I made up a stress test for my Simple.

I made up a stress test for my Simple. It is a 50x50x50mm cube with some overhangs. If you folks would kindly examine the 6 photos and offer any constructive feedback on improving some of the (minor) issues I had, I would greatly appreciate it!

(Here’s the cube I made - https://tinkercad.com/things/jPeL9sjE3ip-50x50x50-test-cube-hollow)

Better than I can do. :smiley:

I see you had some warping at the edges. Did you spray the tape with hairspray (or otherwise use an adhesive)?

@Brent_Newhall No I just put the tape down. I thought hairspray was to adhere ABS to glass. Is it good for PLA too? and do you need a fresh coat each time? or just once and done?

(After this print, I read some people ruff up the tape with sandpaper - so I did that. I haven’t tried another print since though).

Rub down the tape with alcohol. That was the difference between success and failure for me.

@Alex_Wiebe So, some people have success with pure tape. I’ve found that for PLA prints longer than 15 minutes or so, I need to apply a light rubbing of hairpsray. I actually spritz a tissue, then rub the bed quickly with the tissue.

I have the best luck with a very thin layer, using about two circular motions. Much thicker than that and it’s very hard to remove the print!

The hairspray brand I’ve heard used most often for 3D printing is Aquanet, unscented. That’s what I use and it works great.

Without the hairspray, the edges of my prints lift. But your mileage may vary!

I should point out: I have an unheated bed. :slight_smile:

So how does metal compare with glass? This Simple has the metal bed. Would it work to put the hairspray right on the metal bed and not use tape?

@Mark_Zimmerman Cool! Thanks for the tip. I haven’t tried printing directly on the metal bed. (Well, I tried once and it failed, but that was very early on when I could’ve done all sorts of things to mess it up!)

I think I now have a project for tonight. :slight_smile: