What's the official method for fixing stickiness of PEI-coated bed
I've had the MK3 a month. After around 20 prints, PEI sheet no longer "sticky." First layer in Live Z calibration looks great, but having a real problem getting new prints to stick anymore. This is using Prusa Control and Cura as slicers, default 60C bed temp, 200 - 210 nozzle temps, and PLA.
I've tried cleaning with ISP alcohol (only have 70% here), printing onto different parts of the bed.
Now with my other printers, I just hit it with glue stick, but that feels wrong somehow, and I'm betting there's an official method for fixing first layer stick.
Any ideas?
Re: What's the official method for fixing stickiness of PEI-coated bed
Official is whatever works for you 😉
Most common approaches are (no order):
-> Washing with soap
-> Cleaning with IPA (let it dry)
-> Cleaning with Acetone
In addition for max stickiness:
-> small ABS film
-> Gluestick
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Re: What's the official method for fixing stickiness of PEI-coated bed
light scrub with steel wool or scotchbrite.
Re: What's the official method for fixing stickiness of PEI-coated bed
dawn dish soap and water like it's a dish... it's like magic.
good enough for baby ducks....good enough for our pei sheet 😀
I have a Prusa,therefore I research.
Re: What's the official method for fixing stickiness of PEI-coated bed
Everybody says "Clean with IPA" (isopropyl alcohol) but as with much of life, some methods are more effective than others.
Simply wetting a paper towel with IPA and wiping is not sufficient after a while as contaminates get spread around in a layer.
To get the BEST cleaning, use one clean paper wipe with IPA, wetting and wiping to get any contaminates into suspension and off the surface (be a little sloppy), then a second to soak up the excess, hoping to lift and absorb both the alcohol and the contaminates.
After your cleaning, let all the remaining film of IPA evaporate, the hold your plate up to light and look at it at various angles. You will be able to spot contaminates that might remain. You can then hit those.
I find that if I used a glue stick, warm water and dish detergent is the better bet for removing it from the surface.
Re: What's the official method for fixing stickiness of PEI-coated bed
I find that if I used a glue stick, warm water and dish detergent is the better bet for removing it from the surface.
That is absolutely true.
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Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog
Re: What's the official method for fixing stickiness of PEI-coated bed
From much experience, 100% pure acetone is the remedy that will *restore* the bed surface to "like new" stick with PLA barring mechanical issues (like a slightly tipped X axis easily cured by doing a quick Calibrate Z).
I did a more thorough writeup here.
I appreciate any and all feedback.
Re: What's the official method for fixing stickiness of PEI-coated bed
From the handbook:
12.1.5 PEI rejuvenation
PEI can lose its adhesive powers after a couple hundred hours. Wipe it thoroughly with acetone when you see models getting loose to restore the adhesion.
Re: What's the official method for fixing stickiness of PEI-coated bed
From the handbook:
12.1.5 PEI rejuvenation
PEI can lose its adhesive powers after a couple hundred hours. Wipe it thoroughly with acetone when you see models getting loose to restore the adhesion.
That works for me.
--------------------
Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog