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Best method for unsticking PLA from painters tape.

Posted by gmckee 
Best method for unsticking PLA from painters tape.
June 04, 2015 10:33PM
I started printing on painters tape, only problem is it is very hard to remove parts! Any tricks or methods to remove the print? I have an heated bed, but have tried painters tape unheated.
Re: Best method for unsticking PLA from painters tape.
June 04, 2015 11:23PM
I would use Kapton tape instead if there is already a heated bed.
I got one of these thin and highly flexible wall scrapers / spatulas.
Ony 2$ or so and sharpened ONE side so it looks like a chisel.
Removed the edge with some fine sand paper so it it dull.
Push under the part and do slight movements from left to right - the "blade" will work it's way under and after a few cm the part usually pops off.
But with a lot of trouble getting parts off it might be a good idea to set the Z endstop a tiny bit higher.
You want is so that the first layer is not pressed into the tape but spread on it like butter.
Especially big parts can be a pain and sometimes it helps to put the bed with the part in the freezer for an hour.
The difference in expansion lift the part from the tape - but this works best with Kapton tape or when printing directly onto the glass.
Re: Best method for unsticking PLA from painters tape.
June 05, 2015 05:00PM
Try a light tap with a hammer near the part's base.
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