Parts sticking to the smooth steel sheet when using TPU
Just made some parts from TPU and one of the parts was so stuck to the sheet that I had to destroy the surface in order to get it off. Two other parts are also stuck but I managed to get them off with great force. What can I do to the sheet to avoid this? It was Overture TPU with a recommended Print temperature of 210-230 (I used 220) and a Bed Temperature of 25-60 (I used 50). This was on my MINI+.
RE: Parts sticking to the smooth steel sheet when using TPU
I use Overture TPU on my MK3S. I use 220/0, on my smooth steel sheet. No bed heat. I do raize the Z a tiny bit from my general PLA settings. I also use a coating of glue stick as a release agent. I'm still very careful in removing the parts.
I recently purchased the 'Printed Solid Brand Prusa i3 MK3/S Mk2.5 Double-Sided Pei Textured Powder-Coated flex sheet' from Printed Solid. It works quite well with TPU. It doesn't stick as much with TPU. I'm not sure about the Prusa version, because they were sold out at the time.
RE: Parts sticking to the smooth steel sheet when using TPU
I'd recommend to check this: https://help.prusa3d.com/materials before printing new material...
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Find out why this is pinned in the general section!
RE: Parts sticking to the smooth steel sheet when using TPU
Been there, seen it, almost lost a smooth sheet...
Changed to the textured sheet and no problems since. Flexible filament is finicky to say the least.
RE: Parts sticking to the smooth steel sheet when using TPU
Wow! Great to see that I am not the only guy on the block with this problem.
Thanks for all the suggestions. I have noted them all.
Thanks again.
RE: Parts sticking to the smooth steel sheet when using TPU
Killed a satin sheet they way. You need glue stick as a separating agent. Or something like Layerneer.
Formerly known on this forum as @fuchsr -- until all hell broke loose with the forum software...
RE: Parts sticking to the smooth steel sheet when using TPU
my best solution is talcum powder
Sorry for my poor English. I try to do my best.
RE:
Hairspray (extra strong / super strong) works best for me. It contains the same PVA stuff (polyvinyl alcohol) as glue sticks or Magigoo sticks but gives a nicer bottom surface.
PVA is the stuff to use; I've tried several sources, they all work OK and if it still doesn't want to shift just dunk it in water and peel it off as the PVA softens.
PVA sources: Glue stick diluted and spread evenly with water, PVA liquid glue diluted, dissolved waste PVA (soluble filament) support ....
Cheerio,
RE: Parts sticking to the smooth steel sheet when using TPU
I quit messing with diluting glue in water and just use hairspray.
Same PVA stuff, but already diluted. A can is like 1 €/USD and lasts for several kg of filament.
RE: Parts sticking to the smooth steel sheet when using TPU
PS: Don't spray the print sheet while it is on the printer.
Take off the print sheet and spray it in the bathtub or somewhere else.
Apply a thin film of PVA hairspray, let it dry for a few minutes and you are ready to go.
Works great with TPU or Nylon filaments.
Hairspray is OK as long as there are no additives.
Gluestick is one wipe then spread it with a wet paper towel.
Cheerio,
RE: Parts sticking to the smooth steel sheet when using TPU
I was so proud of myself for printing TPU with no problems, until the third print. It was so stuck. I finally put the sheet on the floor vertically and pushed toward the floor with a mighty force. Guess what? The model came off as well as a chunk of the heatbed steel sheet finish. Then I was mad at myself for not taking the advice of the more experienced folks in this thread. 😕
So, if I understand correctly, the gluestick is used with TPU not to make it stick but to keep it from adhering to the heatbed and certain hairsprays do the same? Does anyone have suggestions for hairspray brands that will work?
RE: Parts sticking to the smooth steel sheet when using TPU
Also,
Talcum powder rubbed on the surface of the build plate can 'blind' the surface so that TPU Releases more easily,
Skin grease has a similar effect... Just rub either of them on the surface of the build plate and wipe off any excess.
Gluestick rubbed on the surface and wiped over with IPA is supposed to create a thinner, more even film release option
dribbling IPA onto the build plate after it cools, is likely to ease the release.(Trivia of the day, this also works with Hot Melt Glue stick, on solid materials)
Have fun...
Hope your build plate recovers /survives
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: Parts sticking to the smooth steel sheet when using TPU
On the TPU, it worked for me to cover the print area with painter's masking tape. The one I use has quite an interesting texture similar to a grainy surface. and the TPU can be removed beautifully and the tape does not tear or stick to the print. So far the best solution when I don't risk destroying the surface.
RE: Parts sticking to the smooth steel sheet when using TPU
I use PVA as a release agent with epoxy molds. It comes in a concentrate and can be sprayed with a standard pump spray bottle, either as a concentrate or diluted with a isopropyl alcohol. I think I'd rather use the pure stuff than hair spray or even a glue stick. I haven't tried it with 3D printing yet.
I find TPU releases just fine on the textured sheet. It sure does stick though.