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Some insight / help or option with silk pla  

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Asus1357
(@asus1357)
Trusted Member
Some insight / help or option with silk pla

All of a sudden silk PLA began sticking to the smooth sheet with the same adherence as PETG does without a release agent. Sheet is clean first layer is very good. Regular pla (and all other materials) remove fine. Both brands that I have been using have started doing this (same spools). While I understand that silk and other variations all have additives that can affect temp, flow adhering etc. Why is this all of a sudden really sticking. It takes a long time to clean (heating to glass temp and scraping with plastic razors). If there is no solution to the extra tough sticking of the silk PLA does anyone have a solution to removing the stuck on silk PLA residue?
thanks

Posted : 06/11/2022 2:13 pm
jsw
 jsw
(@jsw)
Famed Member
RE: Some insight / help or option with silk pla

I'm assuming that you are using the smooth PEI build plate.

Those PEI surfaces have been known to respond to 'seasoning' and 'memory', as in the adhesion sometimes, not always, may increase over time with the number of prints and cleanings.

Sometimes, not always, wiping off a smooth build plate with acetone (do NOT try this with the satin or textured plates!) will restore the surface to closer to what it was when it was new.  On the other hand, this technique is known to, sometimes, increase the degree of adhesion as well.  YMMV.

Somebody is likely to suggest cleaning the build plate with dishwashing detergent.  This may or may not help.  Again, YMMV.

If I were doing this, I would use something like Layerneer (or countless alternatives) as a release agent.  Use it, Rosie, that's what it's there for.  😉

Posted : 06/11/2022 2:27 pm
Asus1357
(@asus1357)
Trusted Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: Some insight / help or option with silk pla

Thanks for that insight. I do keep my plates clean (always handle with gloves) and even though I use certain plates only for that same materials I never thought about minuscule residue build up acting as an extra adhesive. I will restore the plate (deep cleaning) and keep that in mind in the future. I know I di a lot of prints (always cleaning with 99% iso) but not a deep cleaning lately (dish soap and water)
thank you

Posted : 06/11/2022 4:12 pm
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