3D Printer Build Plates Overview

Introduction

• In 2024, most 3D printers come with a textured PEI build plate.
• There are various types of build plates available aside from the common gold textured plates, each with unique strengths and weaknesses.

Types of Build Plates

1. Textured PEI

• Description: Rough, gold-looking build plate.
• Filament Compatibility: PLA, PETG, ABS, PET, PC, Nylon.
• Strengths:
  • Versatile for various filaments.
  • Good adhesion with self-release upon cooling.
• Weaknesses:
  • Needs to be kept very clean for optimal adhesion.
  • Rough bottom surface finish.
  • Requires glue for TPU to prevent chemical bonding.

2. Smooth PEI

• Description: Offers a smooth bottom surface.
• Strengths:
  • Improved Z-axis dimensional accuracy.
  • Good adhesion when clean.
• Weaknesses:
  • Fingerprints more noticeable.
  • Requires glue for non-PLA filaments.

3. PEX (by Wambam)

• Description: Similar to smooth PEI but rougher bottom surface.
• Strengths:
  • Great adhesion with semi-gloss finish.
  • Resistant to fingerprints.
• Weaknesses:
  • Requires glue for PETG.

4. Chyo Grip (by BQ)

• Versions: Frostbite and Glacier.
• Strengths:
  • Energy and money savings with lower bed temperatures.
  • Compatible with engineering-grade filaments.
• Weaknesses:
  • Textured bottom surface.

5. Bamboo Lab Super Attac

• Strengths:
  • Unmatched adhesion for PLA and PETG.
  • Lower printing temperatures.
• Weaknesses:
  • Limited to PLA and PETG.
  • Difficult to remove small, flat prints.

6. 3D Effect Sheets

• Description: Offers cool designs on the bottom of prints.
• Strengths:
  • Unique bottom design like carbon fiber or rainbow.
• Weaknesses:
  • Poor adhesion.
  • Limited filament compatibility (typically PLA and TPU).

7. CFX (by Dark Moon 3D)

• Description: Made with woven carbon fiber.
• Strengths:
  • Ideal for industrial-grade filaments like PA, PPA, PT.
  • Audible self-release pop.
• Weaknesses:
  • Not optimized for PLA and PETG.

8. G10 (by Dark Moon 3D)

• Description: Comparable to PEI, but stronger.
• Strengths:
  • No need for adhesive with most common filaments.
  • Smooth and shiny bottom surface.
• Weaknesses:
  • Not recommended for nylon.

Conclusion

• All build plates have unique strengths and weaknesses.
• Personal preference leans towards smooth PEI or G10 for all-round performance.
• Evaluate needs to choose the best build plate for specific printing requirements.