As almost anyone with an FFF 3D printer can attest, finding the right printing surface has been the bane of my existence. Whether it’s getting prints to stick properly, remove cleanly, or print without significant warping, the surface has always been an issue. Like many others, I’ve tried everything from slurry to hairspray, kapton tape to special borosilicate glass, yet the problems persist (though mostly with ABS). Fleks3D has recently launched a Kickstarter campaign for a product that may very well be the solution to my woes.
On the heels of a very successful Kickstarter campaign a year ago, Flecks3D has launched yet another, this time with many more options. An add-on for any 3D printer, Fleks3D is can solve two of the most common problems with FFF printers. The first problem is removing prints. Fleks3D is a flexible plate which can be easily removed from a printer and, once removed, can be flexed back and forth for easy print separation. This solves the problem of print removal, which can be an arduous process. Additionally, Fleks3D comes with a textured surface, which they say allows for easy adhesion to the plate, without the need for hairspray, slurry or tape.
Their first Kickstarter campaign led to over 500 units being shipped all over the world to very good reviews. This time, Fleks3D is offering a few different options, including a number of different sizes for a variety of printers, including delta machines. Additionally, they are offering two types of plates. The Fleks3D “System” consists of a permanent frame that serves as a print border and a plate that can be easily removed. While this takes a tiny bit of space away from the build area, it allows for easy removal and the ability to quickly swap plates in for better workflow. The Fleks3D “Simple” consists of one plate that can be attached to a printer with binder clips.
According to the creators, Fleks3D “Makes 3D Printing Easier, with a higher success rate and provides a smoother workflow.” If Flecks3D works as advertised, I’m inclined to believe them. The first Kickstarter campaign was a success and it has received great review, so I’m looking forward to trying this out. For more information, check out the Kickstarter here.
Thanks for the write up Ryan!
Oboy. Yet another solution for build plates. But… I can get a plate of Lexan cut to fit my 3D Printers bed at the local Ace HW for $5. It also flexes and it is stiff enough to sit quite nicely. Easily replaced too. Gee, I wonder if this new stuff can handle PC, Nylon or even ABS???
In the end we find the best is a mineral surface like glass, slate or aluminum with a couple of coats of Aquanet Super Extra Hold Unscented ($3 @ Walgreens) is the best.
I agree. I have tried everything. Aquanet on a glass bed works best. Give me a nice sharp putty knife and a pliers to tap it with and model removal is fairly easy.
Ralph… try this. Next time if the object is real large and very well bonded to the BP or… if the object is real fragile. Rather then the knife, put the plate into a freezer for about 10-15 minutes. The object will come off real easy after that. There are other solutions besides Aquanet, but Aquanet allows for this kind of real easy and non destructive removal. Also, listen to the 3D Printing Today podcast. It’s 45 minutes to an hour of non stop tricks and tips just like this.
I cannot put my bed in the freezer because it is not removable. However, I have used bags of frozen peas directly on the object and around the bed to free large objects.
A removable build plate is one of our requirements. We do not recommend buying printers which do not meet our published requirements. Note the winner of the Make Mag shoot out, the Taz 5 does not have a removable build plate.