Perfect Build Surface For PLA? Hi Guys I thought I would share a discovery with you that I haven't seen documented elsewhere. I am a big fan of PLA but, as we all know, it's a bit of an effort to get it to stick well to the bed without heat. I have been trying various things and stumbled on this quite by accident. My Cherry Pi range of printers uses a 250mm diameter mirror as the bed but I ran out of them on a recent build that I wanted to auto calibrate. I had a piece of 6mm tinted acrylic sheet in the workshop so cut a 250mm diameter circle out of it. It worked fine for the calibration but on completion I wanted to print something. To protect the surface I stuck some kapton tape on it. The PLA at 220 degrees stuck like a dream but lifts off easily on completion of the print. I tried the same thing later with kapton on a mirror but that doesn't work at all well. I think the acrylic must retain some heat that helps with the initial stick whereas the cold mirror doesn't. Whatever the reason it just seems to work. Give it a try. Andy https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,372478#msg-372478 Sat, 18 Apr 2026 21:53:54 -0400 Phorum 5.2.23 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,391648#msg-391648 Re: Perfect Build Surface For PLA? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,391648#msg-391648 Just thought I'd add since it was brought up. I haven't gone with cold as corners and starts didn't appear the best no matter what I tried. Heat is where it's at for me. All I have to do is make sure there is tape.]]> MrDoctorDIV Delta Machines Wed, 06 Aug 2014 14:12:25 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,391641#msg-391641 Re: Perfect Build Surface For PLA? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,391641#msg-391641
In fact, it's probably too much stick-- the tape usually comes up with the print. But at least it's cheap and easy to replace.]]> grat Delta Machines Wed, 06 Aug 2014 13:49:27 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,391448#msg-391448 Re: Perfect Build Surface For PLA? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,391448#msg-391448 ekaggrat Delta Machines Wed, 06 Aug 2014 05:34:59 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,391426#msg-391426 Re: Perfect Build Surface For PLA? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,391426#msg-391426
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gmh39
Since CF vinyl seems to work nicely for a no-heat bed, has anyone tried a whole sheet of carbon fiber? If it works it would make your bed super light.

I'm new to 3d printing, but I have a full carbon fiber bed. I made it because that's my profession. It has a release agent on it, the same that I use when I make molds so I have yet to experience printing on bare carbon. I most likely will not because I found a method that makes the first layer of PLA on a cold bed sticks every time, has great hold, and releases easy by hand: I make double sided tape with the blue painters tape.

Using the blue tape as described by others-- everywhere in the 3d printed world--where you only let the surface texture of the non adhesive side of the tape provide enough grip for the pla was hit and miss for me. One print held, but in most instances the first layer would not stick and the print would be aborted. I tried it with a spray on adhesive that we use for carbon: 3m super 77, but the results were inconsistent because when just applied as a top layer it's effective hold time only last for minutes. The key I found was to lay on layer of blue tape, then to spray the super 77 (or any other spray adhesive-loctite, etc), and then lay a second layer of blue tape down with the adhesive side of the tape sticking up, thereby making double sided tape. I lay the second layer 90 degrees from the first layer. Since using this method, I have not had any prints first layer fail to stick. After the print, I peel the layers up and gently try to release the part from the bed. It sticks so well that sometimes you have to work it a bit, but once up you simply pull the edges of the tape, until the separation between the part and the tape is large enough that you can just remove it.

For me the benefit of the carbon fiber is the fact that I do not have to worry about bed crashes. The hotend has hit the bed many times at force at it leaves no scratches, dents , or marks. Versus the glass I had broke just by the pressure of toggle clamps. If I was still using glass, I would have broken multiple beds. Since I use multiple all metal hotends that I change out regularly the z height is always changing so when I adjust it, I have don't have to worry about bed crashes because the carbon effectively laughs at the steppers running a pointy metal object full force into it. Carbon fiber being 10 times stronger than aluminum and 5 times stronger than steel of the same thickness, it is the perfect surface for a bed in a delta. Although, the carbon bed I made is pretty thick and made of prepreg carbon. A very thin piece of carbon would be bent or pitted, so carbon fiber that is just a veneer would not work as protection against bed crashes.

