How to clean 3d printer bed correctly
The 3d printer bed is one of the essential components of the 3d printer. It is one of the factors that determine the quality of a 3d print and as such must be given the required attention. Many always think about the 3d printer forgetting the platform on which the 3d print will be placed. Learning how to clean the 3d printer correctly is one of the required and needed attention needed to be given to the 3d printer bed. Read on the conan pixma 3417 multifunctional printer.
3d printers come in different forms. I will explain how to clean glass, aluminum, adhesive tape, and polyetherimide 3d printer beds,
Benefits of cleaning 3d printer beds
In the paragraph above, I clearly stated that 3d printer beds determine the quality of prints. To get a great quality print, you cannot use a printer bed with residues from the previous print. This will affect your print. Due to this, it is always advisable to clean your 3d printer beds after print.
Another reason it is in your best interest to clean the 3d printer bed is to preserve it. Anytime you buy equipment, you will like to know how long it can be used. Though the manufacturer will provide a duration for the longevity of the product, how it is used will also affect how long it will be used. I added cleaning correctly because there is a way to follow to clean and overlooking these ways of cleaning will decrease the life span of your 3d printer bed.
Cleaning 3d printer beds can also tell how long 3d printing will take. Once it is cleaned regularly, it will be more efficient and printing duration will decrease for other post-processing work to be done.
Cleaning of beds also enhances the removal of 3d prints from their build plate.
How to clean glass 3d printer beds
The most common 3d printer bed used is glass. This is because glass can be used for a long time. Again, glass does not react with materials used in printing because adhesives can be used on it. These adhesives prevent materials from getting into contact with the glass.
Materials needed to clean glass 3d printer
- Scrapper
- Mild soap
- Non-abrasive sponge
- (70-100) % isopropyl alcohol
- Damp cloth
- Tissue paper
A step-by-step guide to clean glass 3d printers
- Scrape off print residues off the glass while it is hot with a plastic spatula. Scraping is done while the glass is still hot because materials are easily detached from the surface with a little effort.
- Spray soapy water on the bed and wash with a sponge gently.
- When print deposits are still on the bed, spray or pour isopropyl alcohol to dissolve the deposits completely.
- Spay again with soapy water and wash the glass.
- Rinse with water and dry with a damp cloth or tissue paper.
How to clean an aluminum 3d printer bed
Aluminum is normally thin and thicker aluminum always takes a long time to get heated. Like glass, aluminum also allows adhesives to prevent materials from sticking to the bed, but anything can go wrong.
Materials needed to clean an aluminum 3d printer bed
- Scrapper
- Mild soap
- Non-abrasive sponge
- (70-100) % isopropyl alcohol
- Damp cloth
- Tissue paper
- Acetone
A step-by-step guide to clean glass 3d printer bed
- Heat the aluminum to break the bond between the aluminum and the deposits of the prints.
- Scrape the residues off.
- Pour soapy water and wash with a sponge.
- Add alcohol or acetone to dissolve deposits when washing soap does not dissolve the residues.
- Pour or spray soapy water and wash with a sponge.
- Rinse with water and dry with a damp cloth or tissue paper.
How to clean a polyetherimide (PEI) 3d printer bed
The main reason why PEI is used in 3d printing is that it is highly resistant to extreme temperatures. This makes it a suitable bed since it can be used for a long time.
Materials needed to clean a PEI 3d printer bed
- Alcohol
- Acetone
- Damp cloth
- Tissue paper
A step-by-step guide to clean a PEI 3d printer bed
- Spray or pour alcohol on the polyetherimide sheet and clean with a damp cloth.
- If the deposits are still on the PEI sheets, introduce acetone to dissolve the deposits.
- Pour the acetone on a damp cloth and clean the bed. Do not pour directly on the PEI sheet.
How to clean adhesive tape 3d printer bed
Adhesive tape can easily be replaced so people do not often clean them. Once you are short of money, you decide to follow this guideline to clean it.
Materials needed to clean adhesive tape 3d printer bed
- Scrapper
- Mild soap
- Non-abrasive sponge
- (70-100) % isopropyl alcohol
- Damp cloth
- Tissue paper
- Acetone
- Adhesive tape of the same brand
A step-by-step guide to clean adhesive tape 3d printer bed
- Scrape off the print residues with a spatula.
- Cover or replace worn-out parts with new adhesive tapes and makes sure it uniformly leveled.
- If the adhesive tapes are worn out remove all the tapes.
- Wash the base of the bed with soapy water and a sponge or dip a damp cloth in alcohol and clean.
- Dry with tissue paper.
- Tape with new adhesive tape.
Dos and don’ts of cleaning 3d printer beds
- Use a non-abrasive sponge.
- Do not apply too much pressure when scrapping off residues with the spatula.
- Use alcohol and acetone in a well-ventilated room
- Clean the bed occasionally. For example, cleaning the 3d bed weekly.
- Do not pot acetone on 3d beds because prolonged exposure will deteriorate the bed.
- Wear insulating gloves when scrapping residues. Read also- Is 3d printing an expensive hobby?
How Often Should I Clean My 3D Printer Bed?
Cleaning your 3D printer on a regular basis is advised, particularly after each print session. Furthermore, depending on how often it is used, carry out more thorough cleanings every few weeks or as necessary.
Conclusion
As a business, one of your main aims is to produce quality products o your customers. You are just one step away from doing that, implementing all that you have read here to improve upon what you already know.
With the different kinds of 3d printer beds, I have been able to list and explain how to clean every one of them, As you read through, pick your bed of choice and increase its longevity simultaneously with quality production.