Flashforge Finder PLA vs ABS

[threedee4me]

i wanted to try ABS with my printer. i am under the impression i can use ABS with my printer but it wont stick to the bed since its not heated. is there a way or better yet whats the best way to be able to work with ABS and have it stick to the Flashforge Finder bed?

Thanks!

[printbus]

Doing an internet search on "printing ABS without heated bed" brings up a few things to look at. The info isn't specific to the Flashforge Finder, but there might be some ideas out there. One guy claims success - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TmWzsvtYRA

His "tricks" included a small layer height, painters tape scuffed with 60 grit sandpaper, a 5 cm brim, and only printing small objects. Well, a 5cm brim is one heck of a brim...

Following his painter's tape suggestion, I'd also clean any sanding dust, wax, and finger oils from the tape. I use isopropyl alcohol with PLA prints; others use acetone. I'd also do what I could to keep any drafts off the print bed. You'd even want to minimize airflow from the hot end fan creating uneven airflow on the bed. Your bed leveling and first layer setup would be about as critical as it can get.

There are likely special print surface materials that might help with ABS adhesion, but I can't speak to experience with them.

[threedee4me]

thanks for the direction : )

[Todd-67]

Fitting a glass bed or using Kapton tape and using PVA (Elmers) Glue can work. The trick is a thin even coating of glue and letting the glue dry before printing.

[wirlybird]

Fitting a glass bed or using Kapton tape and using PVA (Elmers) Glue can work. The trick is a thin even coating of glue and letting the glue dry before printing.

I don't use much glue but did read to apply it to a cold bed to prevent getting to thick of a layer. Seemed to make some sense.