I’ve only been printing for a couple months, but when I print with PETG, the model sticks to the build plate and is difficult to remove. Today, I printed something with a brim and I really struggled to it off the build plate. I waited for it to cool and even put it outside for a while (it’s -11 c here). I’m wondering how to the right balance between good adhesion and OMG, I can’t get this stuff off.
Here’s some of the possible “solutions” I’ve found:
Hair Spray
Glue Stick
Smooth build plate (some say it fixes, other say it makes it worse).
Of the ideas above, hair spray seems like the best one to me. Easy to apply in a nice even coat. I was also wondering if lowering the bed temp would help. If that’s a good idea, how much would people suggest I lower it?
Perhaps I’m missing something. For release agents, I suggested hair spray or glue sticks. I also mentioned I let the plate cool and even out it outside (-11c). So, can you tell me what I missed please? Perhaps another release agent?
You’re spot on. Using hairspray or glue as a release agent is exactly what you want. Yes, you could also lower the bed temperature. I would experiment, but I generally run my PETG hot on a textured PEI plate at 65C, though I have gotten away with 50C. A smooth build plate does make it worse. Ask me how I know?
With respect to hairspray, it works very well and is my go-to solution. I have also adapted it into a magic marker pen so I can apply it directly without spraying. It is a bit of a production to get the spray out, but I can walk you through it if you’re interested in that solution. I posted a how-to some time back. It can be found here:
If you decide to use a glue stick, try using a very wet paper towel or sponge to spread the paste glue around. This will smooth out the white paste and give you a very thin coating, which in my experience is just the right amount.
There’s even a clever applicator that one maker created on printables.com. I have not tried it myself, but I like the concept.
I prefer using a sponge dedicated to this purpose along with a bottle of distilled water. The water is the more important part because I have a lot of minerals in my tap water, and the calcium does build up on the plate. Any bottled water might work, just not ones like Coca-Cola’s Dasani, which has minerals added for taste.
I would avoid the liquid glues. They are gloppy, overpriced, and not really any more effective. I have Bambu liquid glue and three others and, at $20 a bottle, all I can say is “buyer’s remorse.” It all feels like a ripoff meant to sûcker in people who do not know any better and see the words “Specially Formulated for 3D Printing.”
There is only one liquid glue I have used that can actually make that claim. I will not advertise it here because it really is more hype than delivery, but for one very specific use case - nylon on a G10/Garolite plate - it is a good solution.
Thanks for the well thought out and complete response. It’s good to know I was on the right track. Taking the hairspray out of the compressed can and putting it into a pen sounds like an excellent idea.
Had the same issue on my H2C. Almost impossible to get it off. Thankfully, this group pointed me to an Engineering plate with liquid glue. Since then, absolutely no problems. PETG went from ■■■■ to just another filament.
This is some pretty interesting stuff guys. I have had a similar issue with PLA and PETG. I will print something, let it cool, and yet it still sticks to the build plate. I remember my first few prints when the product would come right off the build plate.
A few side notes: I keep my build plate super clean and do my best to avoid touching it. I have the Bambu X1C.
Its not just any hair spray btw - It’s Aqua Net Unscented. It really is different and really does actually do something. Way better than nothing, but less than glue. IMO way more convenient.
On textured PEI I really lay it on thick [spray or glue] and with a small cloth square even and thin it out, changing direction and kind of pushing down a little to make sure the nooks and crannies get touched.
I had this problem recently, it was Sunlu petg-carbon fiber. it printed great, but would not come off the textured build plate even with a razor blade and was worried I’d ruin the plate trying to get it off. Trying to pull it off was fruitless, it was like it was epoxied on. Anyway I read where someone solved this by heating the build plate to 100C, and that should sufficiently soften it so it could be pulled off. This worked great for me although i dont want to have to do that again.
I guess ill try glue stick to see if that works ok as a release agent.
