Give us regular or glass build plate options
I started out 3D printing with an Ender 3 and apart from initial stringing issues to dial in, I've never had a failed print in memory. I decided it was time for an upgrade and splurged for a Prusa thinking it would be far less hassle than my old in the tooth Ender. But the smooth PEI build plate has been nothing but a PITA.
On my Ender glass build plate, I could easily print miniatures even with no adhesion supports. But I've had multiple fail prints on the Prusa due to dislodging from from the PEI build plate. I've resorted to 65C build plate temperature, thicker initial layer and huge brims to ensure that the print doesn't dislodge half way through the print. For big/long prints, I still go back to my Ender, cause I simply cannot trust the Prusa not to dislodge halfway through the print.
I honestly can do without the unreliability of a fancy pants build plate that "auto-releases" and depends on temperature for adhesion. Just give us an option for a regular spring steel build plate or glass build plate for those who don't want to deal with PEI.
I'm printing regular PLA, and the same filament I've always been using
RE: Give us regular or glass build plate options
Couple of points first. 1) This is a user forum and Prusa doesn't really monitor it consistently, so if you want to suggest a product change or get support from Prusa, then contacting them directly will be more effective. 2) The inductance probe system that Prusa uses for bed mesh leveling isn't really compatible with a glass bed, which is the main reason that option isn't available. People who just gotta use a glass build surface have figured out work-arounds, which you can probably read about by using the search function. But those work-arounds appear to me to be kind of a pain.
I also had some problems getting PLA to stick to the smooth sheet early on in my learning process. This ended up being entirely due to not having the live-Z adjustment low enough. You're also likely to get a lot of advice on proper care and cleaning of the PEI sheets.
RE: Give us regular or glass build plate options
Thanks, as you mentioned, it was a problem with the out of box live Z adjustment. It would print the test prints on the SD card and first layer calibration fine, but worked terribly on actual prints. I used a different test print to dial in the live Z. it was off by 0.03mm
RE: Give us regular or glass build plate options
Clean the smooth PEI sheet with dishwasher soap.. this works better on PLA than IPA. I've also had better luck using a thin glue stick coating for small parts with minimal contact with the surface. (just something to try if your Z distance is already optimum).
RE: Give us regular or glass build plate options
But I've had multiple fail prints on the Prusa due to dislodging from from the PEI build plate.
I myself have enjoyed my Creality printer for years.
Switched to a printer from Prusa.
After setting the correct first layer Z height, I can no longer go wrong.
Everything stays stuck on the PEI sheet.
Large or small without brim.
In short, make sure that the PEI sheet is free of grease and that the Z height is set optimally.
RE: Give us regular or glass build plate options
If in doubt, read through the answer just below the OP’s question in this thread. Expert user and forum moderator @joantabb explains it all brilliantly.
Cheers
RE: Give us regular or glass build plate options
Wow, I'd never go back to a glass plate after experiencing PEI.
RE: Give us regular or glass build plate options
Never had issues cleaning Prusa sheets with alcohol. I sometimes think I'm the only one in the world who has never had print sticking problems.