PEI Print Surface: Maintenance

December 10, 2015

Submitted by orias on Thu, 12/10/2015 - 22:43

Your LulzBot 3D printer is equipped with a PEI print surface. This revolutionary new print surface has been tested by the advanced members of the LulzBot community and has proved to be an easier and more reliable 3D printing surface.

The PEI film is adhered to the glass bedplate with a semi-permanent adhesive in order to maximize the lifetime of the PEI print surface. As the interface between the printer and the printed object, the print surface sees the most abuse of any part on your 3D printer and will likely need to be replaced at some point during the life of the printer. Replacement heat bed kits and replacement PEI sheets are available through LulzBot.com.

When cleaned and heated to the recommended temperatures, your print sticks well without the need for solvents or glues for most materials, the first time. Printed items release well when cooled to the recommended filament-specific object removal temperatures included within Cura LulzBot Edition. Get the longest life out of your PEI print surface by performing the periodic maintenance listed below.

Clean your PEI print surface

If first layer adhesion changes between prints, or in random areas of the PEI print surface

Repeatedly touching your PEI film with your hands may leave a residue over time. Periodically clean your PEI film with isopropyl alcohol (IPA). Use unscented IPA, in a concentration over 70%. Apply the IPA to a clean, dry cloth or paper towel and wipe the bed to ensure a clean PEI printing surface

When switching from printing with Nylon, NinjaFlex, SemiFlex, PET, Polycarbonate, and copolyesters to ABS/PLA

Wipe off the recommended PVA-based white-school glue stick bed treatment when you resume printing with ABS- or PLA-based filament. This will result in an even first layer, which will then ensure proper 3D printed object adhesion. Use a paper towel moistened with water to soften and remove any PVA glue build up.

Sand the PEI print surface

Improve printed part adhesion, remove scratches, and small gouges from the PEI print surface

Use fine-grit sand paper (1500+ grit) to gently remove light scratches and minor gouges from the PEI film. This can be done several times before the PEI print surface will need to be purchased and replaced.

Purchase new PEI film and adhesive

Remove and replace the PEI print surface

Your PEI print surface can be considered worn when you can no longer restore the surface through sanding and cleaning.

More information:

Replacement PEI print surface for the LulzBot Mini 3D printer

Replacement PEI print surface for the LulzBot TAZ 3D printer

Installation Instructions