Hi, I have been experimenting with BuildTak recently and I have written a blog about my findings and whether I think it’s worth it :https://3dprinterchat.com/2016/02/buildtak-is-it-worth-it/
So, is it worth it?
Until you have experienced a print that “pop off” by itself when the bed cooled down. Buildtak seems like a direction that doesn’t have exit strategy
I can report similar results. The buildtak is easy to apply, works really well but its also really easy to accidentally destroy.
I also have a PRINTinZ and whilst that is a lot more robust, the Buildtak leaves a better finish as its more likely to be flatter (because its stuck to down and doesn’t bow). I’ve not tried the zebra yet which is the latest version from PRINTinZ.
I think the major advantages of both the PRINTinZ and the buildtak is they seem to work with anything, PLA, ABS, flexibles, some Nylons, etc and they are not messy like glue, hairspray, Kapton tape, etc.
Had to replace my buildtak bed because it was sticking so well I was ruining half of my prints just trying to get them off the bed, yet I rarely hear of people reporting this?
For me at least I print ABS at 80c then at the end of the print drop to 55c. This allows for easier removal while not being so hot the adhesive looses it’s strength. That causes the buildtak to peel away from the bed as you pry the part off. I do start with a straight razor so I can get a scraper under the part then work it off that way. PETG almost pops off doing this. I like the scrapers from Toybuilderlabs even if they are a bit cheaply made.
I have recently started using BuildTak purely to protect my heated bed surface.
I have printed a few objects which have literally pulled chunks out of the glass covering my heated bed.
Yes, glass is cheap but the time to level the bed and set nozzle height again after changing the glass is an inconvenience.
I have another machine on order which has a ceramic heated bed surface with a silicone heater pad bonded to the underside. Replacing this would be an expensive undertaking just to deal with print removal damage. BuildTak is an insurance policy against this.
Does BuildTak work? Yes, probably too well but it “does what it says on the tin” and makes prints stick.
The biggest issue I have found is to have a means of removing objects (while using the considerable force that is required) without damaging either the BuildTak or lower layers of the object.
200 hours doesn’t sound like much. (I frequently have single 150h prints)
I don’t see how a time measurement is useful.
The number of print/removal cycles would have more meaning. At least as a gauge to how the material degrades with usage.