Cleaning build plate (was How hot is too hot for FDM printing?) - eviltoast

I recently had two print failures on my Ender 3 Neo. In both, it looked like the part came free from the heated build plate after about an hour or so of printing. Both had good starts in the first 15 minutes or so. I had a successful print finish two days ago.

It has been hot and humid here today, and my printer is in a non-AC shed not connected to the house.

I’m wondering if I should wait to kick off the next print until this evening when it should be cooler. Do I need to clean the build plate? I’ve not done that at all, other than make sure these isn’t any filament left on the plate when it finishes.

UPDATE: It’s apparent the problem isn’t the heat, but the fact that I haven’t cleaned the build plate since… well, ever. Adjusting the title to reflect that.

  • terawatt@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    2
    ·
    1 year ago

    Wipe down the build plate regularly with IPA to help keep it clean; I do this as part of my pre-print workflow. That and scrubbing the nozzle with a brass wire brush to help keep burnt filament getting into my print.

    How hot is your shed? Depending on your shed temp, some filaments actually like it hot. I have a PLA filament that likes to print at 220C and in an ambient enclosure temp of 90F.

    If your shed is near 120F-140F, its perfect for ABS/ASA (be mindful of VOCs); maybe consider switching filaments while its hot out - making lemonade out of lemons and all that.

    cheers

    • displaced_city_mouse@midwest.socialOP
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      1 year ago

      Heat is ~28C outside (90F or so), more in the shed. I’ve no ABS since I’ve I read it’s tough to work with and I haven’t had an application for it yet. I just did a cleaning on the plate, and I’ll see if that makes a difference.