Heated bed cleanning solution and print removal
Hi everyone!
I got my Prusa last week and managed to do the first couple of prints yesterday. I have a question regarding cleaning of the heated bed, as I cannot find anything specific about this.
I cannot get isopropyl alcohol (farmacies don't hold it and I have yet to find where I can buy it) but I can get ethanol. It's very similar to isopropyl and since the heated bed should be resistant to chemicals, I think it should work as well, but I want to check if someone else has used it?
I also always have W5 glasses wipes (Lidl brand) in the house, I thought I could use that but the packaging doesn't have any other ingredient stated other than "parfume".
The second question is about removing the prints. I've managed to remove both test prints (Prusa logo and Buddy) with hand after the bed cooled down, but again, I cannot find a spatchula with round corners. I've been to three local hardware stores and they all only have the ones with sharp edges. I got a set of very thin, flexible spatchulas, I'll try that as i might bend the corners a bit so they don't scratch the bed, but I'd like some more suggestions. Like dental floss or something similar.
This is all for now, thanks!
Re: Heated bed cleanning solution and print removal
I use ethanol and occasionally acetone for bed cleaning (the acetone brings back the stich factor of a used PEI sheet).
For part removal, I use a simple 1" (25mm) wood chisel.
Peter
Please note: I do not have any affiliation with Prusa Research. Any advices given are offered in good faith. It is your responsibility to ensure that by following my advice you do not suffer or cause injury, damage…
Re: Heated bed cleanning solution and print removal
Window cleaner the blue liquid, or denatured alcohol that what I use for rc car cleaning surface prior to adhesion removes all oil residue.
I use a paint remove spatula, custom grinned down and smoothed out plenty at the local hardware store.
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Re: Heated bed cleanning solution and print removal
I use a set of palette knives like these, from an art shop called 'The Works' at a cost of £3.00
mostly the straight ended one, sometimes the angled one, and if lifting off a big print I may use all three at different points around the printed item.
regards Joan
I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK
Re: Heated bed cleanning solution and print removal
Thanks for the suggestions, I could get my hands on a set of those palette knives.
One more question regarding the moving of the printer. The manual says the Z axos calibration should be done every time the printer is moved to another surface. I've had some minor problems adjusting the PINDA probe height and it ended up with adjusting it live to -0,750 mm which now sticks the first layer perfectly to the bed (perfectly meaning, my two frlirst prints went fine and this is my first printer so I don't really know if it's fine.)
My question is, before I move the printer, will this call for further Live Z adjustment or does the printer remember the last calibration and adjusts to it if necessary?
Re: Heated bed cleanning solution and print removal
Aceton, Isopropanol. Ethanol, Window-Cleaner and this :
https://www.buildtak.eu/product/buildtak-spatula/
Thomas
Re: Heated bed cleanning solution and print removal
I personally would be very very careful with acetone. Maybe use it in a small area to get all the ABS off, but otherwise, I would stay away. I think it actually damaged my PEI surface. Maybe use it on glass, but otherwise, I would stay away from it. If PEI is not sticking, use a very fine sandpaper lightly, and clean all the dust with alcohol.
Re: Heated bed cleanning solution and print removal
I think it actually damaged my PEI surface.
That's interresting !
My PEI is really bad damaged. A lot of holes, at a few places it's vaulted and swollen. It's time to replace it, but I will wait until I have printed all the dozends of samples which I got from several shops for testing and until I get my new rods and bearings from igus.
Maybe aceton is not THAT cleaning solution ! 😕
Thomas
Re: Heated bed cleanning solution and print removal
I would think that sanding the PEI would hurt it more that wiping it off with Acetone.
Acetone is also mentioned here ; http://www.prusa3d.com/material-guides/
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Gert
Re: Heated bed cleanning solution and print removal
I think it actually damaged my PEI surface.
Acetone will only damage the PEI surface if it is subjected to it for a prolonged period of time, i.e leaving a sheet of it soaking in a tub of acetone. We are wiping it on in a thin layer and it evaporates quickly.