Our every-print routine
These three steps reflect approximately 800,000 hours of production printing.
- Clean: clean the plate thoroughly with IPA to remove oils, dust, and residue.
- Prep: apply a light, even coat of Aqua Net Extra Hold hairspray, using the purple can. Avoid heavy buildup.
- First layer: set Initial Layer Height to 0.24 mm instead of 0.20 mm for better surface contact.
Checks that often solve the rest
- Seat and lock the plate flat, then avoid touching the prepared surface.
- Use a bed temperature appropriate for the material. PLA commonly starts around 55-60 C.
- Slow the first layer when filament needs more time to bond.
- Use a brim for small contact areas. A 0.2 mm brim-object gap can make removal easier.
- Re-clean and reapply hairspray instead of stacking old layers.
Common mistakes
- Skipping cleaning because the plate still looks clean.
- Applying too much hairspray and creating a slick surface.
- Printing the first layer too fast or too thin.
Most adhesion problems are first-layer problems. Clean, prep, and give that first layer enough contact.