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Apr 2016

Hi Daniel, thanks for joining the discussion. PLA at 200, PVA at 190, bed at 40. Does T-PVA not have the same clogging problems at temperatures over 200? Do you have to print at very low speeds? Can you use partially filled support structures or do you have to make them solid for the PLA to be deposited on top. We are interested in printing proteins (see below) and if we could use hollow support that would go a long way in reducing material cost.
protein ribbon yellow w support red.png protein ribbon hollow Simplify support (only works w PLA currently).png

Yup, I use my PVA glue on the glass to print both PLA and PETG with no rafts. It makes a huge difference. I would expect it to work well with PVA filament too. HIPS im not sure about as I havent tried printing it myself, but I would say its definitely worth a shot. I make a mix of 5 parts water to 1 part PVA glue, put a small blob on the center of the bed (maybe 2-3 ml) and then spread it around evenly with a cloth. If you apply it to a hot bed it dries in minutes. I then give the surface a quick wipe with methylated spirits to remove any greasy finger marks before each print. The PVA film lasts for many prints without needing to be reapplied. I also run my bed a lot hotter than you which might be relevant. I print PLA at 80degC (which gives me about 60degC on the surface of my glass) and PETG at 100degC (so about 80degC on the print surface).