Bed temp too low?

[cpunches]

I'm sure this question has been asked before, but I couldn't track down a thread.

I attempted my first print (calibration cube) last night. I followed the steps in the manual to setup the print. I clicked run job and everything was proceeding nicely. The hot-end showed 200(+-) and the bed was reading 65, which is what it was set for in Repetier host. The plastic was coming out of the nozzle but would not stick to the glass. I stopped the job after a couple of minutes, the nozzle was just pushing the extruded plastic around.

Unfortunately I had to call it a night so I couldn't do any experimenting to see if I could correct the problem. I got to thinking though that either I need to put something on the glass like painters tape, or a solution of some sort - or the beds not hot enough. There wasn't anything in the manual that I could find that indicated what it needed to be set to. Is 65C the default? Isn't the idea of the heated bed to keep the plastic semi-molten so it remains stationary? On the plus side, at least my fans kicked on to blow on the peek.

Any hints would be appreciated. Thanks.

http://youtu.be/EZtv_vYET8E

[Jimustanguitar]

I've been setting my bed to 80c, give that a try.

It's also difficult to get anything to stick to plain glass, you need to put something on it that the filament will stick to. Either spray unscented Aquanet hairspray on the glass, make some ABS juice by melting a little filament in acetone, or use masking tape. Different people have different preferences. I made 3 build plates, so I've been using Aquanet and washing the plates in the kitchen sink between builds. If you were going to print multiple things in a row, you would probably want to keep the heat on and reuse the same piece of glass instead of swapping out the plate... Just depends on what you find works best for you.


Good luck!

[cpunches]

Thanks Jim. I guess I should have stated that I'm using PLA in case that makes a difference. Now if only had my printer at work here with me!

[geneb]

I've been using a 10:1 mixture of water to Elmers White Glue. PLA sticks to that very well. I bought a cheap "spritz" bottle from RiteAid for like $2. Works fantastic.

g.

[cpunches]

I'll give that a shot Gene, thanks.

[Jimustanguitar]

Thanks Jim. I guess I should have stated that I'm using PLA in case that makes a difference. Now if only had my printer at work here with me!

The numbers I mentioned are for ABS, nice catch. I've not used PLA, so I wouldn't have any useful comments