Getting PEI plate texture on top layer

I love the texture the PEI plate creates on the bottom layer of my prints. Does anyone have experience getting that texture on the top of their prints? I have an item I’m printing with a flat top layer and flat bottom layer that I can’t simply print upside-down because I’d have to add supports.

I’ve thought about heating the plate and then placing the completed print upside-down on it to re-melt the top layer, but I don’t know if it’s a good idea (or even possible) to heat the plate to a high enough temperature to do that.

The other idea I’ve had is to print the model upside-down but only print a couple layers, then glue that to the top of my print. I’ve superglued 3D printed parts before and a weird haze formed on the outside after it cured, so I’d prefer not to deal with glue.

Maybe, just maybe you might be able to after the print is completed heat the bed up to let’s say 100c and let the print sit on the bed for “x” amount of time (I have no idea how long) and then find a way to lightly put pressure on top of the print in hopes to imprint the texture. Then let the bed naturally cool down and remove the print to see if it did anything.

No idea if this would work and no idea if it’s going to wreck/damage something so proceed with caution! Don’t say I didn’t warn you. :joy:

1 Like

I’ve got some prototype prints of my design I could try this with. I’m more worried about damaging the printer than a print.

Not the same as youre asking but have you tried fuzzy skin?

I remember reading something about adding textures to models. I have no idea where, and I cannot remember if it was in CAD or in the slicer. Something to search for I guess.

I think I tried it once on a print a while back and wasn’t impressed. I’m willing to give it another try if you have recommendations for best settings.

I honestly dont. Ive only used it once. I remember thinking it would be great for gun grips. Not sure of any other way besides stamping it on a hot bed like what was suggested. If its not hot enough, you could always sacrifice a plate to the stove top for this purpose. Be safe.

I’m wondering if OP or anyone else has made any headway this this, I’m trying to print a flat token and would love the same feel on both sides

This is a great idea and one that I’m interested in! Did you ever try heating the plate and laying your print on it upside down to see if you could get the texture pattern to transfer to your top layer?

Anyone try reheating the print upside down? I just got my printer last week and was wondering about the texture.

3 Likes

its called fuzzy skin, you find it in the slicer

Fuzzy skin only applies to walls, not surfaces.

1 Like

I want to know the same … printed a test as I thought it would be cool to do some business cards… and not happy with the “scratchy” top surface… I would consider ironing - but that would take much longer while printing! - and if you could do something with the bed you could do a whole plate at a time!

Why not print face down? Smooth or structured is a choice then.

Just use arachne walls to avoid the pesky little sharp corner holes. And possibly a .2mm nozzle.