Help getting part pieces off the plate
Ok, I messed up.
I had a full plate print of chain mail fabric fail. My fault. My bad, not gonna blame the machine.
Anyway, ended up with 300 some little bitty H shaped 1 layer pieces all stuck to the plate. They are all detached from each other so I can't just loosen a corner and pull.
I tried a windshield ice scraper but they won't budge. I can pick them off with my fingernail if I really try but that's gonna take forever and a day. I don't want to try a metal knife or spatula unless I really have to for fear of damaging the coating.
Any ideas of how to get these things off easily?
Thanks !
Best Answer by Peter M:
Print a new layer over the whole plate, then remove it wen it cools down.(if this is possible).
RE: Help getting part pieces off the plate
Get the plate good and cold; put it in the freezer for a few minutes. Some may pop off when flexed cold.
Take a failed print with a straight edge, (if you're like me you are spoiled for choice) and use it as a scraper.
Allow to warm up and re-cool.
Any that still won't move might become easier if you dribble a little IPA at the base of the print.
Hth, Cheerio,
RE: Help getting part pieces off the plate
Heh. Did that with 664 little pegs once. @diem's alcohol and cold suggestions are good. If all else fails, having a plastic razor on hand can be very useful and less likely to damage the PEI.
and miscellaneous other tech projects
He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan
RE: Help getting part pieces off the plate
I've had good luck using a narrow sharp chisel, but not the way you probably think. I very slightly dig it into the side of the print object, just above where it is stuck to the plate (so as not to damage the build surface) and then lever it up. It never fails. The effect is the same as if you had indestructible fingernails and a terminator's grip. I don't even see a mark left on the object--I'd have to go looking for it.
RE: Help getting part pieces off the plate
Print a new layer over the whole plate, then remove it wen it cools down.(if this is possible).
RE: Help getting part pieces off the plate
@annier
Just out of curiosity, what kind of materiel did you print the offending H's out of?
The Filament Whisperer
RE: Help getting part pieces off the plate
Print a new layer over the whole plate, then remove it wen it cools down.(if this is possible).
That did it! Thanks much!
RE: Help getting part pieces off the plate
@annier
Just out of curiosity, what kind of materiel did you print the offending H's out of?
PETG. I think I know what you're thinking. If ABS, just soak in acetone.
RE: Help getting part pieces off the plate
NOoo! that is not what I'm thinking.
The Filament Whisperer
RE: Help getting part pieces off the plate
I was thinking if it was PLA you could soak it in warm to hot water and maybe PETG, some boiling water poured into a casserole dish and a a good soak might help. the sheet can take 100C no problem. do not ever soak your PEI in Acetone.
The Filament Whisperer
RE: Help getting part pieces off the plate
The Vicat temperature for PETG is 85C, boiling water is 100C/ 212F so it should help. it's your call but if its that or buy a new sheet, it might be worth a shot.
The Filament Whisperer
RE: Help getting part pieces off the plate
also if you were printing PETG on smooth PEI you should have used some kind of separator like Windex , glue, or something. PETG will grab that PEI like its clinging on for dear life, also there's the thin layer issue that makes a it even tougher. on thicker items the freezer works wonders, not so much on really thin or flexible items.
The Filament Whisperer