Steel sheet: "clean only when cold"
Why should I clean this only when cold? I would like to know this so I better understand all the parts involved in 3d-printing, so I can do smarter troubleshooting.
Also, from my personal experience: people are much more likely to follow instructions if you give them a reason why things have to be done a certain way. So imo the instructions would be better with explanations for these kinds of rules.
RE: Steel sheet: "clean only when cold"
Interesting question - I would like to know the answer to that too.
My TXT sheet has the same label (received before Christmas) so it is not a recent discovery.
Have a look at my models on Printables.com 😉
RE: Steel sheet: "clean only when cold"
The Act of cleaning is intended to remove Surface contaminants.
Many people use Alcohol to try and remove surface contaminants.
If the heatbed is hot, the Alcohol will evaporate and leave greases behind.
If the heatbed is cold, there is a chance that Alcohol will remove some of the grease...
If you use enough alcohol, you may remove most of the grease.
I used to use 99.9% pure Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA), and it worked to a degree...
Now I use hot water and dish soap, and I believe I get better results. not all contaminents are greases. (I now rarely use IPA)
I used Acetone on My Smooth PEI, and the surface started to crack afterwards. I don't do that anymore!
I used Acetone on My Powder Coated Motorcycle wheel, and the paint softened, I don't do that anymore.
I have never used Acetone on a Powder coated build plate, because the instructions say not to, and experience suggests that it is likely to be a bad idea...
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
RE: Steel sheet: "clean only when cold"
I assumed it was to prevent warping. Run cold water over a hot cookie sheet and listen for the "POP" and the slight twist...then buy a new cookie sheet 🙁 It could also cause the finish to break off on the textured sheet if it warped slightly.
Is your printer grinding? Bearings squeaking? Motors smoking?
Step 1) Wash your Steel Sheet
Step 2) Return to Step 1
RE: Steel sheet: "clean only when cold"
Joan is right, alcohol just evaporates before you have any chance to spread it properly and rub surface with it.
RE: Steel sheet: "clean only when cold"
Now I use hot water and dish soap, and I believe I get better results. not all contaminents are greases. (I now rarely use IPA)
This is a big truth. Using dish soap and hot water - I have much better result than IPA. Not using IPA for about year now. Only water and dish soap. For PEI and textured.
RE: Steel sheet: "clean only when cold"
Dish soap is the best in my opinions. I buy this one: Dawn Dishwashing Liquid
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Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog
RE: Steel sheet: "clean only when cold"
I got the smooth sheet with my mini and had no problems.
I purchased the textured sheet and a few roles of Prusament separately and just tried to use the textured sheet for the first time.
I swear, I think they accidentally coated this thing with Teflon. Nothing would stick to it at any temperature.
I washed it with hot soapy water and let it dry and then things would "sort of" stick to it.
Washed it again with a dish scrubber (the kind that's safe for non-stick pans) and now I can print things on it.
All your filament are belong to us!
RE: Steel sheet: "clean only when cold"
I didn't think anyone could try to put IPA on a hot build plate to clean it - on the other hand, we have plastic bags with the printed text "Danger! don't put this bag over your head!"...
I totally agree, hot water and dish wash soap (any brand) is my preferred method of cleaning both smooth and textured build plate. After dry wipe it is easy to get the rest of the moisture out using the printers heat bed, avoiding rust from forming.
It has now been long since I last used IPA for cleaning.
Have a look at my models on Printables.com 😉
RE: Steel sheet: "clean only when cold"
Wouterv. I have a question for you. Your avatar Picture. I’m having that problem with my mini with my PEI sheet and PETG filament. Only on the first couple of layers. If you don’t mind this is my first printer, what is that called and how do you fix it. Thank you Mr Smith
RE: Steel sheet: "clean only when cold"
Sorry for hijacking the thread and asking a 'noob' question (not used a 3d printer before) but is there any particular ratio of washing up liquid/dishsoap to water or is it a case of just mix it like you would if you were doing the washing up ?
RE: Steel sheet: "clean only when cold"
@never-again
What problem? My avatar is an old microscope photo of a 3d-print, not sure if it's showing something wrong.
RE: Steel sheet: "clean only when cold"
Sorry for hijacking the thread and asking a 'noob' question (not used a 3d printer before) but is there any particular ratio of washing up liquid/dishsoap to water or is it a case of just mix it like you would if you were doing the washing up ?
No ratio, just dip some dishsoap on plate, take a wet sponge and clean up like normal dish 😀
RE: Steel sheet: "clean only when cold"
@wouterv
Your avatar looks like first layer skipping. That was the problem I had, I have since fixed it. I am talking to Prusa now because I have one that has the minda probes problem on first layer height being inconsistent from print to print. Thank you for your reply Mr Smith