How to get extruded ABS to stick to print bed? My just-finished Prusa has an irritating problem: extruded ABS filament will not stick to the print bed. Instead, it touches the bed, curls up, gets stuck on the nozzle, and makes a giant blob. The first two times I tried printing, this wasn't a proble, I got two good 1 cm cubes, on seperate prints. Since then, every print I have tried has had the same problem. My question, then is: What is necessary to get the first layer to stick to the print bed? My printer does not have a heated print bed, although I could add one if it is necessary. All prints that I have attempted so far, including the two cubes and the blobs, were printed on blue painter's tape on a plywood bed. The reprap wiki has this line on the [url=http://reprap.org/wiki/ABS]ABS[/url] page: [quote]On a cold bed ABS can be printed on masking tape by putting a thin layer of super-glue (cyanoacrylate) on the tape before printing. [/quote] Has anyone tried this? Does it work, and how should it be done? Is the problem my surface? Or do I just need to get a heated print bed? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,196953#msg-196953 Thu, 11 Jun 2026 22:18:44 -0400 Phorum 5.2.23 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,520515#msg-520515 Re: How to get extruded ABS to stick to print bed? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,520515#msg-520515
230C for the ABS.]]> Ecky Reprappers Thu, 11 Jun 2015 20:40:28 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,519215#msg-519215 Re: How to get extruded ABS to stick to print bed? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,519215#msg-519215 Smeared it on the bare borosilicate glass, no tape or anything else... small skirt.
I've printed 5 pieces so far, all of them have stuck fast, no lifting at all... When it's done, I do nothing... just let it sit and cool
on it's own... about the time the table getsback to room temperature, I here a light, sharp pop/crack or two, and I can walk
over, and with VERY little effort, pull the piece off the glass. Turn on the hot water, rinse the glue off, dry it, windex, new layer
of glue stick, and off and running again... I hope this method never stops working!! It's wonderful!

R]]> AZ_Ron Reprappers Tue, 09 Jun 2015 01:16:58 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,384110#msg-384110 Re: How to get extruded ABS to stick to print bed? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,384110#msg-384110 Richardcrowe Reprappers Wed, 16 Jul 2014 22:09:03 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,352601#msg-352601 Re: How to get extruded ABS to stick to print bed? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,352601#msg-352601 krishields Reprappers Thu, 08 May 2014 22:20:32 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,305135#msg-305135 Re: How to get extruded ABS to stick to print bed? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,305135#msg-305135 Nununugent Reprappers Sun, 02 Feb 2014 21:46:32 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,293822#msg-293822 Re: How to get extruded ABS to stick to print bed? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,293822#msg-293822 KokonCZ Reprappers Mon, 13 Jan 2014 05:16:45 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,291722#msg-291722 Re: How to get extruded ABS to stick to print bed? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,291722#msg-291722 Ramon88 Reprappers Thu, 09 Jan 2014 06:09:30 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,291656#msg-291656 Re: How to get extruded ABS to stick to print bed? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,291656#msg-291656 Got tired of CONSTANTLY having to replace the tape after every print. Plastic would stick so well to the tape that warping would pull the TAPE off of the bed. Got me a nice and thick mirror for like $2. If all goes well the next week, I'll be picking up more of these so I can just have a few on hand to toss in there after a print has completed to continue printing while the mirror cools down.


Better picture:

NO warping.
]]> MrBaz Reprappers Thu, 09 Jan 2014 03:06:00 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,287926#msg-287926 Re: How to get extruded ABS to stick to print bed? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,287926#msg-287926 For a long time it was ABS juice on plain window glass - I got tired of replacing the window
glass as it would crack and chip with the parts stuck.
I tried the hairspray and it worked fairly well.
I recently upgraded to Borosilicate glass and decided to try blue painters tape again.

I like the tape because it is easier to clean up than the ABS juice (and less toxic).

I print with my bed at 110C.
I tend to set my Z gap to about 0.05mm (half my standard layer height).

I have had issues with some filament not sticking no matter what.]]> bytemedwb Reprappers Thu, 02 Jan 2014 09:44:51 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,285303#msg-285303 Re: How to get extruded ABS to stick to print bed? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,285303#msg-285303
Regardless of what you use for "stick", bed level counts a lot on the first layer. If the bed is not set up exactly right, you will have problems. I like the glass / hair spray approach because you can look at the first layer from the bottom while it's still on the glass. That will tell you a lot about whether the first layer is extruding properly or not.]]> uncle_bob Reprappers Fri, 27 Dec 2013 11:20:30 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,285252#msg-285252 Re: How to get extruded ABS to stick to print bed? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,285252#msg-285252 I apply my glue when I start a print when the bed starts heating up and it sticks great!

