DarkMoon Satin Build Plate User Guide
Introduction
Welcome to the comprehensive guide for the Satin Build Plate from DarkMoon 3D. Our Satin Build Plate is crafted from a unique modified PEI polymer blend, offering superior adhesion compared to traditional textured PEI plates. Not only does it enhance adhesion, but it also produces a distinctive matte bottom surface finish, setting it apart from any other build plate on the market. This guide will provide you with essential tips and techniques to care for and print effectively with your Satin Build Plate.
Slicer Settings
To achieve optimal adhesion and print quality, it is crucial to set the bed temperature according to the filament being used. The Satin Build Plate uses the ArUco code for Bambu Lab's Textured PEI plate, which serves as an excellent starting point for both the Z-offset and default printing temperatures. Below are the recommended bed temperatures for various materials. Please note that variations may exist between different brands and specific variations of filament.
| Filament | Temperature | Adhesion Promoter | Release Agent |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | 55-60°C | No | No |
| PETG | 70-80°C | Rarely | No |
| TPU | Ambient | No | Sometimes |
| ABS/ASA | 100°C | Sometimes | No |
| PC (Polycarbonate) | 100°C | Sometimes | Yes |
| PA (Nylon) | 100-110°C | Sometimes | Sometimes |
Adhesion and Removal Tips
Certain filaments, environments, and model geometries may require additional steps to ensure proper adhesion and easy removal from the build plate. For instance, the molecular structure of the polymers used in the Satin Build Plate closely resembles that of Polycarbonate, resulting in exceptional adhesion of PC to the build plate. However, this strong adhesion can cause damage if printed repeatedly without using release agents like PVA glue sticks or similar products.
For other filaments, using an adhesion promoter such as glue can be beneficial, particularly for tricky nylons and ABS/ASA filaments. Trust your own judgment and experience to ensure the best print results, and don't be afraid to experiment. Personally, I've only needed to use an adhesion promoter with nylons and some very thin ASA prints, and it worked perfectly.
For TPU, adhesion is generally sufficient without bed heat or adhesion promoters. However, in some cases, a release agent might be necessary to ensure easy removal of the printed part.
Adjusting the Z-Offset in Orca Slicer
NOTE: This is for advanced users who feel comfortable altering their printer's G-Code. If you don't know what that means, this probably isn't for you.
When printing particularly warp-prone materials and complex geometries, adjusting the Z-offset in your slicer can improve adhesion. Lowering the Z-offset allows for extra "squish" in the first layer, providing a better grip on the textured surface. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to the printer settings.
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In the “Machine start G-Code” section of the “Machine gcode” tab, scroll about halfway down and find the section seen below. Adjust the “G29.1 Z{-0.04} ; for Textured PEI Plate” line to read “G29.1 Z{-0.042} ; for Textured PEI Plate”. If you find this helps and want to experiment with lowered the z offset more, we recommend taking it in small increments (-0.001 steps).
Care and Maintenance
Maintaining a clean build plate is essential for consistent print quality. Here are the steps for regular and deep cleaning:
Regular Cleaning
- Materials Needed: 70+% Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) and a microfiber cloth.
- Procedure: Dampen the microfiber cloth with IPA and wipe the build plate thoroughly to remove any residues. This should be done between prints or whenever you touch the build plate with your fingers.
Deep Cleaning
- Materials Needed: Dawn dish soap (blue), nylon bristle cleaning brush, hot water.
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Procedure:
- Under hot running water, apply Dawn dish soap to the nylon bristle brush.
- Gently scrub the build plate with the brush to break up any residues that IPA might not dissolve.
- Rinse the build plate thoroughly with hot water to remove all soap and residues.
- Dry the plate completely before the next use.
This method helps to remove stubborn residues and ensures that the build plate remains in optimal condition for consistent and high-quality prints.
By following this guide, you can maximize the performance and lifespan of your Satin Build Plate, ensuring excellent results with every print.