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How to test if the PEI needs changing?  

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theologos.m
(@theologos-m)
Eminent Member
How to test if the PEI needs changing?

I managed to make some bumps on my PEI by trying to "unlock" some stubborn PETG prints.

How can I really see/decide that my PEI needs changing?

I am thinking that the best test it to print one/more (how many?) layer(s) of material (which one? - the one which I use most? the most problematic one? - I use PLA, PETG, ASA etc) on the affected area(s) / on (almost) all heatbed's surface.

Any advice would be welcomed.

Posted : 15/06/2017 11:50 am
cory.w
(@cory-w)
Estimable Member
Re: How to test if the PEI needs changing?

If you just talking about small little bubbles and not a rip, they will go away after a short time. You can also heat the bed up at higher temps for a bit and it should start to disappear sooner. Mine go away after maybe 3 PLA prints at 55 bed temp

Posted : 15/06/2017 11:58 pm
JuanCholo
(@juancholo)
Honorable Member
Re: How to test if the PEI needs changing?

yup they will go away on the next bed heatup,, you can move your parts to a different part of the bed also to give the stressed area a chance to relax flat again.

when the PEI sheet needs to be replaced is like mine when the plastic actually cracks, i just replaced my PEI for the first time.
I had a large part finish printing and it shrunk at it cooled and it pulled on the PEI to the point it actually fractured and of course over 2 weeks the crack got larger and pieces of the PEI just started to pop off. time for replacement 😀

“One does not simply use a picture as signature on Prusa forums”

Posted : 16/06/2017 4:43 am
Knickohr
(@knickohr)
Member Moderator
Re: How to test if the PEI needs changing?

PEI after 5 month of nearly daily printing 😯

The left side is still good enough 😉

Thomas

Posted : 16/06/2017 8:51 am
theologos.m
(@theologos-m)
Eminent Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: How to test if the PEI needs changing?

🙂 🙂 🙂 ...thanks all for the replies!!

Posted : 16/06/2017 10:17 am
JuanCholo
(@juancholo)
Honorable Member
Re: How to test if the PEI needs changing?

its not hard to change but messy.

for me i didn't want to take the bed apart to put it in the fridge.
so
i used lighter fluid to dissolve the bond from the PEI to the glue.
then used Turpentine gum on a paper towel sheet to let it soak into the glue and multiple passes with a scraper to slowly get the glue off.

finally micromesh cloth with turpentine to scrub out the glue remaining carefully, then acetone wipe and alcohol wipe down, then carefully align the new sheet and press it down slow to make sure no air bubbles. heat up the bed to 100C and give it another press down.

then you have to recalibrate the printer and reset the Live Z

it took me a few hours last night all because of the old glue. the glue is worst part about it carefully removing it.

“One does not simply use a picture as signature on Prusa forums”

Posted : 16/06/2017 7:56 pm
Knickohr
(@knickohr)
Member Moderator
Re: How to test if the PEI needs changing?

What is lighter fluid ?

Thomas

Posted : 19/06/2017 10:07 am
theologos.m
(@theologos-m)
Eminent Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: How to test if the PEI needs changing?

What is lighter fluid ?

Thomas

Perhaps this one?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naphtha

Posted : 20/06/2017 10:15 am
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