The ability of a print to stick to the build surface throughout the entire print without lifting or shifting.
Bed adhesion results from surface energy, mechanical interlocking, and residual heat. PEI (polyetherimide) sheets provide excellent adhesion for PLA, PETG, and ABS through polar surface interactions. Glass beds require adhesive primers. Adhesion is highest above the glass transition temperature: parts release naturally when the bed cools below about 45 C for PLA.
Match bed surface to filament: PEI for PLA/PETG/ABS, garolite for nylon, PEO for flexible filaments. Use brim for small or tall parts. Clean with 99% isopropyl alcohol before each print. For difficult filaments apply thin PVA glue stick as adhesion primer. Mesh bed levelling corrects warped beds.
Printing too hot on PEI bonds so strongly the part cannot be removed without bending the sheet. Textured PEI on PLA at 60 C imprints texture on the bottom. Silicone or oil contamination permanently degrades PEI; replace if washing cannot restore adhesion.
Related terms: First-Layer Calibration, Warping, Raft and Brim
| Field | 3D printing |
|---|---|
| Also called | build plate adhesion |
| Source | EDi Brain: tech/fdm |
Engineer, author of The Big Book of 3D Printing and additive manufacturing expert