One of the frequently faced challenges in 3D printing is to get prints to stick properly. This issue is related to filament and bed leveling. Here are some tips for your reference to solve this issue.
Tip 1: Bed Leveling is Crucial
First and foremost, bed leveling is crucial. Your prints won't turn out well if your bed isn't properly leveled. As a beginner, practice using the same material and a consistent thickness, like a folded post-it note or a business card. Learn the right amount of pressure that works for your specific material.
Tip 2: Frequent Cleaning 3D Print Heatbed
Keeping your print surface clean is essential for successful 3D printing. Regular cleaning 3D printer heatbed is necessary. Over time, the surface tends to accumulate impurities such as grease from your skin and natural oils. Even after removing prints, there may be debris left behind. This buildup decreases the adhesion of the plastic, like PLA, to the surface.
There are a couple of cleaning options. One common method is using alcohol wipes, preferably ones with 100% alcohol content as they dry up more efficiently. Another effective method is using acetone, such as nail polish remover. Applying a full acetone refresh to the print surface can restore it to a near-brand-new condition.
Tip 3: Improving Print Adhesion with Glue Sticks
If you're struggling to get prints to stick, especially with limited surface area, you can use glue. Some printers provide a glue stick specifically for this purpose. Apply a small amount of glue to the steel sheet and spread it lightly with a piece of paper or similar tool. Just make sure not to apply too much glue, as it can affect the first layer of your print.
Tip 4: Use Brim, Skirt, and Raft on Slicer
Next, familiarize yourself with the options in your slicer software, such as brim, skirt, and raft. Skirts can prime the nozzle before printing, while brims provide extra surface area for models with limited contact to the build plate. Rafts are more specialized, useful for small pieces or challenging materials, but not necessary if your printer has a heated bed.
Tip 5: Upgrading Build Plates
I also tried upgrading to a magnetic bed, thinking it would solve the problem. However, I encountered the same issue of the print sticking too well.
Eventually, I switched to a glass bed. To improve adhesion, I followed a recommendation I found on YouTube and sprayed the glass bed with hairspray. The glass bed provided excellent adhesion while printing, but once the bed cooled down, the print could be easily removed. This method has been the most successful for me. The only downside of using a glass bed is that it leaves a glossy finish on the bottom of the print where it adheres to the glass. This may not be ideal for some, as it creates a noticeable contrast with the rest of the print. However, overall, I highly recommend using a glass bed.
In summary, dealing with print adhesion was a challenge, and after trying different approaches, I found success with a glass bed sprayed with hairspray. This method provided strong adhesion during printing and easy removal once the print cooled down. However, it does leave a glossy finish on the bottom of the print.