Voucher? PEI / Powder coated build surface  

Re: Voucher? PEI / Powder coated build surface

I recently read a FB post where someone stated that PR had issued vouchers for the textured, powder coated build surfaces.

Can anyone verify that vouchers are/were issued to those who of us that got our printers early? Or is this guy mis-informed?

I think your FB guy confused intent with actuality.

As far as I know, Prusa Research has not yet sent out vouchers for the PEI powder-coated build plates. Presumably they need to have more plates in inventory than their backlog for Mk3 printers (and Mk2.5 upgrade kits).

- Craig -

Re: Voucher? PEI / Powder coated build surface

I have a Mk3 with the smooth stick on PEI sheet. I have not had a voucher for the powder coated version yet, although i note they appeared on the webshop yesterday.

Re: Voucher? PEI / Powder coated build surface

Do we need to go on the webshop and order them to avoid being at the back of the powercoat-bed queue?

Re: Voucher? PEI / Powder coated build surface

just looked in the shop nothing about it

Re: Voucher? PEI / Powder coated build surface

I asked in live chat and they said sometime around Feb they would be in the store

Re: Voucher? PEI / Powder coated build surface

They are in the store now for me although they cannot yet be purchased. 'Notify me when available'. I like like the look of the smooth powder coated one 🙂

Re: Voucher? PEI / Powder coated build surface

I'm new to this, what would be the reasons for using a glossy, smooth, or power coated build plate vs the others?

Re: Voucher? PEI / Powder coated build surface

I havent received any voucher, but I did select to be notified when I can order a new spring steel sheet. I want the textured one. I really do not like the one with the pei sticker they sent me.

Re: Voucher? PEI / Powder coated build surface

I'm new to this, what would be the reasons for using a glossy, smooth, or power coated build plate vs the others?

The glossy smooth PEI sheets are all that is currently available (issues with the powdercoat production runs).

The powdercoat version (which apparently will come in smooth, bumpy, and medium) are perceived to last longer.

The current PEI sheets can develop bubbles underneath when a strongly adhering piece is removed. The bubbles generally fade over time, but until they do there can be a noticeable bump there (never noticed it affecting a print, but I can feel it with my finger).

The current PEI sheet can also be scratched/cut/dinged by tools, and the powdercoat is expected to be sturdier.

This is mostly speculation (based upon Josef's showing off of the powder-coat plates at the maker faire's back in September) as none of us have the powdercoat versions yet.

In general, the current PEI stickered ones work just fine.

Re: Voucher? PEI / Powder coated build surface

There are three versions of the build plates on offer in the shop, although cannot yet be ordered. One is the smooth sheet with PEI stickers as is being supplied up until now and two powder coated versions. One is the textured finish, the other is described as glossy finish. The current sheet with the stick on PEI costs around 24% more than the powder coated versions so Prusa are certainly taking a hit until now by having to supply the more expensive plates.

Re: Voucher? PEI / Powder coated build surface

I just looked for the pei coated sheet on the website i couldnt find it so therefore didnt have an option to be notified when available

Re: Voucher? PEI / Powder coated build surface

I am sure what is happening is related to the spare parts menu. If you have bought parts from Prusa before such as for a Mk2, when you speak to support they enable the full spare parts menu for your account. Because of this I have the 'Mk3 Printer Parts' section enabled which has all the new Mk3 parts in including things like Einsy and the new print bed sheets.

It is a bit confusing but have faith Prusa will sort it out and you will be able to see the new sheets before you can order them I am certain.

Re: Voucher? PEI / Powder coated build surface

Do we have a clear understanding what each surface is intended for specifically?

Is there a mechanical advantage to the coarse PC PEI sheet or even the smoother sheet, or is it simply the supposed durability of the surface? Maybe even price of production is lower?

With the flexible bed, I have not needed any tools, so the smooth surface has never given me any cause to think I needed tools to remove or require more adhesion with a textured surface yet...

Are there any clear supposed advantages over the other options?

None of the review units that went out covered that detail unfortunately!

A detail I was particularly interested in.

Re: Voucher? PEI / Powder coated build surface

I'm new to this, what would be the reasons for using a glossy, smooth, or power coated build plate vs the others?

The glossy smooth PEI sheets are all that is currently available (issues with the powdercoat production runs).

The powdercoat version (which apparently will come in smooth, bumpy, and medium) are perceived to last longer.

The current PEI sheets can develop bubbles underneath when a strongly adhering piece is removed. The bubbles generally fade over time, but until they do there can be a noticeable bump there (never noticed it affecting a print, but I can feel it with my finger).

The current PEI sheet can also be scratched/cut/dinged by tools, and the powdercoat is expected to be sturdier.

This is mostly speculation (based upon Josef's showing off of the powder-coat plates at the maker faire's back in September) as none of us have the powdercoat versions yet.

In general, the current PEI stickered ones work just fine.

Technically with flexing the plate and not using tools and no adhesive... it should last a long long time. i think the texture will help certain filaments stick better like ABS. having a smooth and textured plate is probably the way to go.

Re: Voucher? PEI / Powder coated build surface

Do we have a clear understanding what each surface is intended for specifically?

Is there a mechanical advantage to the coarse PC PEI sheet or even the smoother sheet, or is it simply the supposed durability of the surface? Maybe even price of production is lower?

With the flexible bed, I have not needed any tools, so the smooth surface has never given me any cause to think I needed tools to remove or require more adhesion with a textured surface yet...

Are there any clear supposed advantages over the other options?

None of the review units that went out covered that detail unfortunately!

A detail I was particularly interested in.

With a textured surface there's more surface area for the filament to stick to which should improve adhesion. This would help materials like ABS, or other tricky filaments, stick to the build surface better which will improve overall print success.

Re: Voucher? PEI / Powder coated build surface

I had issues removing a TPU print from the PEI coated sheet
it just flexed with the steel sheet. rather than crack off!

🙂

Joan

Re: Voucher? PEI / Powder coated build surface

Has anyone heard anything on availability recently? I was told the end of January, but I still do not see them up for sale on the store.

Re: Voucher? PEI / Powder coated build surface

Has anyone heard anything on availability recently? I was told the end of January, but I still do not see them up for sale on the store.

I was just hoping to hear some feedback on them first!

It may be that the PEI adhesive works better for some/most?

There are obviously a few out there, yet all the reviewers I know that have them in hand have not detailed any pro/con to their useage and how they compare to the adhesive sheet...

Re: Voucher? PEI / Powder coated build surface

Has anyone heard anything on availability recently? I was told the end of January, but I still do not see them up for sale on the store.

The order history page was updated to say late February for the powder coated sheets.