Are you looking to upgrade or replace the heated bed plate on your Raise3D Pro 2 3D printer? Proper maintenance and replacement of the bed are essential for ensuring optimal printing results. In this guide, we will walk you through the detailed steps to successfully replace the heated bed on your Raise3D Pro 2 printer.
From preparing the necessary tools to reconnecting the cables, we’ve got you covered with all the information you need to complete the process smoothly and efficiently.
How to Replace Heated Bed on Raise3D Pro 2 Printer
Replacing the heated bed on your Raise3D Pro 2 printer is a straightforward process. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Prepare Tools:
Gather the following tools:
Pliers
2mm Hex Wrench
5.5mm Socket Wrench
Spatula
Flat head screwdriver
Z-Axis Homing:
Press the Z home button to move the bed to its home position.
Once the bed is completely homed, lower it to the proper position (you can set the height to 50-100mm) until a screwdriver can reach the terminal block.
Power Off and Remove Build Plate:
Turn off the power.
Open the front door and loosen the two lock screws.
Take out the build plate.
Disconnect Heated Bed Cables:
Remove the Heated Bed Power Cable by loosening the two screws on the left side of the terminal block using a small flat-head screwdriver.
Unplug the Temperature Sensor Cable.
Remove the Heated Bed:
Use a 5.5mm socket wrench to remove the 12 nuts under the Z platform.
Take out the heating plate. Be careful not to loosen the grub screws, as it could affect bed leveling.
Separate Insulation Plate and Heating Bed:
Remove the 12 nuts on the screws by holding them with pliers and using a 2mm hex wrench to pull the screws out.
Separate the insulation plate and heating bed (you can use a spatula if needed).
Prepare the New Heated Bed:
Adhere the new heated bed to the heating bed, paying attention to the location of the breach.
Reassemble:
Install the screws back into the heating bed, ensuring they are tight but not overtightened.
Place it on the lifting plate through the screw holes and secure with 12 nuts under the Z platform (watch the direction and do not adjust the grub screws).
Reconnect Cables:
Install the two wires into the power socket holes and tighten the screws. Ensure the red (power) wire aligns with the corresponding red wire at each side of the power socket.
Plug in the heated bed thermistor.
Final Check:
Verify all connections and ensure everything is secure.
Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions during the replacement process. If you encounter any issues, consult the official Raise3D Support Center for further assistance
3D Printer Bed Upgrade Tips
When replacing or upgrading your 3D printer bed, safety is crucial. Here are some important tips to keep in mind:
Choose the Right Material for the New Bed:
Consider using a cast aluminum bed plate. Aluminum provides good heat conductivity and stability.
Apply high-temperature silicone adhesive to secure the new bed in place.
Avoid Glass Beds:
Glass beds can break easily, especially when removing prints or accidentally dropping tools or filament spools on them.
Glass is also a thermal insulator, which can lead to uneven heating and poor print adhesion.
Level the Bed Properly:
Ensure your new bed is flat and level. A flat surface is essential for consistent first-layer adhesion.
Avoid using 4-point leveling screws, as they can cause the bed and undercarriage plates to bend. Instead, use a 3-point leveling system for better results.
Heat Spreader:
If your printer’s heater is directly glued to the bed, consider adding a heat spreader between the heater and the bed. This helps distribute heat more evenly.
Use Stiff Springs:
Replace the leveling screws with stiff springs that fit over the screws. This ensures better stability and prevents warping.
Monitor Temperature Variations:
Regularly check the temperature distribution across the bed surface.
Uneven heating can affect print quality and adhesion.
Remember to follow safety precautions when working with your 3D printer. Always allow the bed to cool down before maintenance, and use proper ventilation when handling adhesives or cleaning agents.
IMG Source: qidi3d.com
Properly Detaching a 3D Printer Bed Plate
Detaching a 3D printer bed plate correctly is crucial for maintaining your printer and ensuring successful prints. Here are some steps to follow:
Clean the Bed Surface:
A clean printing bed is essential for good adhesion and high-quality prints.
