PDUK
March 22, 2017, 1:03pm
1
Hi - About a year ago I bought myself the BQ Hephestos 2 and I have really enjoyed learning about 3D printing. I kept on running into adhesion issues on the print bed, especially on large flat based prints. The corners would lift.
BQ provide something called a fixpad which you put on top and it adds a rougher surface. It was ok but still didn’t handle the larger prints. I have also attempted blue tape, and elmo glue. Some improvements. I have also re-calibrated the z level and print at about 205-210 as the lowest I can get away with.
BQ are offering a heated bed kit, it’s just under £200 which seems a bit steep to me but I’m curious if it’ll solve the problem… any advice from anyone whether a heated bed greatly improves adhesion on larger flat prints using pla?
Thanks
1 Like
I generally use a glue stick on my heated bed and the prints stick beautifully. Is the issue for you just warping around the corners, or is the filament not sticking well to the bed in general? Also, do you print your prints with or without rafts? Rafts can generally help the warping and keep it to a minimum.
PDUK
March 22, 2017, 7:49pm
3
Hi - thanks for responding.
The PLA seems to stick to the bed generally when I print smaller items without an issue, especially when I use glue.
The problems are with larger base prints, the corners lift as you mention so much that the print eventually gets knocked off when the extruder head hits one of the corners when it raises to much.
I have tried glue on the larger prints aswell without luck
My printer has a glass bed but it doesn’t have a heated bed and wonder if I invest in the heated bed kit if that would fix it.
Thanks again in advance for any advice you can provide
I’ve gotten the best results from PLA with an unheated bed, glass and hairspray. PLA seems to stick to hairspray better than elmer’s glue.
I’m sure that the heated bed would improve warping. If you print large prints often and think you would be willing to pay that kind of money to help prevent warping, it might be worth it. But before you upgrade, check out this . It looks like it has some good suggestions for someone who’s in a similar situation to you. I’d try some of the things recommended there before you go ahead and buy anything expensive. If you’re still getting unsatisfactory results, then I’d consider upgrading.
Hello!
For sure a heated bed is something helps, I also own the same printer and I am waiting for the heated bed kit as I have already ordered it. It is something I recommend!
Best regards!
Hello, I have got the Hephestos 2 and with PLA fine results (3D Lac on the bed). I recently added the heated bed kit from bqstore.nl €159,90 and it just makes it more easy. If you have issues with an open printer you could try to get it out of airflow to avoid issues. I did so in the past which helped a lot.
1 Like
emka
March 23, 2017, 10:32am
8
I had similar issues with the Hephestos 1, even with BuildTak applied. After installing a heated bed (bought the MK2 from Aliexpress, would buy the MK3 with Aluminum plate now) the corner adhesion / warping problems on larger prints vanished (PLA at bed temperature of 60). You also need to get a stronger power supply (which I bought locally to avoid quality issues) and minor changes in the firmware. Be aware that the higher current and mechanically burdened cable will increase your risk of fire.
1 Like
Yes the heating plate is a solution but not the only one.
Putting the printer in a semi-closed box is definitely the ultimate solution
PDUK
March 23, 2017, 12:36pm
10
Hi - thanks for responding, I am certainly tempted to get it.
Its really good to hear from someone that has my printer, is there an active forum somewhere with focused on H2 owners? I can’t find one that is active! Thanks
PDUK
March 23, 2017, 12:39pm
11
Hi
I always thought that the temperature of the printing environment is important but the retailer that sold me my printer says it isn’t.
I have had my printer in a room which is slightly colder than the rest of the house, about 16-17c ambient temp. I’ve just moved it to a room that’s closer to 18-20c but have not been able to test it properly.
Enclosure of the printer also sounds like a good idea.
PDUK
March 23, 2017, 12:40pm
13
Thanks very much for the advice.
Have you seen the BQ Heated Bed kit and do you have any thoughts on this specific item? (they have a youtube)
Thanks
PDUK
March 23, 2017, 12:41pm
14
Its really good to hear from someone that has my printer, is there an active forum somewhere with focused on H2 owners? I can’t find one that is active! Thanks
PDUK
March 23, 2017, 12:44pm
15
:o I don’t speak french …! I could translate to read it but would do a horrible job of translating english to french when posting!
Print at less than 20 ° is impossible, heat the print area with a powerful alogene spot, you will see a big difference
emka
March 23, 2017, 1:33pm
17
I just checked it out, this kit was not available yet when I upgraded. It is a bit pricey compared to the DIY solutions, but looks quite robust. If you can spare the money it is probably the easiest and safest way to go.
As said I use it, build it on is very easy, system is robuust and heats up quickly. Just checked with bqstore.nl (Dutch distributor), they have it on stock.
