Does anyone tried BuildTak FlexPlate System ?

General LulzBot TAZ
21

That.s one of the reason why I bought this system. I add some bubbling problem too. This time I bought a PEI sheet from mc master carr, It is a 0.040" and I think default TAX use 0.010". It is a lot thicker ! I don’t know if this help against the bubbles, I’ll let you know on this point.

Btw, BuildTak doesn’t not endorse usage of PEI sheet for their system, so I’ve no idea how will it works for now, wait and see… :wink:

22

So… I just installed the system, very happy for now !

The base is a little bigger that the TAZ bed, put it’s not a problem at all :

IMG_20161213_220041.jpg
IMG_20161213_220041.jpg4160×3120 2.43 MB

IMG_20161213_220100.jpg
IMG_20161213_220100.jpg4160×3120 2.44 MB

IMG_20161213_220130.jpg
IMG_20161213_220130.jpg4160×3120 2.22 MB

The flexible plate is the same size of the base, so it doesn’t fit with TAZ bed fingers, lucky me I found 4 metal pieces that fit perfectly to replace fingers (it must be a maximum of 1,5mm thickness) :
IMG_20161213_232452.jpg
IMG_20161213_232452.jpg4160×3120 2.74 MB

IMG_20161213_232516.jpg
IMG_20161213_232516.jpg4160×3120 2.56 MB

IMG_20161213_232436.jpg
IMG_20161213_232436.jpg4160×3120 2.91 MB

23

Finally, the complete system installed :

IMG_20161213_232553.jpg
IMG_20161213_232553.jpg4160×3120 2.55 MB

I made a first print in PLA, without heating the bed, it works like a charm and was easy to remove.

Top :

IMG_20161214_001539.jpg
IMG_20161214_001539.jpg4160×3120 3.27 MB

Bottom :
IMG_20161214_001551.jpg
IMG_20161214_001551.jpg4160×3120 3.2 MB

I have tested the heat loss too, that’s not so bad, Set to 50°C, and measured 45/46°C everywhere, I will try with higher temp soon.

I’ll test ABS an PEI soon.

24

I have tested with the PEI sheet, so far so good ! I don’t know yet if I prefer BuildTak or PEI, but both works very great with the FlexPlate system. The PEI seems stronger than the BuildTak.

25

That looks really nice!

26

Are things still going well with the BuildTak FlexPlate system? And have you come to a conclusion with whether you like the PEI or BuildTak material? I’m considering this option because I’ve had too many issues with bubbles.

27

With build tak, it’s a bit thinner so abs in particular can stick a bit better, but it’s a consumable item, experience the to pay $30 every 3 to 4 more than with heavy printing to replace the sheet. Pei works about 99% as well, but is essentially indestructible aside from needing to re adhere it every so often

28

Hi, I prefer PEI sheets, buildtak stick very well, but they are not strong enough in my opinion, the sheet quickly moves and let appear previous print shapes. I ran with both since few months, I used 4 buildtak sheets, and I’m still on the same PEI sheet. I replace my last buildtak sheet with a PEI from amazon.

I prefer this one (0.030") instead the mc master carr one (0.040"), it’s a little bit more flexible.

For the buildtak system, I’m really happy with it, it makes so easy the removal process, I love it !