[Risolto] Smooth PEI Sheet, PETG, and IPA  

Most experienced users of smooth sheets come to a pattern like this for PLA...

Clean with IPA between prints.

At the first hint of a problem, use dishwashing detergent and HOT water.

If that's not enough use acetone: once or twice a year at most.

But for PETG the pattern is:

Between prints add a light dab of gluestick and spread with a wet paper towel.

At the first hint of a problem, use dishwashing detergent and HOT water then run a single line of gluestick and spread with a wet paper towel.

Luckily the sheet has two sides ... Many beginners use too much glue.

... and IPA, whilst useful, isn't essential; I ran out about three months ago - must get some more.

Cheerio,

RE: Smooth PEI Sheet, PETG, and IPA

Or just get a satin sheet and call it a day 🙂

RE: Smooth PEI Sheet, PETG, and IPA

When I ordered my mini I immediately ordered a powder coated sheet.

This is because, in addition to PLA, I also occasionally want to use PETG.

Don't want to use glue.

Here is a list of what and what with which filaments and sheet,

https://help.prusa3d.com/materials#_ga=2.176636325.1282379537.1674298423-1634576430.1674298423

RE:

Many thanks Demi for the detailed reply! Just a newbie; haven't even finished my first kilo. So far, I've been primarily using Garolite cleaned with IPA; no problems. However, AFAIK, that's not an option with the Mini's SuperPINDA...

RE: Smooth PEI Sheet, PETG, and IPA

To be on safe side, put a bit of attached Kores glue under the model - it help during print with adhesion and with removal after print. 

The PETG sticks on the  Smooth PEI Sheet really strongly. Wait until the sheet and model are really cold.

RE: Smooth PEI Sheet, PETG, and IPA

Thanks for the excellent suggestion @fusher and @rene-3! I definitely prefer a no-fuss solution. I'm searching for a domestic supplier right now...

RE: Smooth PEI Sheet, PETG, and IPA

To make life easier on myself, after having PETG ruin a smooth sheet, I now use the smooth sheet for PLA,etc. and a Texture sheet for PETG. Don't like the messy glue approach. Since I have done this, using two different sheets, PETG just comes right off the Texture sheet without any problems. And PLA just comes right off the Smooth sheet. This is my no-fuss solution.

RE: Smooth PEI Sheet, PETG, and IPA

I’ve ripped the coating off of a smooth sheet when printing with petg before (I may not have waited for it to cool down enough, don’t recall), so definitely consider the glue stick approach there.

I’ve rarely been able to get petg to stick to the textured sheet though, and have had intermittent trouble getting it to stick to the satin sheet too, which has been frustrating. Tried cleaning with 90% ipa, the dish soap + hot water method, etc. just seems like kind of random success and failure on them with petg, even when the first layer calibration looks perfect.

RE:

When my rough sheet was new, I had the same issue. There is some manufacturing and/or shipping coating on top for protection and it needs to be scrubbed off. Take soap/water and the abrasive (green) side of a dish washer sponge and gently but thoroughly scrub your sheet. How hard you scrub might depend on how much stuff is on there. This will get off the film. Your rough sheet will work very well with PETG. (I assume same process for satin, but I don't have a satin sheet)

If you search other threads here, that is a common problem for some when they get a new rough sheet.

Posted by: @jordan-3

I’ve ripped the coating off of a smooth sheet when printing with petg before (I may not have waited for it to cool down enough, don’t recall), so definitely consider the glue stick approach there.

 

I’ve rarely been able to get petg to stick to the textured sheet though, and have had intermittent trouble getting it to stick to the satin sheet too, which has been frustrating. Tried cleaning with 90% ipa, the dish soap + hot water method, etc. just seems like kind of random success and failure on them with petg, even when the first layer calibration looks perfect.

RE: Smooth PEI Sheet, PETG, and IPA

My secret sauce:

https://forum.prusa3d.com/forum/how-do-i-print-this-printing-help/petg-heavily-sticking-to-heatbed/#post-557251

Regards,

Mark

RE: Smooth PEI Sheet, PETG, and IPA

Many thanks to all who suggested the Satin Sheet; excellent performance! Works just as well as Garolite for PLA and PETG. Reliable bed adhesion and self-releasing when cooled. No separation layer required; just clean with IPA.