hatchbox PETG. In PrusaSlicer I selected "generic PETG" (I don't see a specific setup for Hatchbox PETG), which uses temps of 235/245 and 85/90. On the smooth print sheet I used Elmer's purple washable glue stick. The print came out nice, but it was difficult to release it from the sheet. When I finally got it off, it left part of the first layer on the sheet. Also, after cleaning the glue off the sheet (with warm water), there is a *very slight* deformation on the sheet around the perimeter of the print, and a bunch of tiny 'spots. Picture attached. The spots are clear in the picture, the "deformation" does not show (I have to hold it at just the right angle to the light to see it).
Different temps required? More glue (how much is good - I couldn't find anything that says *how much* glue is good)? Something else?
Thanks for any comments!
RE: PETG difficult to release
Use the satin sheet. It works great with PETG and no glue is required.
The Prusament profile works great with Hatchbox.
RE: PETG difficult to release
I haven't used a smooth sheet in probably three years. Do yourself a favor and get a satin sheet. Having said that, glue stick or windex should work fine. I remembered a really old thread: https://forum.prusa3d.com/forum/original-prusa-i3-mk3s-mk3-how-do-i-print-this-printing-help/petg-printing-on-smooth-sheet-help/ I also prefer Layerneer bed weld or Magigoo over glue stick as it's easier to apply in a thin layer. I go over the print area in zigzags releasing the juice, then back at a 90 degree angle in zigzags smoothing things out without releasing any more.
Formerly known on this forum as @fuchsr -- https://foxrun3d.com/
RE: PETG difficult to release
I haven't used a smooth sheet in probably three years. Do yourself a favor and get a satin sheet. Having said that, glue stick or windex should work fine. I remembered a really old thread: https://forum.prusa3d.com/forum/original-prusa-i3-mk3s-mk3-how-do-i-print-this-printing-help/petg-printing-on-smooth-sheet-help/ I also prefer Layerneer bed weld or Magigoo over glue stick as it's easier to apply in a thin layer. I go over the print area in zigzags releasing the juice, then back at a 90 degree angle in zigzags smoothing things out without releasing any more.
Thanks for that old thread link - very informative. I have a 'satin' sheet on order. And, I'm tempted to try the painter's tape method. I gather that there needs to be tape on the spots where the MK4S will be calibrating the Z-height.
Pete
No need for painter's tape.
A light spritz of supermarket own-brand unscented window cleaner or diluted PVA glue (one line of gluestick spread over the whole print-sheet with a wet paper towel is about right) is sufficient.
Those over-adhesion spots will heal themselves with use as long as you don't reprint the same part in the same place on the print sheet.
Cheerio,
RE: PETG difficult to release
I agree with Diem. I remember using painter's tape on glass sheets some time in the Dark Ages.With today's steel sheets, it's a relic of an era long gone…
Formerly known on this forum as @fuchsr -- https://foxrun3d.com/
RE: PETG difficult to release
The spots in your smooth sheet are an artifact of tight print-bed adhesion. AFAIK they are small bubbles that formed in the adhesive holding the PEI sticker to the steel core while the print was putting tension on the PEI sheet when hot. Over repeated heating of the sheet they should vanish. Not sure about the deformation, but it probably isn't deformation of the spring steel core. Try printing on the other side a few times to see if the bubbles fade over time.
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RE: PETG difficult to release
Update on this issue, in case it helps someone else:
Issue: Using HatchBox PETG with the "generic PETG" settings. Used glue stick on the smooth PEI sheet, but it was very difficult to remove the print, part of the 1st layer separated from the part. Also, tiny spots were left on the PEI sheet.
I got a satin print sheet, which has solved the "difficult to release" issue.
With both the smooth PEI and satin sheets, the first layer was sticking very well (too much) to the bed, but NOT to the second layer. Removing the object was leaving part of the object's first layer on the bed. I changed the bed temperature from 85->90 to 90->90, and this seems to have solved it.
The original PETG print on the smooth PEI had left some "tiny bubbles" visible on the sheet. After a few prints (with PLA), those spots have now disappeared.
Pete