Vinyl decal on printbed = awesome

I tried it instead of painters tape, and I can say it works fantastic. It sticks solid but removes easily, and gives a perfect gloss finish on the bottom of the part. This is the perfect material as far as Im concerned, and I couldn't ever get a print to stick on glass. I used typical sign vinyl for making decals on a plotter. Cheap ultra easy solution. This was an economy grade vinyl as well.

 

Interesting. I may have to try this. We should have some vinyl laying around somewhere (back during our car racing days)


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How easy does it tear?

 

Extremely difficult to tear....that's a non issue. It sicks really solid but it releases really good and pops off completely and cleanly.

 

http://www.signsupply.com/Vinyl/MacTac/8300.asp

That's what i used in case anyone is interested. One good thing is it gives same finish as glass on the bottom. Great protection for bed as well. This is a must try thing in my opinion.

 

Have you tried multiple prints on one vinyl sheet? Can you take off your print without removing the vinyl and still print?


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hmm, i have a vinyl cutter that cuts very large shapes. i can cut out the print bed and try it.

 

I have printed three times on the same sheet and its still working perfect.

You can remove the part without ever messing with the vinyl. Works well with heated bed too.

Printing on glass bed = 0% success (curled and didn't stick)
Printing on vinyl = 100% success zero failures

I would say this is the best method to date, and its clean and cheap. A little extra protection for the bed as well.

Biggest concern is putting it down with no bubbles, but that's pretty easy. The link I posted is what I used, and it lays down good and pulls off easily reposition.

 

do you happen to have ay pictures of the vinyl decal on your print bed?

 

Heres a quick one

 

Great. I will try that soon although I have no issue with sticking with the glass I am using. (Interested to compare sticking and results

 

What about how well does it handle heat?

 

Handles heat just fine

 

Is this just PLA or have you tried ABS as well?

Just trying to see if this is really the catch all solution.

 

Tried pla and heated bed pla. I will test abs next.

 

I will be trying this shortly. I called some local printing shops to see if they had any vinyl scraps left over and one was happy to provide me with a few pieces. I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow!

 

I just ordered one roll. Thanks a lot

 

No problem. Use all your same settings as before. I even set my z height on the glass bed and print on the vinyl, the glass is slightly bowl shaped so it actually evens out pretty well. Still haven't tried ABS temps on the bed, I don't think it will be an issue either though....probably even better adhesion.

 

Just did a print, part was partially on vinyl partially off. 35c heated bed. Part on glass curled slightly, none on vinyl did. Not saying it wont ever curl...but its clearly less likely.

 

I have some fake carbon fiber vinyl, it has a texture to it, I will try that when I get a chance.