Need advice on how to remove parts off build plate for FFCP

Well with about a week of printing under my belt with the FlashForge Creator Pro I have one problem that is driving me crazy. I load the print up and every thing goes great. The biggest problem I am having is trying to get the part off the build plate with out breaking the part or the printer. It is sticking too good. I even left one printer on there for about 4 hours after it finished and still had a hard time removing it.

I use Simplify 3d to slice and the best way I have found to get the print off easy is to raise it 2mm off the bed and add a raft and supports. That works well but I am using a lot more filament that I want to use. I have had to replace the Kapton tape twice already which is a PITA. Any advice on how to remove the part with out ripping the kapton tape or breaking my printer or the part? I do have two sheets of glass for the bed order from FlashForge that should be here later this week.

Thanks.

I use a flexible wall paper scraper - got 5 from poundland. Really thin flexible metal.

The other thing I use is duck brand blue painters tape.

I never had any problems removing abs - mind you I could only print it with a raft as it didn't stick without.

The other thing you might try is a freezing spray, you can buy them in most plumbing supply shops.
Spray the bottom of the print and it shrinks, which should pop it off the build plate.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by curious aardvark

I use a flexible wall paper scraper - got 5 from poundland. Really thin flexible metal.

The other thing I use is duck brand blue painters tape.

I never had any problems removing abs - mind you I could only print it with a raft as it didn't stick without.



The other thing you might try is a freezing spray, you can buy them in most plumbing supply shops.
Spray the bottom of the print and it shrinks, which should pop it off the build plate.

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Thanks. I will give the freezing spray a try. I have a few scrapers of different sizes. The problem is I can't even get them under the part. I have glass on it's way that I ordered from FlashForge should get it Wednesday.

Couple options without glass:

1) freezing spray and/or can of air held upside down pointed at the bottom of the print - this works awesome but on thinner prints if you hit it too soon it can permanently warp the part
2) scraper as mentioned
3) small rubber mallet - often times prints that were impossible for me to remove no matter how hard I tried popped right off when I whacked them with a mallet. not hard enough to damage the print obviously but with some force behind it. Flicking it with your finger might also work but gets painful after a while

With a glass bed:
1) all of the above
2) remove glass from printer and place it in the freezer. Wait 2-10 minutes depending on the print and it will come right off.

pla and blue tape = no hassle :-)
Just saying :-)

I know exactly what you mean. A removable glass bed upgrade was my answer to this and it works great because you can pull the bed out of the printer and yank on it outside your Flashforge. I also like PET tape (for ABS) and ABS juice combo for ABS prints. Sticks good and releases well too. For PLA I've found hairspray on the glass bed with a a bed temp of 70C is great. Sticks good and releases well. If you want more info on the glass bed I have a project on my website showing how to do it. I'm thinking about making a video too I can share when it's ready if you're interested

http://makersome.com/project/717/

Good old trusty blue painters tape is a great option for a non heated bed for PLA like aardvark said.

You won't regret getting the glass, I have not looked back since, transformation of an already great machine