The bed is one of the most important parts of a 3D printer. For optimal printing performance, it must be properly cleaned after each printing session. Traces of filament are deposited on it over time. Although cleaning the 3D printer's printing plate is not a complicated task, it can quickly become one if you do not have an effective method or the right cleaning product. So how do you go about cleaning this essential part of your 3D printer? We suggest you discover the most effective methods.
Do you own a 3D printer? So, how to properly maintain my 3D printer is probably a question you often ask yourself, the first element of the answer lies essentially in the quality of the material you use. When it comes to the printing plate, with the right cleaning tools, the various parts of your 3D printer will have good adhesion.
When cleaning the printing plate of your 3D printer, you will need the following tools, among others: sandpaper, a scraper blade, a sponge, paper, cotton or microfiber towels and cleaning products such as acetone or propanone, isopropyl alcohol (IPA) with a minimum concentration of 70%, dish soap... The ideal for an effective cleaning of your 3D printer.
The cleaning of the printing plate of your 3D printer depends mainly on its base material, but also on the product used for printing. Most of the time, the printing plate is made of glass, polyetherimide (EPI) or covered with adhesive tape. The printing plate of the printer can also be made of plastic, garolite, ceramic, granite, aluminum, but this is much more rare. The use of surface treatments to promote the adhesion of parts to the 3D printer's printing plate must also be taken into when cleaning it.
Glass is a material that is commonly used for 3D printing. And for good reason, its lifespan is much longer than that of PEI. In addition, a glass printing plate facilitates the use of adhesives and lacquer in the 3D printing process. This is because its surface does not react with any material. It is also relatively easy to clean. The glass printing plate of the 3D printer is usually used with glue stick and hair spray adhesives. These increase the surface adhesion for the first print layer, which is essential for the stability of the rest of the model.
To remove residual material from your glass printing plate, you can heat it. The heat makes these materials easier to scrape off. Care must be taken when scraping, however, as glass is easily scratched by sharp objects. It is best to use level objects such as a metal spatula or a plastic ruler. If you choose to use metal, we recommend that you apply only as much force as is necessary to avoid scratching the glass printing plate. The metal scraper or spatula is also very useful for cleaning the print tray if you are using ABS, PLA or nylon filament.
In addition, you can use a scraper blade to clean the glass printing plate of your 3D printer. This tool is very sharp. To do this, apply downward force with one hand while holding the edge of the print tray with the other. This will allow you to effectively remove any remaining material embedded in the 3D printer's print tray. Next, be sure to clean the part of the tray that comes in with your hands. It very often leaves oil and dirt residue.
PEI sheets are also used as printing trays for 3D printers. Their resistance to wear under extreme temperatures and radiation levels is well appreciated. Regular maintenance of a PEI printing plate allows it to maintain its quality. Over time, the adhesion of PEI sheets will weaken due to temperature, printing radiation or inks. Traces of dirt, oil, and glue will eventually deposit on the surface of your 3D printer's PEI printing plate. However, physical cleaning procedures such as scraping and scraping are not the most effective and can actually damage the print tray.
The best solution for cleaning a PEI print tray is to use a cleaning agent like unscented IPA with a concentration of 70%. For a platen surface that is more exposed to dirt and oil, you can use a purer form of IPA. However, wait until the PEI printing plate of your 3D printer has cooled down before you start cleaning. For your protection, be sure to use this cleaner in a well-ventilated environment.
In addition, acetone may be used to remove traces of ink and plastic stuck to your 3D printer's PEI printing plate. This cleaner should not be poured directly onto the printing plate. Even though PEI is not soluble in acetone, acetone can damage the PEI if you pour a large amount of it on the printing plate. To do this, we recommend that you pour the acetone onto the cloth, then wipe the print tray with circular motions.
Tape is an inexpensive and easily replaceable product. As a result, it is widely used by people who are new to 3D printing. Tape is mainly used with non-heated printing plates because of its thermal sensitivity. To effectively clean filament residue from the 3D printer's print plate, scrape it off with a metal spatula. Sometimes your printing plate no longer has a uniform level. In this case, it is too worn and it is best to replace it. However, before applying a new layer, remove any stripes that are present with a cleaning agent such as IPA.
S9 PLUS is SUNLU's newest FDM printer. The S9 PLUS is a -friendly 3D printer that can be set up and used in less than 10 minutes after opening the box. It includes an integrated S1 PLUS filadryer (an upgraded version with a fan)
Got a 3D printer? There are so many opportunities out there for those who want to pursue them, including chances to create your own business.
