Textured Sheet adhesion problems after a few years - cleaning?
I've been printing just fine on a MK3 since the model initially came out. I switched over to the textured sheet as soon as it became available and have not had any adhesion problem - UNTIL NOW. Seem like I am no longer getting good adhesion with PLA no matter what I do with this sheet. So I'm assuming that it needs cleaning. I've tried alcohol (I wipe it down with alcohol before every print anyway), and have been warned against acetone.
Bed leveling & initial Z-height are all good. I'm running new Prusament PLA. When I print using the flat PEI sheet, I get great adhesion like I used to get with the textured sheet. (slightly different initial Z-height, but that's normal). I flipped the sheet, but all along both sides have been used, so both have similar usage/wear.
Ideas? Thank you.
Clean with IPA between prints.
At the first hint of a problem, use dishwashing detergent and HOT water.
If that's not enough use acetone: once or twice a year at most, too much acetone makes the PEI brittle.
Cheerio,
RE: Textured Sheet adhesion problems after a few years - cleaning?
What @Diem said. Though I feel your pain. I've been using the same textured sheet since I got the product. But only one side. If I flip the sheet and re-zero the Z-height, I can't get adhesion either.
So I just stick to the one side and clean with 70% IPA between prints and a wee bit of acetone every 4-6 months or every 100 prints or so. Sometimes I'll up to 90% IPA if I have some extra from my resin cleaning.
RE: Textured Sheet adhesion problems after a few years - cleaning?
I'll give hot water & dish detergent a try. I would have thought that IPA cleaned better but I guess certain things are soluble in IPA and certain things in Dawn. I've been using 70% but I do have 91% IPA, so I may as well switch to that.
If the issue with using acetone is only that it makes the PEI brittle, then it's worth a try using it. As things are now, I'd have to replace the textured sheet anyway so trying acetone can only help.
Thanks.