I tested the OEM Black Bambu Lab PEI texture Plate (BBPP) against the aftermarket Golden PEI textured Plate (AGPP).
Test model: a cylinder 10mm in diameter and 220mm (skinny and tall) printed in silver PETG printed at 250 deg C & on a bed temp of 70 deg C.
Initial conditions: I started by washing both plates with soap and water and fully dried with a microfiber cloth.
1st print run:
Freshly cleaned aftermarket AGPP:
Adhesion failed after 73mm
Freshly cleaned aftermarket BBPP:
Adhesion failed after 133mm
I subsequently squirted 70% IPA on each plate and wiped with microfiber after every print
Second test pass:
AGPP:
Full model print - no de-adhesion
BBPP:
Adhesion failed
3rd test pass:
AGPP:
Full model print - no de-adhesion
BBPP:
Full model print - model broke free at the last layer falling over and leaving a large blob of PETG on top layer
4th test pass:
AGPP:
Full model print - no de-adhesion
(as an experiment I turned the plate over with the test model still stuck to it and balanced the sheet on top of and between the printer and another object to see how long the model would hold on while the plate was cooling. As I loaded the other plate I jiggled the printer and the model fell off with the AGPP falling second and cutting the test model into 2 pieces. oops!)
BBPP:
Full model print - again the model broke free at the last layer falling over and leaving a large blob of PETG on top layer
Conclusions:
Freshly washed with soap and water has inferior adhesion properties for both plates. It was only after I followed each plate up with an IPA wipe that the adhesion worked to hold the model for a full print.
And only the with the Aftermarket Golden textured PEI Plate (AGPP) the model stayed attached to the very end of the print.
The last 2 passes had the Bambu Lab Black textured PEI Plate (BBPP) finishing the model but breaking free at the very end to leave an unsightly blob of PETG on the top of the test model:
The AGPP full print models did not suffer this fate:
Feel free to draw your own conlusions.
I’d love to see someone with a stock Bambu Lab Golden Textured PEI plate run this same test against the after market version.
I will continue recommending people drop the ~$16 on an aftermarket golden plate as they just work with a swipe of IPA and have superior adhesion properties (at least for PETG).
And clearly a soap and water cleaning alone, does not restore a proper adhesion behavior to a “dirty” plate… don’t forget the alcohol!