So anyways, I hope that my method might work for someone because I really like the pla, and even though I made a heated build chamber for my printer so that I can print abs, I see no use in me switching to ABS because the PLA has blown me away with the easy in the way that I can print it. For my needs: printing 3d plugs for my composites business, the PLA meets my needs perfectly.]]> Wildcard Delta Machines Wed, 06 Aug 2014 04:42:25 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,386620#msg-386620 Re: Perfect Build Surface For PLA? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,386620#msg-386620
I dont know how people print with cold beds...]]> ekaggrat Delta Machines Tue, 22 Jul 2014 23:50:45 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,386591#msg-386591 Re: Perfect Build Surface For PLA? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,386591#msg-386591 MrDoctorDIV Delta Machines Tue, 22 Jul 2014 20:17:06 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,386459#msg-386459 Re: Perfect Build Surface For PLA? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,386459#msg-386459 before and I'm sure still do. That's just one example, I've seen a few over the past year.]]> MrDoctorDIV Delta Machines Tue, 22 Jul 2014 13:31:15 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,386407#msg-386407 Re: Perfect Build Surface For PLA? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,386407#msg-386407
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frankenfrankenstuff
He used a vinyl sticker, not real carbon fiber. That would be another test.

I know. That's why I asked if anyone had tried a CF sheet.]]> gmh39 Delta Machines Tue, 22 Jul 2014 10:34:06 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,386380#msg-386380 Re: Perfect Build Surface For PLA? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,386380#msg-386380
Rolls of shelf liner vinyl is cheap though....how about Formica? Or countertop laminate? Strong and flexible.]]> frankenfrankenstuff Delta Machines Tue, 22 Jul 2014 08:39:52 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,386373#msg-386373 Re: Perfect Build Surface For PLA? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,386373#msg-386373 gmh39 Delta Machines Tue, 22 Jul 2014 08:06:51 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,386365#msg-386365 Re: Perfect Build Surface For PLA? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,386365#msg-386365
It is brittle. I would still tape/glue at that thickness mainly for the best thermal transfer.]]> Radair Delta Machines Tue, 22 Jul 2014 07:48:18 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,386240#msg-386240 Re: Perfect Build Surface For PLA? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,386240#msg-386240
the texture is left by the vinyl sticker on the print surface

@Radair

i am able to source 2mm PEI sheet. I was just curious, is the PEI brittle? do i have to glue it to another surface or just use bull dog clips to hold it to the heated bed?
thanks]]> ekaggrat Delta Machines Tue, 22 Jul 2014 00:34:58 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,386233#msg-386233 Re: Perfect Build Surface For PLA? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,386233#msg-386233
I like the "carbon fiber" look....it is strange to see in the pics because the print itself is almost carbon fiber in texture. reflection?]]> frankenfrankenstuff Delta Machines Mon, 21 Jul 2014 23:51:03 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,386228#msg-386228 Re: Perfect Build Surface For PLA? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,386228#msg-386228 Radair Delta Machines Mon, 21 Jul 2014 22:44:55 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,386223#msg-386223 Re: Perfect Build Surface For PLA? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,386223#msg-386223
printing on a hot surface is a piece of cake.. getting it right on a cold bed is harder in my experience as i have no access to the blue painters tape... I have tried all sorts of white paper tapes with pva on them and without pva, but getting the first layer right is very tricky. On my mendelmax I have a heated bed with glass on it .. for pla i apply pva to it and it works like a charm on all kinds of parts .. and for abs i use the usual kypton tape with acetone on it...]]> ekaggrat Delta Machines Mon, 21 Jul 2014 22:09:13 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,385600#msg-385600 Re: Perfect Build Surface For PLA? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,385600#msg-385600 MrDoctorDIV Delta Machines Sun, 20 Jul 2014 12:30:54 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,385169#msg-385169 Re: Perfect Build Surface For PLA? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,385169#msg-385169 Radair Delta Machines Sat, 19 Jul 2014 07:23:04 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,385071#msg-385071 Re: Perfect Build Surface For PLA? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,385071#msg-385071 Also, what do you secure it with?]]> MrDoctorDIV Delta Machines Fri, 18 Jul 2014 21:33:29 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,385069#msg-385069 Re: Perfect Build Surface For PLA? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,385069#msg-385069
[www.amazon.com]

