How long do the Textured PEI plates last? I wash mine with a dish detergent and hot water using a Scotch Brite Zero Scratch scrub sponge.
I have the same question for the Bambu Cool Plate Super Tack.
You’re basically asking the 3D printing version of “how many miles will my tires last?” The real answer is: it depends - on what material you’re printing, how often, and how well you maintain your plate.
If you’re mostly using PLA, the build plate shouldn’t need anything more than a light wash now and then. PLA doesn’t bond aggressively, so cleaning is usually just about removing fingerprints or dust. In that case, gentle dish soap and warm water are all you need.
If you’re printing PETG or anything that sticks more aggressively, then yes - you may need to do more. Start with a plastic scraper to remove the big stuff. For finer residue, use a soft nylon sponge. Emphasis on soft. Avoid the green Scotch-Brite pads - they’re too abrasive and can damage coated plates. Even some “non-scratch” sponges can be risky, so stick to ones labeled safe for nonstick cookware.
If you’re using this kind of pad, you’re doing harm to your build plate(Note for high tack plate, Bambu stated that a worn plate can be restored with judicious use of 600grit sandpaper):
The maximum you should use is a true nylon sponge like these:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=nylon+sponge
For scaping, use plastic blades. Here is a link to one that is well suited for scaping build plates.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Plastic+Razor+Blade+Scraper
There are literally hundreds of makers of the same blades, just pick the color you like.
The point is: don’t go nuclear. No metal scrapers, no solvents unless you know they’re safe for your surface, and definitely no aggressive scrubbing unless you want to ruin the coating.
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Thank you very much for the info on non-abrasive sponges, I print at least one part every day in Colorfabb Woodfill and have started printing in PHA on a high tack plate.
Ehn?
I’d like to note that they’ll just keep trucking until they have literal holes in them. Things might stick less (or more, depending on the material and plate) and a 3d effect build plate might stop being as effective but ultimately its on you to decide.
I don’t like the tire analogy since bald tires are genuinely unsafe while a jank build plate at worst would just have some prints that are hard to remove. A messed up build plate doesn’t risk literally killing yourself and others.
Not sure exactly which one that is, but I use white ones that are a super firm and slightly abrasive foam. They seem to work well.