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MK3 bed doesn't stick as well as MK2S  

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michael.w15
(@michael-w15)
Eminent Member
MK3 bed doesn't stick as well as MK2S

Good evening

I had an MK2S before the California Wildfire took its life. I never had any problems with prints sticking. Now that I have the MK3 I only seem to get PLA to work. PETG refuses to stay stuck no matter what I try. And I have the printer's Z tuned in just like the MK2S was. Is the print bed on steel not as good? Am I missing something with this new model? I've been in the hobby 6 years so I am far from a newbie.

Posted : 22/12/2017 4:40 am
kelchm
(@kelchm)
Eminent Member
Re: MK3 bed doesn't stick as well as MK2S

I print almost exclusively with PETG and have had zero issues. Seems to be very similar to the PEI I purchased from amazon, other than being thinner and mounted to a sheet for spring steel.

Have you tried cleaning with isopropyl alcohol?

Posted : 22/12/2017 5:38 pm
michael.w15
(@michael-w15)
Eminent Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: MK3 bed doesn't stick as well as MK2S

I was able to print 3 items with zero issue. Since then the next print doesn't want to stay stuck down and it is a rather sizeable print. I tried cleaning with alchohol and acetone with no luck. I wonder if the room temperature is coming into play here. The last few days have been pretty cold.

Posted : 22/12/2017 7:15 pm
kelchm
(@kelchm)
Eminent Member
Re: MK3 bed doesn't stick as well as MK2S

PETG should stick to clean PEI with no issue at all. You're either under-extruding or need to adjust your z offset to be closer to the bed.

Posted : 22/12/2017 7:37 pm
michael.w15
(@michael-w15)
Eminent Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: MK3 bed doesn't stick as well as MK2S

Ill try lowering the Z a bit more.. although PLA sticks really well to the bed now.

Posted : 23/12/2017 3:00 am
JLTX
 JLTX
(@jltx)
Reputable Member
Re: MK3 bed doesn't stick as well as MK2S

Hmm. PETG sticks *too well* to PEI. I always use a release agent. Surprised by experience described here.

Posted : 23/12/2017 3:22 am
kelchm
(@kelchm)
Eminent Member
Re: MK3 bed doesn't stick as well as MK2S

Can you try a different roll of PETG? It's possible you got a roll that's contaminated with something.

FWIW I've never had an issue of PETG adhering too well to the MK3 bed. Flexing the steel sheet has always made it extremely easy, even on larger prints.

I also use the spatula manufactured by Build Tak for removing the skirt without damaging the surface.

Posted : 23/12/2017 3:44 am
JLTX
 JLTX
(@jltx)
Reputable Member
Re: MK3 bed doesn't stick as well as MK2S


Can you try a different roll of PETG? It's possible you got a roll that's contaminated with something.

FWIW I've never had an issue of PETG adhering too well to the MK3 bed. Flexing the steel sheet has always made it extremely easy, even on larger prints.

I also use the spatula manufactured by Build Tak for removing the skirt without damaging the surface.

My experience is from MK2S (no flexing, not tried on MK3 yet) but the manual does mention this problem. I have seen posts from other users who tore off PEI from the bed by printing directly to it. I do only have 1 roll of unknown quality. What is a good brand?

Posted : 23/12/2017 5:15 am
kelchm
(@kelchm)
Eminent Member
Re: MK3 bed doesn't stick as well as MK2S

I've had good luck with both eSun and Hatchbox PETG.

Posted : 23/12/2017 5:53 am
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