Use Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) with a concentration ranging from 70% up to 99.99%.
Soak a paper towel, microfiber cloth, or cotton in IPA and clean the bed surface in a circular motion.
Rinse and repeat until the build plate is free of leftover filament, fingerprints, oils, and other imperfections that affect printing quality.
Remove the Print After Printing:
Once your print is finished, carefully detach it from the build plate.
Insert a tool (such as a scraper or spatula) between the print and the build surface.
Apply gentle pressure and gradually lift the print.
Move the tool around the edges of the print, working your way toward the center until the print is fully detached.
Bend the Build Plate:
If your printer has a flexible build plate, gently bend it until your printed part pops off.
Try bending it in different directions to release the print.
IMG Source: amazonaws.com
Achieving Level 3D Printer Bed
3D printer bed leveling is crucial for successful 3D printing. Whether you’re using a brand-new printer or noticing uneven prints, following these steps will help you achieve a level bed:
Clean the bed: Lightly scrub the print surface with isopropyl alcohol and a paper towel to remove fingerprints and any leftover filament.
Preheat your printer: Heat both the nozzle and bed to their normal operating temperature.
Prepare your leveling tools:
Piece of paper: Use it to gauge the distance between the nozzle and the bed. Computer paper, junk mail, or a Post-It Note will work.
Filament: Load your printer with PLA for a test print. PLA sticks well without fuss.
Slicer app: Slice your test print using any slicer; we recommend Ultimaker Cura.
Bed level test print: Download a test file from Thingiverse (sized for your printer’s bed).
Tram the print surface:
Zero the Z-axis: Make sure the nozzle is at the same height across the bed on the X and Y axes.
Insert the paper: Slide the paper between the nozzle and the bed. Adjust the screws until there’s a very slight resistance when pulling the paper out.
Repeat for all screws: Adjust each corner screw to achieve a uniform distance from the nozzle to the entire bed.
Test your bed: Print the bed level test file and check for even layers and good adhesion.
For more detailed instructions, you can refer to this guide from Tom’s Hardware.
IMG Source: redd.it
Calibrating Your 3D Printer Bed: Essential Steps
Calibrating your 3D printer bed after a replacement is essential to ensure accurate and successful prints. Here are the steps you can follow:
Check Stability and Cleanliness:
Ensure that the x- and y-axes move stably. Tighten any loose wheels to prevent wobbling.
Clean the print bed thoroughly to remove any filament residue, grease, or adhesive remnants.
Make sure the nozzle is free of filament buildup.
Tension the Toothed Belts:
Proper tension in the x- and y-axis belts is crucial. Adjust them until they emit a high-pitched sound when plucked.
Correct tension prevents slipping or excessive friction.
Level the Print Bed:
Heat up the printer bed and nozzle.
Manually move the print head and bed to one corner of the print bed.
Slide a piece of paper underneath the nozzle.
Adjust the bed corners using the wheels until the nozzle lightly presses on the paper. The paper should still be movable with the nozzle on top.
Repeat this process for all corners.
Print Quality Check:
Before and after calibration, print a suitable test object to compare print quality and identify any improvements.
Test objects that assess general print quality are ideal.
Temperature Calibration:
Depending on your filament type, set the print bed temperature:
PLA: 60°C
ABS: 90°C
PETG: 70°C
TPU: 60°C.
IMG Source: top3dshop.com
In conclusion, replacing the heated bed on your Raise3D Pro 2 printer is a manageable task that can significantly improve your printing experience. By following the step-by-step instructions outlined in this guide, you can confidently navigate the process and ensure that your printer’s bed is functioning at its best. Remember to prioritize safety, adhere to manufacturer guidelines, and reach out to the Raise3D Support Center if you encounter any challenges.
With a well-maintained and calibrated bed, you’ll be on your way to achieving high-quality prints with your Raise3D Pro 2 printer. Happy printing!
