How do you improve bed adhesion in 3D Printing?

1 Clean the bed

The first and easiest step to improve bed adhesion is to clean the build plate regularly. Dust, grease, fingerprints, or leftover residue can interfere with the adhesion and cause uneven or weak spots. You can use a soft cloth and some isopropyl alcohol to wipe the bed before each print, making sure it is dry and free of any contaminants. Avoid touching the bed with your bare hands, as the oils from your skin can also affect the adhesion.

2 Level the bed

Another essential factor for bed adhesion is the distance between the nozzle and the bed. If the gap is too large, the filament will not adhere well and may curl or warp. If the gap is too small, the nozzle may scrape the bed or clog the extrusion. You need to adjust the bed level so that it is parallel to the nozzle and has a consistent and optimal gap. You can use a sheet of paper or a feeler gauge to measure the gap and turn the bed screws to adjust it. You can also use a leveling test print to check the results and fine-tune the settings.

3 Choose the right temperature

The temperature of both the nozzle and the bed can affect the adhesion of your print. If the nozzle is too hot, the filament may ooze or string, creating a messy and weak print. If the nozzle is too cold, the filament may not melt or extrude properly, resulting in gaps or under-extrusion. You need to find the optimal temperature for your filament type and quality, and use a temperature tower or a calibration cube to test it. Similarly, if the bed is too hot, the print may warp or detach due to thermal expansion and contraction. If the bed is too cold, the print may not stick at all or lift off easily. You need to adjust the bed temperature according to your filament material and ambient conditions, and use a heated bed if possible.

4 Apply an adhesive

Sometimes, cleaning, leveling, and heating the bed may not be enough to ensure a good adhesion, especially for large or complex prints. In that case, you can use an external adhesive to enhance the bond between the print and the bed. There are different types of adhesives you can use, such as glue stick, hairspray, painter's tape, or specialized coatings. You need to apply the adhesive evenly and sparingly on the bed, avoiding any bubbles or lumps. You also need to choose the right adhesive for your filament material and bed surface, and remove it carefully after the print is done.

5 Use a brim or a raft

Another way to improve bed adhesion is to use a brim or a raft. A brim is a thin layer of filament that surrounds the base of your print, increasing the contact area and stability. A raft is a thicker layer of filament that acts as a separate platform for your print, creating a smooth and flat surface. Both options can help prevent warping, curling, or lifting, especially for prints with small or narrow footprints. You can enable and adjust the brim or raft settings in your slicer software, depending on your print size and shape.

6 Optimize your print settings

Finally, you can improve bed adhesion by optimizing your print settings, such as speed, flow, and cooling. If you print too fast, the filament may not have enough time to bond with the bed or the previous layer, resulting in poor adhesion and quality. You can reduce the print speed, especially for the first layer, to ensure a smooth and consistent extrusion and adhesion. You can also increase the flow rate or the extrusion multiplier for the first layer, to make it thicker and stronger. Additionally, you can reduce or disable the cooling fan for the first layer, to prevent the filament from cooling down too quickly and warping.

These are some of the tips to help you improve bed adhesion in 3D printing. By following these steps, you can avoid many of the common issues that can ruin your prints and enjoy a more reliable and satisfying 3D printing experience.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?