3D print accessory maker PRINTinZ released their new 3D printing adhesion system, the Zebra Plate.
The company has been producing flexible 3D printing surface add-ons for some time now, and we’ve had great success using them. Now the company has developed and released a new system that has some advantages over the older system.
But first, why would you need an adhesion system? It’s simply because 3D printers often have problems with a partial print coming loose off the print surface during printing, perhaps due to warping or otherwise not sufficiently sticking to the surface.
Many solutions have been attempted for this issue, ranging from heated print beds, to various chemical concoctions applied to the print surface such as certain hair sprays, or even an application of common blue painter’s tape. These solutions do work, but they can be messy, expensive and may “over stick”, causing difficult removing a completed print.
PRINTinZ’s solution involves a special plate applied to the existing print surface that can be removed after printing either ABS or PLA plastic objects. The beauty of their product is that the special plate can be flexed, often causing the print to just “pop off” with little effort. The plates also work with heated beds, as the heat simply soaks through them.
The new “Zebra Plate” is so named due to it’s coloration. One side is black and the other is white. Both sides of the plate may be used for 3D printing, but the idea is that the color can contrast against the color of the material being printed for easier and faster recognition of issues. The first layer of most prints is so thin it can be hard to see in many cases – but that won’t be the case with the Zebra plate.
Watch this video to see how it works, and take special note of the incredible funnel that successfully prints even though only a tiny portion is attached to the PRINTinZ plate. Yes, they do turn it upside down and shake it, too!
The Zebra Plate is now available for purchase at PRINTinZ’s new website, in a cascade of different sizes that should match virtually any 3D printer setup, including cylindrical Delta 3D printers:
- 200mm x 200mm
- 171mm x 287mm (Rep2)
- 152mm x 228mm
- 168mm x 237mm
- 168mm x 214mm
- 200mm x 213mm
- 10 in x 10 in
- 8 in x 10 in
- 220mm Dia. Round
- 140mm x 140mm
- 120mm x 120mm
- 229mm x 257mm
- 232mm x 242mm
- 118mm x 155mm
- 260mm x 260mm
- 155mm x 286mm
- 162mm x 247mm
- 220mm x 220mm (BQ Prusa)
- 215mm x 305mm
- 214mm x 240mm
- 270mm x 300mm
Pricing varies by size, but, for example, a 140 x 140mm plate will set you back only USD$18 – and it will be usable for perhaps dozens or even hundreds of prints. Then turn it over and get more prints!
We’re still testing ours and will have a follow up story on our experiences, but for now you might consider checking out this amazing new 3D printing plate accessory.
Via PRINTinZ
