Ways to Solve Bed Adhesion Issues for Different Filaments

 

Bed adhesion is one of the most important factors that influence 3D print success. The first layer is the foundation of a print. Not having enough adhesion to form the first layer can make or break your 3D printing project quite literally. Insufficient bed adhesion can lead to warping and spaghetti print at its worst. 


There is no cookie-cutter solution to solid bed adhesion. Different filaments have different needs. Fortunately, there is now FormFutura’s EasyFix Adhesives to provide the required adhesion for your specific filament. It also has excellent release properties upon cooling down to prevent your 3D print from getting stuck and damaging the print bed itself. Here are the different kinds of EasyFix’s Bed Adhesives and how they vary. 


1. EasyFix Adhesive - Number 1 (for PLA, ABS, ASA, HIPS, PETG)


You are probably surprised to see PLA as part of the series for this adhesive. However, PLA has difficulties in sticking to the bed as well. It may be known as the easiest filament to print with, but it still experiences adhesion issues from time to time. 


The other filaments that the EasyFix Adhesive No. 1 caters to are known 3D printing offenders in the sense that they are typically difficult to print with, particularly ABS. Usually, experienced 3D printers recommend using a heated bed for these offenders, but with the EasyFix Adhesive No. 1, you no longer have to. 


2. EasyFix Adhesive - Number 2 (for TPU, TPE)


Flexible filaments such as TPU and TPE may not be difficult to print with. However, its flexibility is also its bane as it causes sensitivities to slight changes in printing speeds and temperatures. It normally doesn’t require a heated bed, but may encounter difficulties in adhesion due to the low temperatures it needs. The EasyFix Adhesive No. 2 ensures that it will form the perfect first layer and prevents coming loose from the print bed. 


3. EasyFix Adhesive - Number 3 (for Polypropylene)


PP or Polypropylene is notorious for warping and having poor bed adhesion. It is generally recommended to use a heated bed when printing with this filament. With the EasyFix Adhesive No. 3, you don’t need a heated bed anymore as it is enough to keep your filament sticking on the bed. 


We recommend printing at slightly high temperatures at around 240 ºC for better bed and layer adhesion. 


4. EasyFix Adhesive - Number 4 (for Polycarbonate)


Polycarbonate requires very high printing temperatures due to its extremely high heat deflection. On the plus side, its excellent heat and impact resistance makes for high-strength 3D prints for tough and engineering applications. The EasyFix Adhesive No. 4 is formulated to provide strong adhesion in the high printing temperature that this filament requires. 


5. EasyFix Adhesive - Number 5 (for Polypropylene - Glass Fibre)


Adding glass fibre to polypropylene makes it a completely different beast. Polypropylene on its own is a soft material, so it needs glass fibre to reinforce it to be stronger and stiffer without weighing it down. This combination increases the risk of warping. The EasyFix Adhesive No. 5 has been created specifically for PP-GF to take into account its features. 


6. EasyFix Adhesive - Number 6 (for Nylon)


While nylon exhibits high strength, elasticity, toughness, and chemical-, thermal-, and wear-resistance, it is frustrating to print with it. It has severe adhesion and first layer warping issues that require special adhesion solutions. The EasyFix Adhesive No. 6 is formulated to ensure that you get the perfect first layer without having to experiment with different temperatures and printing speeds. 


7. EasyFix Adhesive - Number 7 (for PEEK, PEKK, PEI, PPSU)


PEEK, PEK, PEI, and PPSU filaments are expert engineering materials that boast superior mechanical and chemical properties that make them perfect for the automotive and aerospace industries, as well as other industrial applications. 


As you can probably tell, the stronger a filament is, the more difficult it is to print with. This filament also requires industrial-grade 3D printers, which means that it requires extremely high printing temperatures or else it will warp. Thankfully, the EasyFix Adhesive No. 7 is formulated to withstand the high temperatures and strict printing requirements that these filaments require. 


Get the perfect first layer with any filament with the EasyFix Bed Adhesives!


You no longer have to experience adhesion issues again with FormFutura’s EasyFix Bed Adhesives. For inquiries, you can contact us by phone or emails. 

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