New heated bed or ways to refab?
Hey folks,
My little printer has been an absoute tank of a machine. However, she's getting a bit on in age and my heated bed is kind of scratched and old. Do folks have suggestions for gettting that perfect first layer back that doesn't have any marks or old scratches on it from previous prints? I looked and didn't see replacements for sale. Tips on where to get them if anyone knows welcome. Maybe using that 3D printing tape - I've never needed it but it would be nice to have a smooth bed again.
RE:
By 'heated bed' I'm assuming you mean the removable steel build plate and not the underlying fixed-in-place heated thing.
Is the surface (I assume smooth PEI from what you say) actually gouged or scored, or is it just that 'negative image' of previous prints that often persists on the surface?
If it's physically worn, it's probably time to replace it. Those spring steel build plates are considered 'consumable' items.
That being said (and at the risk of starting a religious culture war here) if the PEI surface is still solid and smooth but just has persistent images on it, one thing you can try is a good cleaning with acetone. (And be sure to use drug store or hardware store pure acetone, not nail polish remover, which has a lot of stuff besides solvents in it.) This has been known to 'revitalize' the PEI surface, if done occasionally.
I've also heard of people using very fine sandpaper to clean up well-used PEI surfaces. I've never had to do that. I would think that a very fine 'sanding sponge' would be something that could help, but again, I've never tried it.
If cost is an object to replacing the build plate, they (Prusa) often times has so-called 'factory second' plates in stock and I've found that these perform just as well as 'factory first' plates do.
RE: New heated bed or ways to refab?
No, I mean the physical heated bed. The MK2 didn't have a removeable sheet -
I have dents, melts, and scratches. Acetone isn't going to fix that -
Anyone know where you can get a new bed? It is possible to put one of the newer beds that has the sheets on it? Has anyone given that a go?
RE: New heated bed or ways to refab?
Ok, sorry, I misunderstood.
RE: New heated bed or ways to refab?
You can buy a new PEI sheet here: https://www.prusa3d.com/product/pei-ultem-sheet/
Replacement is a PITA, but it can be done if you follow the instructions.
Peter
Please note: I do not have any affiliation with Prusa Research. Any advices given are offered in good faith. It is your responsibility to ensure that by following my advice you do not suffer or cause injury, damage…