BuildTak 3D Print Surface - Ø 304 mm (Ø 12"")

BuildTak 3D Print Surface - 203 x 254 mm (8" x 10")

BuildTak is a durable, thin plastic sheet that adheres to the print bed of FDM (fused deposition modeling) 3D printers, providing an ideal surface for 3D printing. It replaces blue masking tape and polyimide films such as Kapton. Made from high-quality, heat-resistant materials, BuildTak ensures a stable build platform where 3D prints easily stick, allowing for easy and clean removal after printing.

Benefits of Using BuildTak

• Works seamlessly with ABS, PLA, and more, without requiring surface modifications. No need for pretreatments like hairspray or acetone slurry!
• Easy to install on a bare print bed and removes cleanly without leaving any adhesive residue behind.
• Long-lasting, with proper care, and offers extended protection to your original print bed.
• Forms an optimal bond between your 3D prints and the build surface, preventing warping. After printing, your objects can be removed easily with minimal effort.
• Patent-pending, heat-resistant material designed to withstand typical heated print bed temperatures (i.e., 110-125°C). Safe to use as it is UL flame-rated.
• BuildTak just works!

Key Features

• Compatible with ABS, PLA, HIPS, PET+, Brick, Wood, and Flexible (TPE) filaments. Great results also achieved with nylon and t-glase (PETT) when used with a thin layer of washable glue stick on the BuildTak surface.
• Much easier to install than tape or film, with fewer air bubbles trapped underneath.
• Protects your build plate.
• Heat-resistant and durable, reusable for many prints, with no need to replace the surface between builds.
• Creates an optimal bond for better print adhesion, helping your object stay in place while printing and enabling clean, easy removal after printing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is BuildTak?

BuildTak is an ideal 3D printing surface for FFF 3D printers. It offers a superior alternative to masking tape or heat-resistant films (like Kapton). Made of a proprietary, patent-pending composition, BuildTak comes as pre-cut plastic sheets with a special texture and heat-resistant adhesive backing, which adheres to your 3D printer’s build platform.

Why is BuildTak superior to masking tape and heat-resistant films?

BuildTak sheets are more rigid than tape or Kapton, making them easier to install on the bare build plate, with a lower chance of air bubbles. BuildTak is more durable and offers better protection for the build plate. With proper use, it outlasts typical Kapton or masking tape. It also doesn’t require any special treatments (e.g., hairspray, acetone slurry, or printing rafts). After adjusting the nozzle height properly, BuildTak works flawlessly. Objects stay firmly in place during printing with fewer instances of curling. Once printing is complete, objects come off easily with much less prying.

It’s compatible with both ABS and PLA, so you don't need to switch the surface between prints. BuildTak withstands heated print bed temperatures (110-125°C). When it’s time to replace the BuildTak sheet, it removes cleanly without leaving adhesive residue behind.

How do I use BuildTak?

1. Clean the build platform thoroughly, making sure it’s free of debris.
2. Trim the BuildTak sheet to fit your build plate (if not pre-cut).
3. Peel off the white adhesive liner and apply the BuildTak sheet to your bare build plate. Start from one edge, smoothing it with a credit card or decal applicator as you go.
4. Re-level the bed, ensuring the nozzle height is properly set to the thickness of a standard piece of office paper. A well-leveled bed and correct nozzle height are key to a great BuildTak experience!

What are the best practices for ensuring BuildTak's longevity?

Use a spatula or putty knife with smooth, rounded corners. Avoid tools with sharp edges that could damage the BuildTak surface. Do not use harsh solvents like acetone—only isopropyl alcohol. Ensure your FFF 3D printer’s nozzle is properly leveled and does not touch the BuildTak surface directly. Set your nozzle height to at least the thickness of a standard piece of office paper. When adjusting nozzle height, it’s best to start higher, run a test print, and gradually decrease the nozzle height until you achieve proper adhesion.

What are the optimal nozzle height and bed leveling settings?

For the best adhesion and removal, find the sweet spot for nozzle height. Start with a higher nozzle setting and run a test print, paying attention to the first layer. If the nozzle is too far from the surface, the filament won’t stick. In that case, lower the nozzle height slightly and try again. For ABS, use the thickness of office paper (around 0.1mm) for nozzle height, and for PLA, use card stock (around 0.2mm). Proper leveling will also extend BuildTak's lifespan by reducing wear and tear.

Why are my prints not sticking to BuildTak?

This issue is usually caused by the nozzle being too far from the BuildTak surface. Try lowering the nozzle height slightly and run a test print after each adjustment to check adhesion.

Why are my prints sticking too well to BuildTak, making removal difficult?

This may happen if the nozzle is too close to the BuildTak surface. Increase the nozzle height slightly and ensure the print bed is properly leveled. For ABS prints, remove the object immediately after printing. Reheating the print bed for ABS can help release larger objects that are stuck too firmly. Note that a heated bed is not necessary for PLA prints or removing PLA parts.

What materials work with BuildTak?

BuildTak works with ABS, PLA, HIPS, PET+, Brick, Wood, and Flexible (TPE) filaments. We’ve also achieved good results with nylon and t-glase (PETT) when used with a thin layer of washable glue stick on the BuildTak surface.