Which build plate is recommended to choose?
During checkout of the MK3S, one could choose between two build plates (PEI and textured power coat). Which is recommended?
Is MK3S the latest and the most advanced version? Better than MK3? Thanks
RE: Which build plate is recommended to choose?
I think that for a beginner, no textured is easier. Later, when you have worked some time, you can try with textured powder.
Yes, the last and a little better is the mk3s
Sorry for my poor English. I try to do my best.
RE: Which build plate is recommended to choose?
The textured plates are fantastic. You don't need any preparation (apart from cleaning) and the finished parts will pop right of the plate when it is cooled down.
But they are textured and that is not always wanted. So I have both types.
I would order the textured sheet with the printer and the cheaper smooth one separately.
RE: Which build plate is recommended to choose?
Thanks. I have used a few 3D printers over the past few years. That includes the Stratasys uPrint, Makerbot 2 and Up Plus 2. I have no experience with Prusa product though. I guess it depends on the type of filament being used. Is there a table which shows which type of build plate is best for which type of print materials? Are these heated platform?
RE: Which build plate is recommended to choose?
They are both heated and interchangeable and both support all types of filament that the printer supports. But you must prepare the smooth one for each filament other than PLA in a different way.
See the material guide.
RE: Which build plate is recommended to choose?
Thanks. Is there a table on which nozzle size is for which print materials?
RE: Which build plate is recommended to choose?
any nozzle works for any material, it's all about level of detail and extrusion speed.
RE: Which build plate is recommended to choose?
and hardened steel nozzles for abrasive materials ( glow in the dark. carbon fiber, wood, metal filled)
RE: Which build plate is recommended to choose?
Thanks.
RE: Which build plate is recommended to choose?
The textured plates are fantastic. You don't need any preparation (apart from cleaning) and the finished parts will pop right of the plate when it is cooled down.
But they are textured and that is not always wanted. So I have both types.
I would order the textured sheet with the printer and the cheaper smooth one separately.
Under what situations are the textured plates not always wanted?
RE: Which build plate is recommended to choose?
If you need exact dimensions or you want to split a big part to glue it together after print or for a smooth surface look you need the flat surface of the smooth sheets.
The textured sheets leave a rough surface that looks beautiful but is not suitable in these cases.
RE: Which build plate is recommended to choose?
If you need exact dimensions or you want to split a big part to glue it together after print or for a smooth surface look you need the flat surface of the smooth sheets.
The textured sheets leave a rough surface that looks beautiful but is not suitable in these cases.
true.
but for my use of the printer i never glue stuff together so this is not a problem.
my preference is for the textured one, reason is that it is easier to get first layer working good and if i print with PETG i don't need to mess with glue stick since the print pops off just fine and almost by itself once build plate has cooled down.
RE: Which build plate is recommended to choose?
Do I need tp buy glue stick? I will get both types.
RE: Which build plate is recommended to choose?
glue stick or something is needed on the smooth surface when printing flexible filament or petg both stick too hard to the surface and you risk damaging the surface if you dont have a separator.
regular gluestick can be cleaned up with water and soap+water also cleans up the smooth surface when you get fingerprints on it and pla dont stick any more.
some ipa is also needed to clean the build plate (both smooth and textured) get some gloves or similar since it is also good at removing fingerprins from the fingers 🙂 (avoid skin irritation)
RE: Which build plate is recommended to choose?
It comes with a glue stick.
The glue stick works well for TPU, but for PETG you don't need this mess. I recommend wiping the smooth plate with window cleaner to make it easier to release PETG.
You will need a bottle of IPA (isopropyl alcohol; also known as isopropanol) for cleaning both sheets and some acetone for the smooth one.
Read this article for the correct usage of the textured sheet.
RE: Which build plate is recommended to choose?
Buy both, decide which is best for each project. Texture is nice for some parts, but not so good for parts you will be gluing together that need a smooth surface. And as others have said, Ultem (PC textured) vs PEI (smooth) each have benefits for different filaments. And, each have different maintenance. But having both available is the best situation.
RE: Which build plate is recommended to choose?
Can anybody please check the price of the PEI? As I have not bought the printer yet, I don't see it. It may be a hassle to combine orders later. Prusa now offers 3 options. Printer with PEI at $749, printer with textured powder at $749 or printer with both types of plates at: $793.99.
RE: Which build plate is recommended to choose?
Smooth Sheet - $42.34
Textured Sheet - $54.44
RE: Which build plate is recommended to choose?
glue stick or something is needed on the smooth surface when printing flexible filament or petg both stick too hard to the surface and you risk damaging the surface if you dont have a separator.
regular gluestick can be cleaned up with water and soap+water also cleans up the smooth surface when you get fingerprints on it and pla dont stick any more.
some ipa is also needed to clean the build plate (both smooth and textured) get some gloves or similar since it is also good at removing fingerprins from the fingers 🙂 (avoid skin irritation)
Thanks. By gluestick, do you mean "Glue for printbed"? Do I need to put it on PEI sheet if I print PLA?
RE: Which build plate is recommended to choose?
glue stick or something is needed on the smooth surface when printing flexible filament or petg both stick too hard to the surface and you risk damaging the surface if you dont have a separator.
regular gluestick can be cleaned up with water and soap+water also cleans up the smooth surface when you get fingerprints on it and pla dont stick any more.
some ipa is also needed to clean the build plate (both smooth and textured) get some gloves or similar since it is also good at removing fingerprins from the fingers 🙂 (avoid skin irritation)
Thanks. By gluestick, do you mean "Glue for printbed"?
Any glue stick for paper works here. You put it on the sheet to increase adhesion during printing and decrease it after cooling. If you're looking for something special, Magigoo also works great on the Prusa sheets.
Do I need to put it on PEI sheet if I print PLA?
For PLA you only need a clean sheet and nothing else.