Heatbed Steel Sheet Damage?  

RE: Heatbed Steel Sheet Damage?

Turn it over, use the other side and the chances are the mark will disappear  after a few prints.

regards Joan 

RE: Heatbed Steel Sheet Damage?

The same thing has happened to me, new MK3S+ so i read up and people say it will disappear eventually. But in my case it has taken a chunk out of the PEI layer where it must have stuck to a print.

Is this a warranty thing ???

RE: Heatbed Steel Sheet Damage?

Posted by: @apathyuk

[...] Is this a warranty thing ???

Sadly, no. The Prusa site has explicit language explaning that the PEI sheets as not covered. If you've read the manual, it does explain that you need to use a release agent (e.g., glue stick) to avoid PEI damage when using sticky filaments like PETG. You also want to use acetone sparingly if at all to clean the PEI. Trust me: I've lost a couple of sheets this way. The PEI can be replaced, but it's an annoying and messy process. Ultimately, the sheets are consumables.

So far as the bubbles shown in @cazamir's post, that's no big deal. Be sure to let the bed cool before removing parts (well below 40C) and pay attention to the difference between PLA and more sticky filaments like PETG. A spritz of alcohol can help release stubborn parts from the bed. You can also try tossing the sheet in the freezer. Those small bubbles will work their way out over time. You can flip the sheet or just avoid printing on those areas if you're concerned. But again, the sheets are consumables.

RE: Heatbed Steel Sheet Damage?

Print beds are consumables, you are unlikely to be able to claim a warranty issue

best way to make sure, is to contact chat, show them a picture and tell them what you were doing, before and at the time. 

the only times I have pulled chunks of a PEI Build plate are :-
1, when I have used a sharp scraper to remove a part and nicked the pei with the blade!

2, when I have tried to remove a well stuck model with excess force,  (Now I use IPA to soak between the model and the build plate, to loosen the bond instead of using Super Woman strength to remove the part...)

3, after I have used Acetone on the build plate< this caused the PEI to crack like crazy paving. then the next prints pulled chunks off

4, when I have printed hundreds of prints, and the intro (Purge line) has eventually pulled a chunk off the build plate (I put a strip of Kapton tape along the purge line area and carried on using the sheet!)

regards Joan

RE: Heatbed Steel Sheet Damage?

Thanks for the info everyone I will just order myself some more sheets. I did not know i could use ISO as a release agent.

This was an overnight print left to cooldown for several hours while i slept. I did not need excessive force to remove the print, i bent the sheet both ways and everything cracked off perfectly except for hte one tiny part. In future i will use ISO as a release agent now i know. i did not see anywhere in the manual online or offline about ising ISO as a release agent. Live n Learn.

RE: Heatbed Steel Sheet Damage?

Just to be clear: ISO can help with cleaning the PEI to improve adhesion (lots of threads on this topic) before the print. You can also apply it after the print to help loosen parts from the PEI. If you are printing with sticky stuff like PETG, you may want to apply glue stick before the print. You'll need to clean the PEI after doing so. I've got some notes on maintaining the PEI sheets here that might be of interest.

RE: Heatbed Steel Sheet Damage?

The use case I advised is a post processing action with a penetrating release action where the isopropyl alcohol seeps between the PEI surface and the extruded plastic attachments, weakening the adhesion qualities... 

at least that's my description... I have no formal training in the matter, just real life experience. 

Good luck, regards Joan