July 11, 2015 | By Simon
It goes without saying that one of the most common problems that has been plaguing FDM 3D printer users over the years has been in print surface adhesion.
While many solutions have been created for this issue ranging from heated printing chambers and heated print beds to more DIY-type solutions such as using hair spray or blue painter’s tape, the experience of having to use the solutions in the first place is a step back from an otherwise seamless user experience.
Among others who have been actively developing a ‘wonder product’ for fixing this problem once and for all is Wayne Huthmaker of West Palm Beach, Florida, USA. Huthmaker is the CEO of PRINTinZ and has been producing flexible 3D printing surfaces for awhile now which have received glowing reviews from the 3D printing community. Unlike having to use adhesives, the plate’s design allows for objects to stick during the printing process while also being able to pop off once the process is finished.
“After seeing my first desktop 3D printer, I realized their revolutionary potential … owever, for many users in the home-printing market, these machines are complex and hard to use” explains Huthmaker.
Recently, Huthmaker announced that the company has been taking everything that users have loved about the company’s original 3D printing surfaces and has developed a new 3D printing surface solution that has some additional advantages over the old system.
The company’s new ‘Zebra Plate’ solution - whose name is derived from its zebra-like appearance - features all of the great material properties as the company’s original 3D printing surfaces with the addition of contrasting color options on each side of the plate, which effectively allow for the user to easily recognize errors in a print or other technical difficulties.
“Our flexible printer plates were developed to solve one of the major challenges in desktop 3D printing - print adhesion and removal,” says Huthmaker.
"The Zebra Plate provides a black side and a white side, allowing for maximum contrast with your critical first layer. This technology offers unique physical and chemical properties that balance between holding down and releasing your print.”
The Zebra Plate is currently available for purchase on the PRINTinZ website and comes in a variety of different sizes to match multiple 3D printer models starting at just $18. Considering that the plates last for hundreds of prints and the alternative is to continually purchase expensive painter’s tape, it’s a wise purchase for those who use their FDM 3D printer regularly.
These sizes include:
- 200mm x 200mm
- 171mm x 287mm (Rep2)
- 152mm x 228mm
- 168mm x 237mm
- 168mm x 214mm
- 200mm x 213mm
- 10 in x 10 in
- 8 in x 10 in
- 220mm Dia. Round
- 140mm x 140mm
- 120mm x 120mm
- 229mm x 257mm
- 232mm x 242mm
- 118mm x 155mm
- 260mm x 260mm
- 155mm x 286mm
- 162mm x 247mm
- 220mm x 220mm (BQ Prusa)
- 215mm x 305mm
- 214mm x 240mm
- 270mm x 300mm
Find out more about pricing and sizing over at the PRINTinZ online shop.
Posted in 3D Printer Accessories
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