PLA does not stick well to surfaces that are too smooth, too rough, too cold, or too hot. It also has poor adhesion to some materials, such as polypropylene, Teflon, and silicone. To improve PLA’s sticking performance, you need to adjust the print settings, use the right bed adhesion methods, and choose a suitable build plate material.
Polylactic acid, or PLA, is one of the most popular and widely used materials for 3D printing. It is a biodegradable and renewable plastic made from plant-based sources, such as corn starch or sugar cane. PLA has many advantages, such as low cost, easy printing, high strength, low thermal expansion, and good layer adhesion. However, PLA also has some drawbacks, such as poor heat resistance, brittleness, and sensitivity to moisture.
One of the most common issues that PLA users face is the problem of PLA not sticking to the bed. This can result in failed prints, warped parts, or detached objects. PLA not sticking to the bed can be caused by various factors, such as improper z-offset, incorrect print temperature, poor bed surface quality, insufficient bed adhesion, or incompatible build plate material. In this article, we will discuss each of these factors in detail and provide some simple solutions to fix them.
The z-offset is the distance between the nozzle and the bed when the print starts. It is crucial to set the z-offset correctly, as it determines how well the first layer of PLA sticks to the bed. If the z-offset is too small, the nozzle will be too close to the bed, and the PLA will be squished and dragged. If the z-offset is too large, the nozzle will be too far from the bed, and the PLA will not have enough contact and pressure to bond with the bed.
To fix the z-offset issue, you need to adjust the gap between the nozzle and the bed until you get the optimal adhesion. The ideal z-offset depends on your printer and bed material, but a general rule of thumb is to aim for a gap of about 0.1 mm. You can adjust the z-offset manually by using a piece of paper or a feeler gauge, or automatically by using a sensor or a software. You can also fine-tune the z-offset by observing the first layer of PLA and looking for signs of over-extrusion or under-extrusion.
Print Temperature Issues
The print temperature is another important factor that affects PLA’s sticking performance. It refers to the temperature of the nozzle and the bed during the print. If the print temperature is too low, the PLA will not melt and flow properly, and it will have poor adhesion to the bed. If the print temperature is too high, the PLA will become too soft and ooze, and it will have poor adhesion to itself.
To fix the print temperature issue, you need to find the optimal temperature range for your PLA filament and your printer. The recommended temperature range for PLA is usually between 180°C and 230°C for the nozzle, and between 40°C and 70°C for the bed. However, these values may vary depending on the brand, color, and additives of your PLA filament, as well as the ambient temperature and humidity. You can use a temperature tower or a calibration cube to test different temperatures and find the best one for your PLA.
Bed Surface Quality Issues
The bed surface quality is another factor that influences PLA’s sticking performance. It refers to the smoothness, roughness, cleanliness, and flatness of the bed surface. If the bed surface is too smooth, the PLA will not have enough friction to grip the bed. If the bed surface is too rough, the PLA will not have enough contact area to bond with the bed. If the bed surface is dirty, the PLA will stick to the dirt instead of the bed. If the bed surface is uneven, the PLA will have inconsistent adhesion across the bed.
To fix the bed surface quality issue, you need to choose a suitable bed surface material, clean it regularly, and level it properly. Some of the common bed surface materials for PLA are glass, PEI, BuildTak, painter’s tape, and blue tape. Each of these materials has its own pros and cons, and you need to experiment with them to find the one that works best for your PLA. You also need to clean the bed surface before each print, using a cloth, alcohol, or acetone, to remove any dust, grease, or residue. You also need to level the bed surface before each print, using a paper, a gauge, or a sensor, to ensure that the bed is flat and parallel to the nozzle.
Bed Adhesion Issues
The bed adhesion is another factor that affects PLA’s sticking performance. It refers to the use of additional methods or materials to enhance the bond between PLA and the bed. If the bed adhesion is insufficient, the PLA will not stick to the bed well, and it may curl, warp, or detach. If the bed adhesion is excessive, the PLA will stick to the bed too well, and it may be difficult to remove or damage the bed.
To fix the bed adhesion issue, you need to use the right bed adhesion method or material for your PLA and your bed surface. Some of the common bed adhesion methods or materials for PLA are glue stick, hairspray, Magigoo, 3DLAC, or brim. Each of these methods or materials has its own advantages and disadvantages, and you need to try them out to find the one that suits your PLA. You also need to apply the bed adhesion method or material evenly and sparingly, to avoid uneven or excessive adhesion.
The build plate material is another factor that influences PLA’s sticking performance. It refers to the type of material that the bed surface is made of or coated with. If the build plate material is incompatible with PLA, the PLA will not stick to it well, and it may slide, lift, or pop off. If the build plate material is compatible with PLA, the PLA will stick to it well, and it may adhere, fuse, or bond with it.
To fix the build plate material issue, you need to choose a compatible build plate material for your PLA and your printer. Some of the compatible build plate materials for PLA are glass, PEI, BuildTak, painter’s tape, and blue tape. Each of these materials has its own characteristics and requirements, and you need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to use them properly. You also need to avoid using incompatible build plate materials for PLA, such as polypropylene, Teflon, and silicone. These materials have low surface energy and high thermal resistance, which make them unsuitable for PLA adhesion.
Conclusion
PLA not sticking to the bed is a common problem that can ruin your 3D printing experience. However, it can be easily solved by following some simple steps and tips. By adjusting the z-offset, print temperature, bed surface quality, bed adhesion, and build plate material, you can improve PLA’s sticking performance and get better prints. We hope this article has helped you understand what does PLA not stick to and how to fix it. Happy printing!
