I think I have a pretty easy question. I just built a printer and am wondering if the (I'll describe it as a paper tape like surface of the bed) is okay to print on. It didn't come with glass and am wondering if getting a piece of glass is important? I appreciate the help. [attachment 59339 IMG_20150803_084013-1.jpg] https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?262,541341,541341#msg-541341 Sun, 14 Jun 2026 12:53:18 -0400 Phorum 5.2.23 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?262,541341,542732#msg-542732 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?262,541341,542732#msg-542732
Also if you plan to use an infrared thermometer to double check your bed temperature, stick a square of black PVC insulation tape on one corner, the aluminium's shiny surface gives false readings on the IR thermometer without it.]]> DjDemonD Printing Thu, 06 Aug 2015 06:22:33 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?262,541341,542710#msg-542710 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?262,541341,542710#msg-542710 But IMHO the best reason to use glass over an aluminium bed is so that it can not be scratched.
Nothing is worse than having cut marks in it because the knife slipped once...]]> Downunder35m Printing Thu, 06 Aug 2015 05:43:21 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?262,541341,542614#msg-542614 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?262,541341,542614#msg-542614
When you decide you want finer detail and want to move to a smaller nozzle and lower layer heights then it gets more important to have glass.]]> tmorris9 Printing Thu, 06 Aug 2015 00:37:57 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?262,541341,542445#msg-542445 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?262,541341,542445#msg-542445 sarf2k4 Printing Wed, 05 Aug 2015 14:07:52 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?262,541341,541374#msg-541374 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?262,541341,541374#msg-541374 I also have glass plates but don´t use them anymore.
For PLA I use 45°C heatbed temperature instead of 70°C for a glass plate.
You can even print PLA on a cold bed, but you might have trouble getting the part off after printing.
-Olaf]]> o_lampe Printing Mon, 03 Aug 2015 13:18:15 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?262,541341,541344#msg-541344 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?262,541341,541344#msg-541344 Allnight Printing Mon, 03 Aug 2015 11:57:01 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?262,541341,541341#msg-541341 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?262,541341,541341#msg-541341
[attachment 59339 IMG_20150803_084013-1.jpg]]]> Allnight Printing Mon, 03 Aug 2015 11:45:17 -0400