How to remove parts from the build platform of your FDM 3D printer
Within this blog post we shall be discussing how to remove parts from your 3D printers build platform. We are exploring a few different techniques which apply to certain scenarios. If you would like to watch a video on this …
Tom Watkins
June 9, 2020Within this blog post we shall be discussing how to remove parts from your 3D printers build platform. We are exploring a few different techniques which apply to certain scenarios. If you would like to watch a video on this content please see the video above.
Areas to look for
There are certainly areas to look for when removing parts from the build platform of your 3D printer.
Lets start with a part thats being printed on an Ultimaker S3. Within the image below we can see two areas labelled A and B. A is referring to the support material, while B is an angle (or chamfer) on the underside face.
We are using the supported area to slide the scraper underneath. Therefore any potential damage the scraper could create is exerted onto a throwaway surface. Using the chamfered area would create a similar effect. The flat side of the scraper will have a flat surface to push against. This is instead of it getting under the “skin” of the part, and scarring it.
What other tools can I use?
The next example was printed on a Markforged X7. When printing with any Markforged printer, it is recommended to apply PVA glue from an Elmers glue stick. PVA glue can be used on any FDM 3D printers build platform. The PVA helps the part to stick to the build platform, minimising print failures. Furthermore, a small amount of water can be used to soften the PVA thus assisting in part removal.
Once again, we are finding the area that is supported, and applying the scraper to this area. We are therefore ensuring that the part is not scarred during its removal from the build platform.
Build platform options
Depending on the printer, we can sometimes find that the build platform will actively help us in removing the parts.
The image below shows two discs. They are flat to the build platform, with no chamfer or supports on the edge. Therefore when we are removing it further care has to be used to ensure no damage is caused.
Within item A, we are employing a similar technique to what is shown above in this blog post. Simply sliding the scraper at the build platform till the pressure causes it to lose adhesion.
However, for B we shall use a feature that comes as standard on the Sindoh 3DWOX1, 2X and 7X. The flexible bed allows us to have leverage on the part by hand. This allows us to simply peel it off, therefore ensuring that we do not need to use the scraper tool.
3 Top Tips of how to remove parts from your 3D Printers Build Platform
The top tips on how to remove parts from the build platform of your 3D printer are:
- Ensure the scraper is sliding underneath supports to minimise damaging the part
- Point the blade of the scraper away from you, to reduce the chance of injury
- Design for additive manufacture- create a chamfer on the underside face for supports or/ and part removal
Hopefully, with these tips you will now be able to successfully remove your 3D printed parts safely and successfully. However, if you are in need of further assistance, or would like to know more about the 3D printers shown above please dont hesitate to contact us on 01926 333 777 or check out our contact us section.