PETG printing surface options?
I received my printer about 3 weeks ago. I really couldn't be happier. I've learned a lot an have printed a wide variety of things in both PLA and ABS. As I continue to learn I decided to buy a roll of PETG. But looking at some examples I've seen more than a few horror stories of people putting holes in their PEI sheets and I'd like to avoid that.
Given I am very much a novice, l am really scared of ruining the bed. The examples I've seen have also come from more experienced people. Any advice on the subject would be appreciated.
Re: PETG printing surface options?
I have no problem printing with PETG. Just remember not to use Isopropyl Alcohol to clean the bed because PETG will adhere too well. Use window cleaner (like Windex) instead. I believe this is mentioned in the manual.
Re: PETG printing surface options?
The sticking too well is exactly what I am afraid of. That is why I am looking into exploring ways to make it as safe as possible.
Re: PETG printing surface options?
Dust the clean pei with talcum powder. And rub clean with paper plain tissue
Same as you would for tpu or tpe flex filament
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: PETG printing surface options?
I am also using window cleaner instead of IPA for PETG and it works just fine. Printing PETG is for me easy like PLA. I just need to adjust Z height after changing from PLA, PETG needs ti be more closer to the bed for me. I tried also the glue stick, it worked as well but then the hell puting it away...
Re: PETG printing surface options?
Hello there!
I'd like to add my two cents here...
Ever since I bought my printer I exclusivley print with PETG because it has great strenght properties, low shrinkage (only 0.5%), and it has very low curling when printing.
What I do is... wipe the bed with a clean paper towel or micro-fiber cloth.
As mentioned above, don't use isopropyl alcohol or any kind of alcohol mixture. Window cleaner is ok since most have other chemicals that have cleaning properties. I found out that Windex has an anti-static coat which stays behind, and this lets you remove prints with less force than usuall.
So the conclusion from my point of view is... don't even clean the bed for PETG if you haven't touched it with greasy fingers. Otherwise just wipe with a clean towel and you should be good to go. 🙂
With best regards, Boris.
Re: PETG printing surface options?
Dust the clean pei with talcum powder. And rub clean with paper plain tissue
Same as you would for tpu or tpe flex filament
Just want to thank Joan for this tip. It works like a charm. I was having issues with PETG sticking too well to the print bed - usually after printing several of the same part. A light dust of talc has cured this problem, and for some reason is having a beneficial effect on the bottom surface finish.
Re: PETG printing surface options?
Talc is a modest lubricant!, makes the surface smoother to the touch!
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: PETG printing surface options?
Realizing this is thread necro... Windex or a wipe with the mitts is sufficient for most PETG. Do be more careful as temps go up. My 1st experience with a high-temp PETG at 260C/90C was the end for one of my PEI surfaces. I use a bit of glue stick before printing that sort of thing anymore. I've since acquired another PEI sheet, so I reserve my old one for experimenting with new materials.
The sticking too well is exactly what I am afraid of. That is why I am looking into exploring ways to make it as safe as possible.
RE: PETG printing surface options?
I put four holes in my PEI sheet removing a PETG piece this week... yeah - missed the note about using tape or glue stick. After reading some more, I used windex on the other side and my PETG pieces come off like PLA. Sure wish I'd known this before. I spray on the windex to soak the surface then tilt on edge on a towel and let it dry. Seems to hold up through multiple prints.
MK3s / My IKEA Lack enclosure
RE: PETG printing surface options?
Actually it's enough to spray the windex on a rug and smear the PEI surface thoroughly. Atleast it works for me when printing PETG.
And the PEI sheets on the steel are replaceable, it's a bit of work, but not too bad, so you can fix yours.
RE: PETG printing surface options?
[...] And the PEI sheets on the steel are replaceable, it's a bit of work, but not too bad, so you can fix yours.
I finally got around to ordering a replacement sheet and fixing my original flex steel PEI sheet. It's a lot of very messy work, but my garage smells great thanks to the Limonene! The surface looks as good as any other self-applied PEI I've tried, but for the difference in cost, ordering a full replacement sheet may be a better use of time. 2 fresh PEI surfaces and Prusa's price is excellent, even considering shipping.
It's definitely a good idea to dedicate one surface or sheet for PETG and other sticky materials. Forgetting which one has been cleaned for PLA before printing PETG can be painful.
RE: PETG printing surface options?
I'll be the apocryphal voice here.
I've found prepping the smooth PEI sheet exactly as I would for PLA to work perfectly for Amazon PET-G when printing at 230 with a 90 bed temp. Some flex of the plate and the parts pop of just like PLA does. Dish soap and acetone to get things started and then IPA wipe downs between prints. I found this after having adhesion and blob issues with the Windex and hand wipe approaches.
Seems that the Amazon PET-G has lower temp than others which may play into it.
RE: PETG printing surface options?
Seems that the Amazon PET-G has lower temp than others which may play into it.
I think that's a big part of it. I was fine with Windex and hand wipes... until I tried 3DXTech printing at 260C. Which is what led me to replacing my surface. Glue stick or MagiGoo for the hot stuff for me now!
RE: PETG printing surface options?
I'll be the apocryphal voice here.
I've found prepping the smooth PEI sheet exactly as I would for PLA to work perfectly for Amazon PET-G when printing at 230 with a 90 bed temp. Some flex of the plate and the parts pop of just like PLA does. Dish soap and acetone to get things started and then IPA wipe downs between prints. I found this after having adhesion and blob issues with the Windex and hand wipe approaches.
Seems that the Amazon PET-G has lower temp than others which may play into it.
No issues using dish soap and a pre-print windex wipe with that PETG here.
RE: PETG printing surface options?
Hi,
What it has worked best for me is to leave the printed part (and the steel sheet) in the fridge for some minutes before carefully removing the part.
When I removed the part at ambient temperature (arround 25ºC) many times it leaved a mark on the PEI sheet, if I remove the part when I feel it is cool (say 5 to 10ºC) the sheet stays perfectly clear (I have to say that this procedure has worked so far, but I can not tell whether it is safe in the long term, I'm just about to finish my fist PETG spool)