Print Bed & First Layer¶

Setting the Bed Temperature¶

Setting the correct bed temperature is crucial for ensuring good adhesion and preventing warping. Below are the recommended bed temperatures for different filament types:

PLA¶

Bed Temperature: 50-60°C
Notes: PLA generally adheres well to a heated bed. Use a bed temperature of 50°C for smaller prints and 60°C for larger prints to prevent warping.

ABS¶

Bed Temperature: 80-110°C
Notes: ABS requires a higher bed temperature to prevent warping. Use a bed temperature of 100°C for most prints. For very large prints, you may need to increase the bed temperature to 110°C.

PETG¶

Bed Temperature: 70-90°C
Notes: PETG adheres well to a heated bed. Use a bed temperature of 70°C for smaller prints and 90°C for larger prints to prevent warping.

TPU¶

Bed Temperature: 30-60°C
Notes: TPU is flexible and generally adheres well to a heated bed. Use a bed temperature of 30°C for smaller prints and 60°C for larger prints to prevent warping.

Setting the First Layer Height¶

The first layer height is critical for ensuring good adhesion and a successful print. Below are the recommended first layer heights for different filament types:

PLA¶

First Layer Height: 0.2 mm
Notes: A first layer height of 0.2 mm provides good adhesion and a smooth surface finish.

ABS¶

First Layer Height: 0.2 mm
Notes: A first layer height of 0.2 mm provides good adhesion and helps prevent warping.

PETG¶

First Layer Height: 0.2 mm
Notes: A first layer height of 0.2 mm provides good adhesion and a smooth surface finish.

TPU¶

First Layer Height: 0.2 mm
Notes: A first layer height of 0.2 mm provides good adhesion and a smooth surface finish.

Adhesion Techniques¶

Proper adhesion techniques are essential for preventing warping and ensuring a successful print. Below are some common adhesion techniques for different filament types:

PLA¶

Blue Painter's Tape: Apply blue painter's tape to the print bed for good adhesion.
Glue Stick: Apply a thin layer of glue stick to the print bed for additional adhesion.
Hairspray: Apply a light coat of hairspray to the print bed for additional adhesion.

ABS¶

ABS Slurry: Apply a thin layer of ABS slurry (a mixture of ABS and acetone) to the print bed for good adhesion.
Kapton Tape: Apply Kapton tape to the print bed for good adhesion.
Hairspray: Apply a light coat of hairspray to the print bed for additional adhesion.

PETG¶

Blue Painter's Tape: Apply blue painter's tape to the print bed for good adhesion.
Glue Stick: Apply a thin layer of glue stick to the print bed for additional adhesion.
Hairspray: Apply a light coat of hairspray to the print bed for additional adhesion.

TPU¶

Blue Painter's Tape: Apply blue painter's tape to the print bed for good adhesion.
Glue Stick: Apply a thin layer of glue stick to the print bed for additional adhesion.
Hairspray: Apply a light coat of hairspray to the print bed for additional adhesion.

Print Bed Surface¶

Choosing the right print bed surface is essential for ensuring good adhesion and a successful print. Below are some common print bed surfaces and their properties:

Glass¶

Properties: Smooth, flat surface that provides good adhesion for most filaments.
Notes: Use with a thin layer of glue stick or hairspray for additional adhesion.

PEI (Polyetherimide)¶

Properties: Durable, heat-resistant surface that provides excellent adhesion for most filaments.
Notes: Use with a thin layer of glue stick or hairspray for additional adhesion.

BuildTak¶

Properties: Textured surface that provides good adhesion for most filaments.
Notes: Use with a thin layer of glue stick or hairspray for additional adhesion.

Blue Painter's Tape¶

Properties: Easy to apply and remove, provides good adhesion for most filaments.
Notes: Use with a thin layer of glue stick or hairspray for additional adhesion.

Kapton Tape¶

Properties: Heat-resistant surface that provides good adhesion for most filaments.
Notes: Use with a thin layer of glue stick or hairspray for additional adhesion.