The Right Way To Clean Your 3D Printer Bed (And Why You Need To)
3D printers have become very popular recently, and while the technology has become more accessible on a consumer level (both in price and comparative ease of use), it’s still a bit more involved than more traditional 2D printing. There are a whole lot of factors to think about when deciding on and using your own 3D printer, including particulars like print model structures, how to deal with issues like a printing error orstuck print, and regular cleaning.
Cleaning out a regular paper printer is usually a matter of checking some settings or pressing a button to clear the printer heads (though it can get more complicated sometimes). Taking care of built up gunk on 3D printers, however, requires more consideration due to the sheer amount of variables at play. While there are many types of 3D printers on the market, the most common models are Stereolithography (SLA) and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), which will be the focus of this guide.
Don’t attempt to clean your 3D printer before first making sure the suggested supplies are safe to use, though. Depending on the printer bed and the kind of printing material you use, some cleaning methods could cause irreparable damage to the printing surface — thus ruining future prints and requiring the purchase of replacement parts. If you aren’t sure what your bed is made of, check the manual or manufacturer’s website before you attempt to clean it.
Cleaning a FDM printer bed
FDM 3D printers are fairly easy to clean, however it’s recommended that you do so after every print to stave off surface adhesion and print warping problems.
Also, make sure the printer bed is dry before you turn the printer back on.
Different surfaces make a difference
Not all 3D printers use the same printing surface, and not all surfaces react the same way to a given cleaning method, either, so make sure you know what you’ve got before you start.
Consult your printer’s manual if you’re unsure what surface material it uses.
Dealing with materials
The kinds of materials you’re printing with also make a difference, with the most common consumer-level options being the durable Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), strong but flexible nylon, and the widely used Polylactic Acid (PLA).
Stuck ABS can be dealt with using either heat or acetone, though acetone should be a last resort as it could damage the printer’s PEI sheet enough to make it unusable. So instead, try heating the printer bed to 100 degrees or more to soften the ABS bits, then gently remove them with a plastic or silicone scraper.
Taking care of nylon is a similar matter, except you’ll want to stick with heat only (no acetone). Typically aheat gunwill do the trick, so long as you can get it to around 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190-degrees Celsius). Just hit the nylon with the right amount of heat to get it melting, then carefully peel it off the bed using a plastic or silicone scraper.
PLA is also a lot like dealing with ABS, but this time around you should wait for the printer bed to cool down before you start cleaning. Once it’s cooled, use a plastic or silicone scraper to peel up the plastic residue. For stubborn bits, use a clean wiping cloth with a bit of isopropyl alcohol to gently wipe down the surface of the bed.
Cleaning a SLA printer vat
SLA printers are a bit trickier to clean as they use liquid resin (which is both messy and toxic). ensure you put on a mask and gloves and move to an open or well-ventilated area before starting.
Before you finish, inspect the film and vat for cracks or scratches (these can cause leaks). If you see damage, you may need to buy replacements.
