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If you’re curious about the best printers, you may want to learn how to remove glue from a 3D printer bed. After all, some 3D prints require a layer of glue or a piece of tape, leaving glue residue on the print bed. Removing glue stick residue from the glass bed can be challenging, even on a premium 3D printer. Fortunately, you can learn how to clean glue off a 3D printer bed in a few simple steps.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Learning how to clean a glass bed 3D printer is critical for successful print jobs and normal operation. A paper towel and warm water work for quick maintenance, but occasional deep cleaning helps with bed adhesion for future prints.
Insider Tip
Keeping the printer bed surface clean between projects ensures maximum adhesion, leading to defect-free prints.
Applying glue to the 3D printer bed surface is common because it yields proper bed adhesion. Additionally, a thin layer of glue residue prevents your 3D prints from sticking to the print bed. Learning how to clean a resin 3D printer is a critical procedure between prints, keeping the print surface fresh for future projects.
Unplug the 3D printer and allow the unit to cool. If you have a stuck print, use a razor blade or flat edge to pry it away from the base. Lastly, let the print bed cool.
Fill a bucket with warm water and add a small amount of dish soap. Mix the water with a clean cloth.
Soak the cloth in the soapy water, and wring it out over the bucket. The cloth shouldn’t drip water, but it should still contain enough soapy water to break down the extra adhesives on the print bed.
Once you’ve removed the glue residue from the glass bed, remove excess moisture with a dry cloth. Experts recommend a microfiber cloth to minimize leftover lint or dust.
Unplug the 3D printer and remove your latest print. Let the unit cool, and inspect how much adhesive is left on the print bed.
Experts recommend multiple chemical substances for stubborn glue, but rubbing alcohol and window cleaners are the most common. Use a spray bottle to mist the glue residue. Let the cleaning solution rest on the glue before moving on to step 3.
Wipe the printer bed with a microfiber cloth to remove the bulk of the leftover glue. If you notice remaining adhesive residue, reapply the cleaning solution, and move on to step 4.
Use a flat-edge or razor blade to scrape the remaining glue away. Move the scraping tool slowly and in a single direction to avoid scratching the printer base.
Go over the print bed one last time with a damp cloth to wipe away any adhesive fragments remaining on the 3D printer.
Warning
Your PETG prints may stick to the glass surface if you do not apply a few coatings of glue stick before the printing process.
STAT: Between Feb. 15 and July 15, 2020, companies and individuals with 3D printing capabilities printed approximately 38 million face shield parts. (source)
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