First layer adhesion (water fix??)
So I had been printing just fine for awhile without cleaning the bed with IPA or Acetone when the other day, I started having issues with the filament failing to stick to the bed and instead choosing to collect on the nozzle. I tried both IPA (70% I believe) and Acetone at different times, to see if anything would work. I even tried using a glue stick after failing to see results (which actually made things worse, surprisingly. Does PEI not play well with the glue stick? Not sure what happened).
What finally seemed to fix things was when I tried to get the glue off immediately afterwards, by washing the build plate itself. Is this common practice? I've never found this piece of advice, whether on these forums or on r/3dprinting.
Re: First layer adhesion (water fix??)
Dish detergent and water get the grease off,
IPA and Acetone move the grease around...
I never use gluestick.
PLA needs a clean pei sheet,
PETG and TPU stick too well. I contaminate the pei with windex, or talcum powder or finger / forehead grease, ahichever you use, rub in well. and remove surplus... this acts as a barrier reducing adhesion!
ABS is off my list of plastics because the fumes / particulate, aggravate my chest, I believe ASA is similar... but I don't intend to risk it!
not played with other filaments!
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: First layer adhesion (water fix??)
Allan washing the build plate is the gold standard for restoring performance of these spring steel build plates both the smooth stickers type and powdercoated... there is some discussion over the exact method but either Dawn or Fairy liquid seem to be the front runners though I am having good results with another brand.( I like its lavender scent)
Next for discussion is what concentration of Dish Washing up liquid to use and for this it ranges all the way from a few squirts in about 500 ml of water up to some folks who seem to favor using the detergent full strength... I fall on the slightly more than I would use for the evening washing up.
I scrub with a pad of paper towels in both the X and Y directions until I see good sudsing on the plate and then I rinse in running water and pat dry with clean paper towel.... I then try to handle just by the edge at the from of the plate where the purge strip is put down.
Almost every thread dealing with first layer attachment will mention washing it.