How the heck do you guys remove prints from the PEI sheet?
Yes, I know, I know... With the PEI-coated, removable steel sheet introduced with the MK3, you simply "bend" the sheet to "pop" off the print... No need anymore for the sharp spatula that came with the MK2, that would eventually scratch / ruin your PEI sheet.
But here's the problem: The "popping off" only works for succeeded prints, that have reached a certain height, and using a rigid (not flexible) material. But how about failed first layers, or the residues left by the 1st layer calibration?
Ever since I received my MK3, the most dreaded procedure to me (whenever a change is made to the extruder or nozzle) is always the first layer calibration: The printer just starts depositing a very thin film of material, often drippy / interrupted, or nothing at all. And while you're frantically turning the knob to adjust the Z-offset (which direction is it? Up or down? Negative or positive values?), in the end, you're left with a very thin layer of PLA that needs to be removed, in order to proceed with the next round of calibration.
But how to remove it? Clearly, the bending/popping won't work. Any sharp tool/spatula will ruin/damage your PEI sheet. Water or isopropyl alcohol won't help. So how do you remove those residues without scratching the sheet?
Re: How the heck do you guys remove prints from the PEI sheet?
I find my finger nails adequate to lift the edge of a of a failed print or one of only a few layers. But if you wish to use a tool a plastic kitchen spatula should do the job with no damage to the PEI.
Regards,
Martin
Martin Wolfe
Re: How the heck do you guys remove prints from the PEI sheet?
They say putty knives would work if they had a sharper blade or they were made of thinner material. I've attempted to use one just to try and it just doesn't get under the edge.
I purchased the below set and have only used two of them from Amazon.
Teenitor 3D Print Removal Tools with Sturdy Wooden Handle, Tool Kit for 3D Printer Spatula Palette Knife Painting Enhanced Version Pack of 5
Re: How the heck do you guys remove prints from the PEI sheet?
I usually don’t have a problem with them sticking very much, but if needed, I just lift up the corners of the PEI sheet. As it bends slightly, the printed material will come loose.
Re: How the heck do you guys remove prints from the PEI sheet?
They say putty knives would work if they had a sharper blade or they were made of thinner material. I've attempted to use one just to try and it just doesn't get under the edge.
I purchased the below set and have only used two of them from Amazon.
Teenitor 3D Print Removal Tools with Sturdy Wooden Handle, Tool Kit for 3D Printer Spatula Palette Knife Painting Enhanced Version Pack of 5
At the risk of violating any tool warranty... a putty knife can be sharpened with a mill bastard file and makes it a wicked and useful tool. Or you can wait for several hundred hours of drywall puttying to do the same job 😉 If you do that it also suddenly gets a LOT better at removing stickers, tiles, and other crap from flat surfaces. Just watch your fingers!