<![CDATA[SoliForum - 3D Printing Community — Where to find an aluminum bed to replace the glass one?]]> https://www.soliforum.com/topic/14895/where-to-find-an-aluminum-bed-to-replace-the-glass-one/ Sat, 04 Jun 2016 14:33:47 +0000 PunBB <![CDATA[Re: Where to find an aluminum bed to replace the glass one?]]> https://www.soliforum.com/post/123729/#p123729 There is another topic on the subject at http://www.soliforum.com/post/113370/#p113370. In any case I purchased my aluminum bed from online metals and it has worked great since I installed it (~50 prints).   I researched the types of aluminum and I suggest either 7075-T6 or 6061-T6.  Other types of aluminum, particularly types that are not heat treated may not work very well.  I ordered a heater from jdholbrook33 on this forum (online store at http://www.davincizone.com).  He installed the heater for me and he is probably willing to do so for you as well.  Without buying a new heater there are other options such as putting the aluminum on top of the glass bed or removing the heater from a broken glass bed and reapplying it to the aluminum.

]]> Sat, 04 Jun 2016 14:33:47 +0000 https://www.soliforum.com/post/123729/#p123729 <![CDATA[Re: Where to find an aluminum bed to replace the glass one?]]> https://www.soliforum.com/post/123678/#p123678 If your bed isn't actually ruined (still heats) you might want to just add a surface on top of it. My CTC printer actually has an aluminum bed, but I print on picture frame glass that is mounted above it ($2 each at places like Lowes). The glass was easily thin enough to still be "adjusted for" with just the leveling screws at 3/16 glass.

I've lost "chips" out of my Da Vinci's boro glass myself, but it hasn't cracked yet. I just ignore the chips slight effect on the bottom of a part, if the part prints over it. Using a glue stick greatly decreases the chance of breaking the boro glass, while ABS slurry or even hairspray tends to increase the chance that you damage the glass.

]]> Fri, 03 Jun 2016 00:16:03 +0000 https://www.soliforum.com/post/123678/#p123678 <![CDATA[Re: Where to find an aluminum bed to replace the glass one?]]> https://www.soliforum.com/post/123669/#p123669 Now you've got me wondering how hard it would be to switch to an aluminum bed with a heating pad and ditch the Z endstop for an inductive sensor and have automagic autoleveling forever. I'll have to do some research.

]]> Thu, 02 Jun 2016 19:31:18 +0000 https://www.soliforum.com/post/123669/#p123669 <![CDATA[Where to find an aluminum bed to replace the glass one?]]> https://www.soliforum.com/post/123668/#p123668 My glass bed cracked once again, for the third time sad I don't want to spend $60 for replacements anymore, could anyone please suggest an easy yet affordable alternative? Herd aluminum beds works well. Thank you

]]> Thu, 02 Jun 2016 19:09:37 +0000 https://www.soliforum.com/post/123668/#p123668