In the process of 3D printing, the adhesion of the first layer on the heated bed is the basis of the whole printing. A well-adhered first layer provides stability and will also avoid problems that plague the user such as warping. For optimal first layer adhesion, it is critical that the heated bed is functioning properly. Ensuring that the heated bed is clean and properly maintained will help the first layer to bond correctly, increasing print success and ensuring the quality and accuracy of the print.
The heated bed of the FDM printer does not require frequent maintenance, but regular cleaning, calibration, and maintenance will allow you to avoid a lot of printing problems and improve the overall performance and reliability of your 3D printer. In this guide, we will help FDM printer users to further understand the heated bed, as well as the cleaning and maintenance of the heated bed. Keeping the printing bed clean and cleaning up residual debris in time can prevent unnecessary wear, ensure the adhesion of the heated bed, and improve the quality of your prints.
4 Tips for Maintaining the Heated Bed
Checking and maintaining the hot bed is a necessary step to keep the your printer working properly and printing at its best. When checking and cleaning the hot bed, please make sure to turn off the printer and the power plug, and let the heated bed cool down to ensure the safety of the operator.
Regular Cleaning
FDM printers are usually equipped with a removable build plate, remove the build plate and place it on a stable surface. According to needs, you can choose to clean the build platform and print bed separately, which will make cleaning more convenient. For general cleaning, it is mainly to remove debris left on the heated bed, filament residue, etc. Careful use of a scraper or spatula will remove this debris. For the surface, you can use a soft cloth, or a mild solvent to gently wipe down and remove some of the adhering surface residue.
Regular Leveling
Leveling, as part of regular printer maintenance, is important to ensure heated bed adhesion, accuracy and print quality. If you notice uneven print layers on the model, re-leveling is one of the preferred solutions. There are two common leveling methods, manual leveling and automatic leveling. The former uses manual measurement to level the required distance between the nozzle and each point on the printing platform; automatic leveling is more novice-friendly, user-friendly, and provides higher accuracy. Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro is an FDM printer equipped with LeviQ 2.0 automatic leveling module, which is newly upgraded and realizes Z-axis intelligent offset. The recommended printing speed of 300mm/s can meet user needs faster.
Checking Heated Bed Cables
Check periodically to make sure the cables connecting to the heated bed are secure and not frayed. The heated bed cable is usually connected from the heated bed to the main control board, check the connectors at each end of the cable for signs of wear or damage. Check for frayed wires, loose connections, and verify their condition. If any damage is found, it is recommended to seek professional help and replace it in time.
Checking Heating Elements
If the heating element is aging, the function of the heated bed will not work normally, which will easily affect the printing efficiency and quality. It is necessary to follow the manufacturer's instructions strictly, depending on your printer model, to remove the heat bed cover and then inspect the components. Make sure the heating element shows no visible signs of damage and the wiring is intact and not frayed. Again, please take care to ensure safety during the inspection process, and it is more than recommended to obtain professional guidance to troubleshoot the heating element and solve the problem.