It will only work with a heated bed.]]> Radair Delta Machines Fri, 18 Jul 2014 21:11:41 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,384696#msg-384696 Re: Perfect Build Surface For PLA? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,384696#msg-384696
what is PEI . And are u using a hotbed or not?]]> ekaggrat Delta Machines Fri, 18 Jul 2014 03:51:41 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,384648#msg-384648 Re: Perfect Build Surface For PLA? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,384648#msg-384648 Radair Delta Machines Thu, 17 Jul 2014 23:43:16 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,384637#msg-384637 Re: Perfect Build Surface For PLA? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,384637#msg-384637 ekaggrat Delta Machines Thu, 17 Jul 2014 21:51:52 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,381562#msg-381562 Re: Perfect Build Surface For PLA? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,381562#msg-381562
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ekaggrat
did you try the vinyl on aluminum plate... The vinyl worked perfectly for me on a glass plate but strangely on a aluminum plate it just wont stick for more than 3 to 4 layers of print... Well back to blue painters tape i guess... or maybe vinyl on acrylic....

Yeah, I've got an aluminum build plate. I ordered enough for bits and pieces for testing, and two whole bed coverages. I'll have to try a few different materials to put it on. Or different materials to put on it [clear coat, truck bed coating, etc]]]> MrDoctorDIV Delta Machines Fri, 11 Jul 2014 14:38:51 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,381176#msg-381176 Re: Perfect Build Surface For PLA? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,381176#msg-381176
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Plastic type materials do tend to not steal as much heat as glass does.

For what it's worth, glass has a very poor thermal conductivity. The problem is that it's at much cooler temperature than the extrudate if it's not heated.

I've never had much luck without a heated build plate. I tried a lot of combinations and nothing is as rock solid as Garnier Fructis Extreme Hold on a heated (50º)bare glass bed. In fact, I print ABS on that combination now at 110ºC and it generally holds better than Kapton with ABS juice! The vinyl hairspray becomes whatwhat gooey when heated.]]> umdpru Delta Machines Thu, 10 Jul 2014 15:35:39 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,380236#msg-380236 Re: Perfect Build Surface For PLA? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,380236#msg-380236
did you try the vinyl on aluminum plate... The vinyl worked perfectly for me on a glass plate but strangely on a aluminum plate it just wont stick for more than 3 to 4 layers of print... Well back to blue painters tape i guess... or maybe vinyl on acrylic....]]> ekaggrat Delta Machines Tue, 08 Jul 2014 21:36:51 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,379470#msg-379470 Re: Perfect Build Surface For PLA? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,379470#msg-379470 MrDoctorDIV Delta Machines Mon, 07 Jul 2014 10:38:26 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,379202#msg-379202 Re: Perfect Build Surface For PLA? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,379202#msg-379202





]]> ekaggrat Delta Machines Sun, 06 Jul 2014 21:37:56 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,378227#msg-378227 Re: Perfect Build Surface For PLA? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,378227#msg-378227
Search GreenStar Layflat Classic Transfer Tape for the stuff I use. Way cheaper than blue tape, and easy to remove from the bed for changing.]]> triplanedave Delta Machines Fri, 04 Jul 2014 18:03:38 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,377863#msg-377863 Re: Perfect Build Surface For PLA? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,377863#msg-377863 Iceman086 Delta Machines Thu, 03 Jul 2014 22:44:26 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,376990#msg-376990 Re: Perfect Build Surface For PLA? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?178,372478,376990#msg-376990
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AndyCart
Each to his his own then. I'll stick with this until something better comes along. I've never had a head crash and I have a roll of 200mm wide kapton with about another 25M on it. The biggest benefit i have found with this method is that I seem to be able to print again and again on the same tape.

I have a small 170mm circle plexi bed that came with the printer and recently tried the Kapton tape also. I print only PLA, no heated bed and the Kapton is the best solution so far.
After some time when parts don't stick that well anymore I just clean it with aceton and it works great again(I suspect the fingerprints ).
At the beginning I crashed the head quite a lot, but not anymore. Turned the plexi around and am using the undamaged(yet) side.]]> DinoK Delta Machines Wed, 02 Jul 2014 02:15:02 -0400