Testing Print Surfaces  

Re: Testing Print Surfaces

I will start with Hatchbox Black PLA.

Adhesion scale:
0 - did not stick
1 - initial adhesion but released before completion fo print.
2 - 5 - adherence through the end of print but warping do to poor adhesion.
6-8 - good but removes with cooling
9 - adhesion even when cold.
10 - difficult to remove when cool.

Re: Testing Print Surfaces

Prusa Powder Coated - cleaned prior to print with IPA

Filament: Hatchbox Black PLA.

Live Z: 1.200

Adhesion: 7-8 out of 10. Easily removed test (1x2 inch RECTANGLE) after allowing bed to cool to room tmeperature. In fact, it related on its own.

Re: Testing Print Surfaces

Prusa Bed with PEI Sheets

Preparation: cleaned before printing with IPA

Filament: Hatchbox Black PLA.

Live Z: -1.000

Adhesion: 7-8 out of 10. Easily removed test (1x2 inch RECTANGLE) after allowing the bed to cool to room temperature. In fact, it related on its own. I actually think the PEI sheets are equal or superior to the powder coated sheets. I think the PEI sheets are more likely to be damaged with print removal, but they do have similar adhesion.

Links:
Preapplied: https://shop.prusa3d.com/en/mk3-printer-parts/216-spring-steel-sheet-smooth-pei.html
Self Applied: https://shop.prusa3d.com/en/3d-printer-parts/228-replacement-pei-sheet-ultem.html

I tested both self applied sheets from Prusa and the beds with the stickers preapplied. I will tell you that it is worth the cost to buy them from prusa with the PEI applied. Removing the old sheets and applying a new one is a pain. It is $29 for a new spring steel sheet with the PEI already on it. It is nearly $18 for just the PEI sheets. I will pay $11 plus shipping for the sheets from PRUSA.

Re: Testing Print Surfaces

[...] I plan to test with different types of filament and compare adherence. It will be a subjective measurement when completely cool.
Would be very interested in your results printing 3DXTech PLA. It's high-temp stuff and was a bear to get off my PEI sheet.

Re: Testing Print Surfaces

That is one brand I do not have. I might order a roll next month.

Re: Testing Print Surfaces

eBay Purchased Powder Coated Sheet

Preparation:cleaned before printing with IPA

Filament: Hatchbox Black PLA.

Live Z: -1.200

Adhesion: 8.5 out of 10. Easily removed test (1x2 inch RECTANGLE) after allowing the bed to cool to room temperature. It required a little effort to remove it when the bed was cold. No tools needed. I suspect these beds will not have the longevity of the PRUSA powder coated.

Link to sheet: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Prusa-i3-MK3-mk2-5-Double-sided-Pei-TEXTURED-Powder-Coated-spring-steel-sheet-V2-/332649969907

It is a little more expensive than the PRUSA but clearly difference. Time will only tell if it works better for certain filaments.

Re: Testing Print Surfaces

Simple Blue PaintersTape

Preparation:cleaned before printing with IPA

Filament: Hatchbox Black PLA.

Live Z: -1.200

Adhesion: 7.5 out of 10. Easier to remove than the PRUSA sheets. Test (1x2 inch RECTANGLE). It required very little effort to remove it when the bed was cold. No tools needed. This surface material is cheap and works surprisingly well. I have about 6-8 prints on one piece and is is still going strong. I suspect the key is patience to wait will it cools before removal.

Link to sheet: https://www.ebay.com/itm/3D-Printing-Platform-Blue-Tape-9-x-12-10-Pack/292763572677?hash=item442a1199c5:g:gF8AAOSwEbhbvETO

Re: Testing Print Surfaces

Simple Blue PaintersTape
[...]

Could you post a pic of the underside when printed on painter's tape? I'm curious to see if it adds any sort of texture.

Did you apply the blue tape directly to the Prusa flex PEI sheet?

Re: Testing Print Surfaces

I will post a picture tonight. Painters tape adds a slight texture. It is interesting. PLA Prints stick very well to it. I was shocked.

I have heard about it pulling up. That did nto happen with me at all but I waited until the print was 100% cool.

I applied the Blue Painter’s tape sheets to a buildtek bare steel bed.

Re: Testing Print Surfaces

Maybe it's just me, but I find it difficult to analyze/evaluate results in this format.
Would it be possible/practical to record (and eventually post) your results in a spreadsheet?
Might it also be of value to compare results to some control, like the Prusa Silver most(?) of us received with our MK3s?

THX

Re: Testing Print Surfaces

I have a spreadsheet but it is being completed over time. I am posting updates here as I complete a test.

I will add PRUSA silver - I have a role fo PRUSAMENT and the original role. Which do you prefer?

Re: Testing Print Surfaces

I have a spreadsheet but it is being completed over time. I am posting updates here as I complete a test.

I will add PRUSA silver - I have a role fo PRUSAMENT and the original role. Which do you prefer?

Might be interesting to compare the two

Re: Testing Print Surfaces

I have a spreadsheet but it is being completed over time. I am posting updates here as I complete a test.

I will add PRUSA silver - I have a role fo PRUSAMENT and the original role. Which do you prefer?

Might be interesting to compare the two

When I posted above, I was thinking of the original PRUSA silver shipped with most(?) MK3s, but if you've got the newer stuff* as well, I would think the more data points, the better, eh? :geek:

*Can't bring myself to use that term--reminds me too much of another cult figure that likes to plaster his name on everything... 🙄

Re: Testing Print Surfaces

Will do!

Re: Testing Print Surfaces

Here is an image of the blue tape surface. I am not very good putting it on, so I get bubbles, but this does not affect print quality.

Re: Testing Print Surfaces

Surface: Peopoly

Preparation:cleaned before printing with IPA

Filament: Hatchbox Black PLA.

Live Z: -0.900

Adhesion: 8.5 out of 10. Sticks very well. Harder to remove than the PRUSA sheets. It required a little effort to remove it when the bed was cold. I had to use a spatula to remove. $8 a sheet is very affordable.

Link to sheet: https://www.amazon.com/Peopoly-3D-Printing-Surface-300mm/dp/B078KN9W22/ref=sr_1_1?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1539436594&sr=1-1&keywords=peopoly

Re: Testing Print Surfaces

Surface: LokBuild

Preparation:cleaned before printing with IPA

Filament: Hatchbox Black PLA.

Live Z: -0.900

Adhesion:9 out of 10. Sticks very well. Hard to remove to the point where I needed a sharp spatula, but I did not have to struggle greatly. I found that small pieces of the filament were left after removal and it was easier to remove with a hobby knife and slightly heating the bed a heat gun. A little more on the expensive side: $25-35.

Link to sheet: http://www.lokbuild.com

Re: Testing Print Surfaces

Are you applying these 3rd party sheets to a flex steel sheet using adhesive, clips or other means? How are you testing those with adhesive backs on the i3?

Re: Testing Print Surfaces

Good question. I am using adhesive sheet print surfaces. I am not against clipping things to the print surface, but no this day, I only have adhesive surface sheets.

I purchased five buildtak spring steel sheets to test print surfaces. I have applied the surfaces to the sheets with the adhesive.