The bed of your 3D printer plays a vital role in the printing process. The purpose of this is to ensure that your build will remain in place. There is a risk that your prints may become lopsided if you do not do this. However, over time, the filament can build up on the surface of the print, increasing the chances of the print detaching from the support. Depending on the type of bed that you have, the best way to clean the printer will often depend on what type of bed you have. In this article, we will look at some of the most popular bed options and how you can keep them clean on a regular basis.
PEI Sheets
The best place to start is with an unscented isopropyl spray. This should be high in alcohol, with a concentration of over 70 percent. You will then be able to spray this over your bed and use a paper towel to rub it in. This should dissolve the oils and plastics that have accumulated on the bed. Though it is important to remember that this alcohol spray can produce substantial fumes. Because of this, you should make sure that you are using it in a well-ventilated area. If this doesn’t work, you might need to use some fine-grit sandpaper. Rub it over any remaining plastic using concentric circles. Once the excess plastic has been removed, you can apply some more isopropyl. Wait for the bed to dry completely before you start using it.
Glass Printer Bed
The best way to keep a glass printer bed clean is by using a scraper. When you are doing this, it’s best to heat the bed a little. This will loosen the bonds of the plastic, making it easier to dislodge. Just be careful to avoid accidentally scratching the glass. If there is any plastic attached to the bed, you can use soap and water to remove it. If possible, remove the printer bed before you do this. This ensures that you don’t get any water in the machine, which can damage the electronics. If you prefer, you can use some isopropyl alcohol, though it’s best to choose a milder formulation. When cleaning glass, you might need to push a little harder to dislodge the excess filament.
Adhesive Tape
Lastly, you might have to clean an adhesive tape printer bed. The best way to do this is by using a scraper. You’ll need to be gentle, as pushing too hard can dislodge the tape. After the plastic has been removed, it’s time to look at the surface of the printer bed. If there are any holes in the tape, you can patch them over. Cleaning in this way can be effective. But eventually, you will need to resurface the printer bed. This usually occurs when the tape has been patched over so many times that the surface has become uneven. This video describes how you can use adhesive tape to resurface a 3D printer bed.
How Often Should You Clean A 3D Printer Bed?
It’s best to clean the printer bed after each print. By doing this, you will be able to prevent the filament from building up on the printer bed. Sometimes, it will have been a while since you have used the printer, so there will be dust on it. In this case, you might want to use a damp cloth to wipe it down.
You should also be taking the time to adjust the level on your printer bed. This ensures that the first layer of your print will be even, for a more consistent print. It also ensures that the print sticks to the plate correctly. This is especially important if you are doing an intricate project. Complex prints can benefit from the use of a dual extruder printer. This allows you to print two types of filaments simultaneously, giving you more creative options to explore. If you want more information about their capabilities, and how to find a good one, check out this list of some of the best dual extruder 3D printers on the market today.
You will also need to clean your 3D printer nozzle. You will need to do this once you start to notice that the filament isn’t coming out as smoothly as you would have liked. This indicates a blockage. This article describes some techniques you can use to clean your printer nozzle. If you want to produce excellent prints, you will need to learn how to take care of your printer bed. Because of this, you should take a little time at the end of each print to get rid of any excess plastic. As long as you do this, your printer bed should last for many years to come.
