I was thinking of getting a MK3 heatbed (the 3mm one with the aluminum

3D Printing
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1

I was thinking of getting a MK3 heatbed (the 3mm one with the aluminum side), like this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/RepRap-ALU-Heatbed-MK3-3mm-Aluminium-core-and-Dual-power-/271430214855

Is it a worthy upgrade to my MK2b?
And if I do decide to get this, should I be printing on the aluminum side directly or put a glass on top of it?

2

Still early days with mine. Heat is fast and even. Only problem is it does flex and warp fairly badly under the force to remove prints. Multipoint bed leveling does correct for the beds that form over time at least somewhat. I’m planning on using mine with cork under it for insulation to make the printer as energy-efficient as possible where flatness isn’t critical. Printing on the aluminium side.
And I put a sheet of glass on top when I want flatter.
Still experimenting though. I’d like to see a 4-5mm thick version of this.

3

@Electra_Flarefire thanks for the info!
What are you using to make the prints stick?

4

Right now… Uhu Stic glue on heated glass with PLA, it works a bit too well sometimes. I keep finding excuses(Right now, a rebuild of part of the printer) to avoid playing with ABS but I’m almost out of them. :slight_smile:
As I said, still early days with this.

5

I print on the aluminium side at 55C with kapton tape for PLA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Zu5zf8JIRg&list=UUkRSFXk4COsIYs5XfMej7-A

6

I use the MK1 with glass on it. I do recommend it, but also use something to cover the printer and keep the heat inside a bit. If the temperature difference between the print bed and ambient is to high, your part will bend and detach from the bed. Just a cardboard box is enough, which is what I use :slight_smile:
There’s some info about that on my blog:
http://make.kinamics.com/2014/09/tutorial-the-reprap-3d-printer-part-i-building-it/

Good luck!

7

Thanks for all the input!
I will skip this for now and reconsider after new year’s…