I got a 2 pack of glue at walmart for 97 cents!]]> Floyd Reprappers Fri, 27 Dec 2013 08:39:05 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,285123#msg-285123 Re: How to get extruded ABS to stick to print bed? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,285123#msg-285123 tmorris9 Reprappers Thu, 26 Dec 2013 21:29:18 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,285116#msg-285116 Re: How to get extruded ABS to stick to print bed? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,285116#msg-285116
Turned my glass over to the side with no PET film, sprayed a nice even coat on it, let it dry about 5 minutes, put it on my heated bed set to 90c, started a print but the ABS did not stick at all, just peeled up in a ball as the head moved around.]]> tmorris9 Reprappers Thu, 26 Dec 2013 20:54:07 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,285072#msg-285072 Re: How to get extruded ABS to stick to print bed? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,285072#msg-285072 NormandC Reprappers Thu, 26 Dec 2013 18:39:32 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,285051#msg-285051 Re: How to get extruded ABS to stick to print bed? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,285051#msg-285051
--- Off to Wally Mart ---]]> tmorris9 Reprappers Thu, 26 Dec 2013 17:46:12 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,285042#msg-285042 Re: How to get extruded ABS to stick to print bed? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,285042#msg-285042 uncle_bob Reprappers Thu, 26 Dec 2013 17:32:58 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,284944#msg-284944 Re: How to get extruded ABS to stick to print bed? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,284944#msg-284944
Quote
RP Iron Man
Yeah, me too. Elmer's glue works so well! The parts also pop off the bed by themselves once it cools :D

Its actually scared my wife a few times when you get a loud "snap" when you have a part with a large base break loose during cooling.

I dont know why people bother with ABS slurry and wiping that junk on there with tape and all. glue stick has not let me down so far with ABS.]]> Floyd Reprappers Thu, 26 Dec 2013 13:37:10 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,284942#msg-284942 Re: How to get extruded ABS to stick to print bed? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,284942#msg-284942
Here's what it does to perimeter walls:


This has also been witnessed by the Lulzbot people who stopped using and recommending the hairspray method.

Quote
RP Iron Man
I briefly tried ABS glue but I had trouble applying an even coating to the glass. At first I would apply the ABS glue mixture and it would be too thick, so I would wipe the bed with acetone and end up removing all of the ABS from the glass

Your mixture was too thick! Following Lulzbot instructions, mine is still liquid. I wipe it on the bed with a paper towel, it does not leave any visible residue. On my glass bed, you can't even see there's anything over the PET tape. But it is there, and very effective.
]]> NormandC Reprappers Thu, 26 Dec 2013 13:30:34 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,284925#msg-284925 Re: How to get extruded ABS to stick to print bed? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,284925#msg-284925
Quote
Floyd
I just use a clean glass bed heated to 110c and right before the print I put a thin layer of the purple elmers glue stick down and it holds great!
Clean up is just warm water and wipe it off, no scrubbing or anything.
Normally I can get 5-8 prints before I build up enough glue to need cleaning.

Yeah, me too. Elmer's glue works so well! The parts also pop off the bed by themselves once it cools :D

Eric]]> RP Iron Man Reprappers Thu, 26 Dec 2013 12:57:12 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,284910#msg-284910 Re: How to get extruded ABS to stick to print bed? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,284910#msg-284910
I've been using the Official Rep Rap Hairspray (trademark pending I'm sure). It's Garnier Fructis Style Extreme Control Anit-Humidity Hairspray With Natural Bamboo Extract Provides 24 Hr Bounce-Back Hold. The important thing on the label is "Extreme 5". Walmart sells it in the stores (but not on the web site??) for about $3.40 an 8.25 oz can. I'm sure it's nothing unique. The only real advantage it has is that it's about the closest thing you can find to spray paint in the hairspray aisle.]]> uncle_bob Reprappers Thu, 26 Dec 2013 12:33:22 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,284836#msg-284836 Re: How to get extruded ABS to stick to print bed? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,284836#msg-284836 Clean up is just warm water and wipe it off, no scrubbing or anything.
Normally I can get 5-8 prints before I build up enough glue to need cleaning.]]> Floyd Reprappers Thu, 26 Dec 2013 08:28:06 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,284740#msg-284740 Re: How to get extruded ABS to stick to print bed? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,284740#msg-284740
Quote
uncle_bob
Well since we are dredging up fossil threads. ....

