General Advice for Replacing PEI Sstickers
I just got through the process of replacing the PEI stickers on both sides of my original MK3 build plate, and I have some general advice for anyone else who plans to replace their stickers:
Two replacement PEI stickers cost $16.66. A replacement steel build plate with the stickers already attached costs $29.99, or $13.33 more than the stickers. My advice is just buy the whole steel sheet, replacing the stickers is not worth the effort to save $13.33.
Just my humble opinion.
Re: General Advice for Replacing PEI Sstickers
I bought a 2nd sheet due to a bit of paranoia about damaging the sheet (creasing or gouging it). I like the idea of a backup for anything critical that's going to be handled a lot. Having a 2nd sheet is also handy when printing jobs of higher-temp materials. It just so happened that I damaged one side of my 1st flex sheet the day before the backup arrived. I'm still printing off the 1st (was able to lay the PEI back down well enough) but it was a lesson learned.
And of course, I'm anxiously awaiting the opportunity to buy a powder-coated flex sheet, so I'll have plenty of back up by then.
I did buy a replacement PEI sticker sheet, but I'm in no hurry to apply it. It does sound like a PITA.
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Re: General Advice for Replacing PEI Sstickers
I put it on with https://www.buildtak.com/product/buildtak-decal-applicator/
It worked well and went on perfect.
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Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog
Re: General Advice for Replacing PEI Sstickers
I put it on with https://www.buildtak.com/product/buildtak-decal-applicator/
It worked well and went on perfect.
It's not applying the new sticker that's a PITA. It's removing the adhesive from the bed from the old sticker. I probably spent 1-2 hours, plus a large pile of paper towels, a razor blade paint scraper, and a substantial amount of both acetone and Goo-Gone (which is mostly limonene). The solvents do a good job softening the adhesive, but nothing seems to be able to get that last little bit of residue off the steel.
Re: General Advice for Replacing PEI Sstickers
Good to know.
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Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog
Re: General Advice for Replacing PEI Sstickers
Totally agree with OP.
Tried it once, it was tiresome and messy.
Re: General Advice for Replacing PEI Sstickers
I managed to remove totally the glue with limonene on the bakelite bed of the mk2. But i gave up to have a 100% clean surface on the steal sheet of the mk3. The finishing is very long. Perhaps with an other product it is better.
In the futur, i will buy the whole "Spring Steel Sheet With Smooth Double-sided PEI".