Print directly on glass? or on PET? for ABS

My kit came with PET sheet for my glass, but it is quickly getting messed up.

I am wondering if I need to buy more PET sheets (expensive) or if I can print right onto the glass?

This is the one major drawback to printing with ABS. I've tried the so called "ABS juice" directly on glass, and I still use it, but the results are not quite as dramatic as other people claim. Kaptan tape works well, but trying to get the tape stuck down properly with no bubbles and no overlap is quite frustrating. The solution for PLA is quite simple - use diluted PVA glue. But I've not come across such an ideal solution for ABS.

I'll be interested to see what others respond with.

I use PVA for ABS. 1 part pva to ~ 2 or 3 parts water

Right onto the glass?

I never tried PVA for ABS. I'll give it a shot.

At least for PLA, I put the PVA directly on the glass. I always clean the old stuff off before I apply new in order to eliminate build-up. Nail polish remover cleans it up almost effortlessly.

I would guess directly on the glass is the way to go for ABS too. The only thing is the glass is hot enough for ABS to cause sizzling when liquid is applied. I would guess it best to leave the glass cool for a bit (or have two panes of glass the you use interchangeably.

I apply the PVA when its around 50-60C

jbernardis Wrote:
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> Kaptan tape works well, but trying to get
> the tape stuck down properly with no bubbles and
> no overlap is quite frustrating.

Try soapy water on both sides of the Kapton tape and a plastic squeegee. The moisture will evaporate (don't heat your bed beyond 100 C too quickly or you'll just get more bubbles) and the tape will stick at least as well as applying it dry. A credit card works as a squeegee.

Try mixing the PVA with 70% metholated spirits, it works much better than using water and dries quicker too.

I bought Kapton last week, got it yesterday, started printing last night.. Man, I'm hooked. But beware, make sure your printbed is at correct height. If you squash the layers too much in the first layer, you will end up with a print being stuck to the Kapton

I have recently discovered a good alternative to ABS Juice, that is 'Elmer's Washable School Glue' The stick form allows you to put down a nice even coating while the glass is cold.

It sticks, as good as, if not better than my best ABS Juice effort. I say 'best' because most of the time the ABS Juice mix is not consistent. I add more ABS, or more acetone in a very non-scientific way.

Part removal is almost automatic, if you allow the glass to cool to room temperature. Clean up is just water and a rag.

John