Powder coated textured bed tips for different materials?
I've been printing on a smooth PEI bed on the MK2/MK3 for a long time. But I received a textured powder coated sheet with my 2nd mk3 last week and it seems to have less issues with things sticking too well compared to the smooth PEI.
I first went to print PETG and used Windex on the bed like I normally would on the smooth pei sheet, I had it come off the bed after a few layers. Cleaned with IPA and printed directly, stuck great and as soon as the bed cooled the print popped itself off.
SO, no release agent needed for PETG. Cool! But what about flex? Should I still be using gluestick/talcum powder? Has anyone here had direct experience with other filament types on the textured bed?
Re: Powder coated textured bed tips for different materials?
I've printed PLA, PETG, and Flex on my textured bed (mk2.5 upgrade). The only surface prep I've done is to clean with 91% IPA and I've had great results with all materials. No glue/windex or other additives required.
On my old PEI smooth sticker surface I used talcum powder when printing flex, but I tested it out a few days ago on the textured sheet and didn't use anything other than cleaning with IPA. It didn't pop off like PETG/PLA, but after cooling and flexing the sheet a bit the flex part easily peeled off. The brim and priming line were stuck really well but I was still easily able to remove it with a fingernail.
The textured bed/removable sheet has been amazing! If I'm next to my printer when a print finishes, I immediately remove the steel sheet and set it on my desk to cool it. After about 30 seconds you start hearing pops and cracks as the sheet slightly contracts and the parts really do just separate from the bed without any force at all. And if it doesn't completely pop off, a slight flex to the sheet is all it takes to remove the part.