So I have decided to switch to an inductive sensor setup on my Smartrap. The problem now is that I need an aluminum plate to print with. Any suggestions as to where I could get one at 8x8 inches? It needs to be aluminum and be able to trigger the inductive sensor.
Thanks!!
http://www.discountsteel.com/items/C250_Aluminum_Cast_Tooling_Plate.cfm?item_id=152&size_no=1 33 bucks here for 1/4". Or you can get a printinz plate which has a copper inlay to work with inductive probes: http://printinz.com/printer-plates/ if you message him he’ll do a custom shape at the same base price
@Mike_Kelly_Mike_Make I have the tools to cut one to size. I might purchase one like that but that is quite expensive for a metal plate to me. any idea where I could just get raw aluminum plate that is level enough to be used?
I always used http://onlinemetals.com. 8x8 1/4", 6061 is only $10.
@ThantiK could you give the link to the 8x8? I am really lost on that website. I’ve been on it before haha.
@Griffin_Paquette it’s expensive because it’s a tooling sheet, aka very flat surface.
Not really necessary just if you want a high quality surface. Discount steel also has them at $15 cut to size, though i’m sure onlinemetals would be cheaper: http://www.discountsteel.com/items/6061_Aluminum_Plate.cfm?item_id=137&size_no=1
Saved @ThantiK the trouble, here’s the link for the 8x8 under 10 http://www.onlinemetals.com/merchant.cfm?pid=1248&step=4&showunits=inches&id=76&top_cat=60
They also have thinner sheets. I think 1/4" on a build surface is excessive. .125" or 3mm is plenty imo: http://www.onlinemetals.com/merchant.cfm?pid=1246&step=4&showunits=inches&id=76&top_cat=60 but it’s not cut to size and more expensive
“Not Cut to Size” = “RepRap Upgrade!”
I second placing a thin sheet of aluminum or copper foil under the glass bed.
Thanks for all the answers guys!! I do Like the idea of having my glass still and then just using the metal under it. I like being able to pull off the glass and wash it in a sink to get the glue off. I think what I will do is get the .125 in piece cut to size and then keep my glass above that. That way I get the best of both worlds. Do you guys think this is a good idea?
Just a thought, I could cut one to your specs if you would like… I have been playing with a lot of beds lately. The second most popular thing the OX is cutting 
.
Sounds like it would be pretty cheap to order from one of the links above, but if you want an exact size with mounting holes, thermistor pocket, dump area, etc, be happy to assist. Send a DXF or sketch of some sort (bar napkins with a hand sketch won’t transfer very well 
) with a thickness and we can see what we can come up with. I have been just playing with stock plate, the machined surface mentioned above may be promising.
It is worth noting, not many people print directly on the Aluminum. Not sure if you were going to add a sheet of glass over it.
@Alex_Lee has proven a prox sensor will pick up a thin piece of aluminum or copper under a sheet of glass. There are some good advantages to this. His post on it lingers here somewhere in the G+ world.
@Brandon_Satterfield that might be a possibility. I first want to try with some heavy duty aluminum foil glued to the bottom of my glass. I also have access to a vinyl cutter so I could cut a piece of vinyl that could go over the aluminum and around the edges of the glass to ensure the foil doesnt get torn.
Then again by the time I buy foil and a new piece of glass and pay for vinyl I could just buy a sheet of metal. Im going to have to think about this one for a bit.
@Griffin_Paquette that sounds like a pretty good plan. I wonder… Since you brought it up. Has anyone tried printing on vinyl? There are so many different kinds, flavors. It is a porous surface, flexible, capable of being stretched… Holy cow man! I think you just gave me my next surface to try. Love this community.
Let us know how things go.
Oh yeah ill cut out a piece and try it out and report back. This community is the reason why my printer is alive and I am very thankful for it haha.
@ThantiK I also thought of another possible solution. What about getting some aluminum flashing from lowes or home depot/ hardware stores and gluing it onto the bottom of a piece of glass? Then you will have something much more durable and thicker than aluminum foil.
What do you guys think?
Just throwing this out- we carry the 8x8 mic6 plate with a pocket for an 8x8 heated bed. It has mounting holes and is $45, so not cheap but nice and flat. It is under the components section - Printrbot.com
Ive had the same thoughts and considered covering the bottom of the glass with tinfoil but havent done any thing like it. I converted to a non self leveling solution. Will post some pics.
@Ryan_Vaughan I just searched- great price! 1/4" is what you want. You can cut it with a table saw down to size, just raise the blade well above the top of plate and go slow. Safety first- protect those eyes. Cut it down to smallest size you can to match build envelope. It is a LOT of thermal mass to heat up.
If you try to pocket it to reduce mass, be very aware it may affect the flatness… You can “bump” it to correct with a drill press and 3 blocks of wood.
If you don’t have a Shaviv, you can lightly file off the sharp edges. A sharp knife is too much, but if you try it, scrape with the blade 90 degrees to the edge- don’t try to shave it with the blade.
I always use a center punch before drilling holes so the bit doesn’t wander.
An orbital sander with medium grade gives it a nice finish. Or you can polish it to mirror finish with cutting compound and polish.
Good luck!
Brook