Bed adhesion with polycarbonate question  

RE: Bed adhesion with polycarbonate question

I don't use Buildtak, but I've had good luck with both Layerneer and glue stick printing PC Blend on the regular PEI Prusa sheet.  As with ABS, I always let it cool down to almost room temperature before attempting removal.  In my not so humble opinion, the PC Blend seems to release easier than ABS.

I know that the Prusa folks warn you to use a release agent with their PC Blend and even include a glue stick (or at least they used to) with every spool of it.

RE: Bed adhesion with polycarbonate question

They still include it, and they mention the PC blend is the only time you should use glue on your textured powder coated sheets. I use glue often on mine, and so far so good. I have never used builtak, however when I apply my glue for PC Blend I apply it twice. I put on the first layer let it dry completely then apply a second layer in the opposite direction # crisscross style.

Also, allow the sheet/print to cool to room temperature (completely inside & out) and then put it in the freezer for about 20 min after (YMMV) I've found this to be very helpful when trying to release stubborn prints.

Good Luck hope this helps

RE: Bed adhesion with polycarbonate question

Hmmmm ... I really don't recall reading any blanket Party Line admonitions against using glue stick on the textured sheet.  I too used it regularly before learning about Layerneer.  I end up using Layerneer more often than not on the textured sheet.  For ABS and PETg as a release agent.  I sure don't want to pull pieces of the textured coating off, and yes, I always let the print on the sheet cool down to almost room temperature before trying to remove it.  I haven't had to use the freezer (yet?) but for a couple large footprint ABS prints I've used the refrigerator when they did not want to readily release.

I use Layerneer on the textured sheet to give the adhesion a boost for PLA prints.  It absolutely prevents warping and curl-up on the corners and it gives a very solid hold to the first layer of those small 'square wave' support footings.  One application lasts for several prints, but I do kind of buff it with a paper towel soaked with IPA between prints.  It goes on thin, and does not leave the marks on the bottom of the print the way glue stick will. 

RE: Bed adhesion with polycarbonate question

I’ve used both Layerneer and glue stick successfully. I have also used neither of those and successfully destroyed my smooth sheet 😒

Like @swiss_cheese I apply it in a crosswise pattern and rather err on the side of too much than too little. 

RE: Bed adhesion with polycarbonate question

@chocki  I have only used a PC blend (Prusament or Polymax), and a single layer of glue stick on the smooth PEI sheet works fine.  Usually flexing the sheet is enough to get them to release but if the parts are too small this doesn't work.  Then I have resorted to soaking it in water, leaving it in the freezer for 15 minutes, or even putting a wooden block against it and then whacking the block with something.  What size parts are you printing?

RE: Bed adhesion with polycarbonate question

You could try to spay alcohol on the bed, and then go over it with glue stick,  do this with the glue stick several times to get a thin layer.

You get at least not a thick layer with this.

RE: Bed adhesion with polycarbonate question

@jsw

I use gluestick still to this day.  

RE: Bed adhesion with polycarbonate question

What is: Got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Hairspray?  I looked it up on Amazon.  How does it work?

RE: Bed adhesion with polycarbonate question

@jsw

Print sheet preparation

Prusament PC Blend can be printed on both smooth and textured print sheets. However, it’s required to spread a separating agent on the sheet before you start printing, otherwise the adhesion of the print may be too strong. The best way to prepare your print sheet is to apply a thin layer of paper glue onto the sheet. This is why we bundle a paper glue stick (KORES) to every PC Blend spool for free. Failing to add a separating layer may lead to the damage to your print sheet! While our documentation states that it’s not advised to apply glue onto the powder-coated textured steel sheet, the PC Blend is an exception. Do not use the glue onto the powder-coated textured steel sheet when printing with other materials (PLA, PETG, ASA, Flex, and others)!

just to avoid any confusion, it's your sheet do as you like.

Enjoy

RE: Bed adhesion with polycarbonate question

Posted by: @cwbullet

What is: Got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Hairspray?  I looked it up on Amazon.  How does it work?

It's just a firm hold hairspray. You can get it anywhere. 

I use it on myself as well as the printer with the ferrotype plate. 

I get it at Ulta, but I've seen it at places like CVS and Walmart. If you ask they will know exactly what you are talking about. 

There are several products in the line. 

Oh, don't try substituting Gorilla Glue!

RE: Bed adhesion with polycarbonate question

@annier

Thanks.  I might have to try it.  As a bald guy, I get funny looks when I buy it.  I have purchased more hair care products this year than the prior 20 years.  

RE: Bed adhesion with polycarbonate question

@Charles

you should throw a bottle of volumizing shampoo up on the counter next time, with the hair spray. 😉 

RE: Bed adhesion with polycarbonate question

@swiss_cheese

That will get me a few looks.  I guess I could use it on my beard if I ever grow one.  

RE: Bed adhesion with polycarbonate question

@annier

It does not near as good as Aquanet.  

RE: Bed adhesion with polycarbonate question

The got2b hair spray direct on steel does not grip polycarbonate well enough, it works, but I would not trust leaving it.

Now, spraying in onto the buildtack black, that's more like it!, I'm still experimenting with how much to apply, spaying lots so the surface is smooth wet is too much, you can print on it, but again, leaves the bond too weak in my opinion.

Going to spray less and try on the next prints, oh and it washes off easily using water.

Not much life in this buildtack sheet, the PC sticks too well even with the gluestick as it is difficult to get a smooth even layer.

The gluestick just left too an uneven surface for me, this seems like a lot better an idea.

Got a FYSETC textured PEI sheet arriving tomorrow, will try it with PC and got2b hairspray as a release agent.

To be fair, I dont trust the adhesion with a good coating of hairspray, but I have to admit the current print with 4 parts spread out is printing without any issues so far, but they wont warp much anyway so maybe not the best test.