Make Your 3D Prints Stick to the Build Plate

Improving the adhesion

The latest version of the T650, T850 and T1250 Tractus3D printers have a PEI build plate, before it was a glass plate. One of our goals is to make the 3D printing process as easy as possible, minimizing the extra actions a user have to perform when making a 3D print which also reduces the risk of (human) failure. The PEI build plate helps to achieve this by making prints stick to the build platform, without the requirement of any adhesives.

Glass build plate

When using a glass build plate you need to use adhesives to make the 3D printed object stick to the print bed, for example a glue stick, blue painters tape or hair spray. If you accidentally do not spray properly, it can end up in the wrong place, for example the cooling fan. It may harm the FDM printer and can have negative effect on the print quality. This possible issue is mainly applicable to the more compact (smaller) 3D printers where parts are located close to each other. When using a spray, the print bed requires cleaning after the 3D print is done and removed.

PEI build plate

Tractus3D makes life easier for 3D printer users. By having a Polyetherimide / PEI build plate, the disadvantages of the glass build plate can be crossed out. The amber / orangish to transparent colored surface is known for its adhesive properties. It makes 3D prints stick to the build platform properly, without any adhesives. You only need to degrease the plate with a little alcohol once in a while. Because of this, in general it requires no manual preparation when starting a 3D print.

Using the right settings

Despite the pros of the PEI build plate, you have to make sure you have set the appropriate heated build platform temperature in the 3D printing software (Simplify3D). When not using the right settings, you can still encounter the print not sticking issue, or the other extreme, having difficulties to remove the printed object from the PEI build plate (sticking too well). It’s always recommended to wait till the first layer is successfully printed, before leaving the machine unattended. We also advise to use the automatic build platform calibration feature first before starting a print.