Product Detail and Information
PRINTinZ is a thin, durable plastic sheet that adheres to the build plate of FFF (fused filament fabrication) 3D printers to provide an ideal surface for 3D printing. It replaces the need for blue masking tape and/or polyimide films such as Kapton. Composed of high quality, heat-resistant raw materials, PRINTinZ provides a stable build platform for 3D printed objects to adhere to while allowing for clean, easy removal of completed builds.
Removing the PRINTinZ Build Plate Surface
To remove the PRINTinZ, you will need a putty scraper, adhesive remover (we use Goo Gone or 3M adhesive remover), a respirator (optional), time, and patience. Removing the PRINTinZ is a laborious task due to the strength of the adhesive, and it will take a few hours. The build plate surface should only be replaced if it is severely damaged in multiple places. Smaller or less severe areas of damage can be covered with blue painter's tape to prevent defects on the bottom of your part, or repaired with two-part epoxy.
First move the Gigabot to an open area of your shop out of the range of other people. It is not safe to work with adhesive remover in a confined space without ventilation, so set up a fan for ventilation and/or wear a respirator. Once the necessary precautions have been taken, use the putty scraper to pry up the black print surface from the aluminum at the corners of the bed. Put adhesive remover on a rag and apply it where the bed surface meets the aluminum. Do not let the adhesive remover run off the edges of the bed, because it can also remove the adhesive of the heater pad on the underside of the aluminum. Keep working underneath the bed surface until the surface is removed.
Installing the PRINTinZ Build Plate Surface
With the bed plate attached to the frame, wipe down the entire surface with a lint-free towel and rubbing alcohol. Next wipe down the protective plastic covering on the adhesive with the lint-free towel and rubbing alcohol as well. These steps are necessary to prevent any oil, lint, or other particulates from affecting the adhesion of the PRINTinZ to the aluminum bed plate. Position the PRINTinZ on the bed plate with the corners lined up. Pull back the plastic adhesive covering 4 inches, then, making sure the corners are still aligned, press it to the bed plate. Slowly remove the plastic film to expose more adhesive and press it down using a rolling pin to flatten the PRINTinZ into place. The goal is to eliminate any possibility of air bubbles under the PRINTinZ sheet. Once all of the plastic is removed and the PRINTinZ is pressed down, press down on all of it again to make sure it is securely in place.
Notes on Printing with the PRINTinZ Build Plate Surface
PRINTinZ provides excellent bed adhesion. Monitor your first layer closely and ensure that your Z-offset isn't set too close to the bed - you'll want to offset the print head a little farther up for the first layer.
If your prints are consistently difficult to remove, a Z-axis home calibration may be necessary.
To ensure the longevity of the PRINTinZ, use a spatula or putty knife with smooth/rounded corners to remove your prints. Avoid using objects with sharp edges or corners that will accelerate the wear and tear of your PRINTinZ sheet and DO NOT use heavy duty solvents, such as acetone, to clean it (nothing stronger than rubbing alcohol).
Apply a thin layer a PVA gluestick when printing with polycarbonate or PETG to help the material adhere to the bed surface and prevent the part from warping up from the surface.
Questions or concerns? Reach out to our support team at support@re:3D.org or open a support ticket.
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