As you know, I enjoy 3D printing and do quite a bit. In spurts, to be sure, but collectively enough to keep a couple of spools of filament on hand.
Lately, I've been struggling to get proper prints. It's critical that the first couple of layers of a print adhere to the build plate properly. If the print comes loose, it's ruined. There are a number of factors that figure in to proper adhesion: Filament quality, plate temperature, plate cleanliness (oils and such), plate alignment/levelness, nozzle condition, nozzle temperature, print speed and print parameters are the biggies. There are four print parameters regarding adhesion specifically: None, Rim, Skirt and Raft in increasing order of adhesion. The only way I could get ANYTHING to stick was with the Raft and that doubles or more the print time, and uses a lot of filament. Even that was iffy.
I've been tweaking ALL of them and still couldn't get prints to adhere consistently. I was getting dangerously close to conducting experiments regarding the effect of gravity on trajectory and velocity with the whole thing.
The build plate is a two piece assembly. The base is a heated metal plate with adjusters for leveling and height on the corners. There is a textured glass plate that clips to that. Tho I couldn't think of any reason a glass plate would wear out, and mine wasn't broken or warped that I could detect, it was the only thing I hadn't changed so I went ahead and ordered a replacement. At less than $15, why not?
I. will. be. damned. Clipped that puppy on the base, didn't even align it, tried a print that has been kicking my ass for days and it was perfect. In fact, TOO perfect, it was a beeyotch to get it off the plate!
I have several very small prints that I've been wanting to try but knew they'd be a disaster given the history of adhesion problems. I think I have that beat now...
Lately, I've been struggling to get proper prints. It's critical that the first couple of layers of a print adhere to the build plate properly. If the print comes loose, it's ruined. There are a number of factors that figure in to proper adhesion: Filament quality, plate temperature, plate cleanliness (oils and such), plate alignment/levelness, nozzle condition, nozzle temperature, print speed and print parameters are the biggies. There are four print parameters regarding adhesion specifically: None, Rim, Skirt and Raft in increasing order of adhesion. The only way I could get ANYTHING to stick was with the Raft and that doubles or more the print time, and uses a lot of filament. Even that was iffy.
I've been tweaking ALL of them and still couldn't get prints to adhere consistently. I was getting dangerously close to conducting experiments regarding the effect of gravity on trajectory and velocity with the whole thing.
The build plate is a two piece assembly. The base is a heated metal plate with adjusters for leveling and height on the corners. There is a textured glass plate that clips to that. Tho I couldn't think of any reason a glass plate would wear out, and mine wasn't broken or warped that I could detect, it was the only thing I hadn't changed so I went ahead and ordered a replacement. At less than $15, why not?
I. will. be. damned. Clipped that puppy on the base, didn't even align it, tried a print that has been kicking my ass for days and it was perfect. In fact, TOO perfect, it was a beeyotch to get it off the plate!
I have several very small prints that I've been wanting to try but knew they'd be a disaster given the history of adhesion problems. I think I have that beat now...