Hair spray on glass works just fine. It's far more "level" than anything you can do with tape. If you want a thin first layer it's the right way to go. It's about as cheap as anything else.

What hair spray do you use?

I would imagine it matters with hundreds of brands and types. Probably many use different chemicals.

I never have any issues with ABS sticking (PET film with ABS juice) but after the first few uses it gets bubbles and ripples from where other parts were printed and this leaves a mark on the next part printed. I am looking to have the bottom layer as smooth as the rest.]]> tmorris9 Reprappers Thu, 26 Dec 2013 03:16:16 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,284721#msg-284721 Re: How to get extruded ABS to stick to print bed? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,284721#msg-284721 Nununugent Reprappers Wed, 25 Dec 2013 22:42:58 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,284682#msg-284682 Re: How to get extruded ABS to stick to print bed? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,284682#msg-284682
Hair spray on glass works just fine. It's far more "level" than anything you can do with tape. If you want a thin first layer it's the right way to go. It's about as cheap as anything else.]]> uncle_bob Reprappers Wed, 25 Dec 2013 18:15:14 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,284641#msg-284641 Re: How to get extruded ABS to stick to print bed? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,284641#msg-284641 dave3d Reprappers Wed, 25 Dec 2013 16:44:00 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,284465#msg-284465 Re: How to get extruded ABS to stick to print bed? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,284465#msg-284465 badetise Reprappers Wed, 25 Dec 2013 01:54:55 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,229263#msg-229263 Re: How to get extruded ABS to stick to print bed? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,229263#msg-229263 -------------------------------------------------------
> With pretty much everything but PLA you will need
> a heated print bed. That maybe not enough though,
> kapton tape, PET tape, ABS Juice, or hairspray may
> also be needed. I usually print directly to glass
> using just hairspray and heated bed.

+1 on the hairspray on glass. The glass needs to be super clean before applying the spray though. I clean with isopropyl alcohol (which I guess is one step below acetone) until the glass squeaks. After letting the alcohol evaporate, I hold the glass vertically an spray with aqua net hair spray about eight to ten inches away from the glass, spraying from bottom to top in an even coat. Don't spray so heavy that it runs. I then hold the glass at an angle to my desk light. You should see little bumps. If there are smooth places I start over again (think it might be oil still on the glass). I lay it horizontal under a six inch desk fan angled down to let it dry. I then apply atleast one more coat, but sometimes I do three. I only print once on this and have never had a part come unstuck.

I worry acetone may have other contaminates in it. That’s why I use isopropyl alcohol. I don't think you want to use rubbing alcohol.

Edit: Oh, and to get the parts off... I stand the plate up and let that 6" desk fan blow on the bottom of the glass. I usually hear a crack and then I strike the part with a weighted tool. Don't hit your glass! If this doesn't work or the part is too small or delicate for striking, I stick the cooled part and glass into the freezer for about five to fifteen minutes depending on part size and pull them right off the glass. Thanks to nophead for the freezer idea, don't know why I didn't think of it. Hello, the plastic and the glass will shrink at different rates causing the plastic to un-adhere.]]> appdev007 Reprappers Tue, 23 Jul 2013 11:48:16 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,229141#msg-229141 Re: How to get extruded ABS to stick to print bed? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,229141#msg-229141
This is something I have considered, though I imagine that there would be problems with it. First of all, thermoplastics adhere to themselves VERY well. Extruding ABS at above 200C onto a cold ABS print bed would most likely result in a part that is completely fused to the bed. The ABS print bed would essentially be a solid raft so you could print one yourself ;) It would be an interesting experiment.

Eric]]> RP Iron Man Reprappers Tue, 23 Jul 2013 02:44:18 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,229134#msg-229134 Re: How to get extruded ABS to stick to print bed? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,229134#msg-229134 ekaggrat Reprappers Tue, 23 Jul 2013 02:21:07 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,229115#msg-229115 Re: How to get extruded ABS to stick to print bed? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?4,196953,229115#msg-229115
I keep the bed temp around 105°, well below the temp required to sag overhangs. This number is uncaliberated, so it is only aproximate. I suspect is is on the low side due to thermistor placement.

Apparently people are using carbon fibre as a printing surface. That effectively means epoxy is in contact with the extrudate. The carbon fibre is inside the epoxy, unless something goes really wrong with the saturation process!]]> Yvan Reprappers Tue, 23 Jul 2013 00:14:44 -0400