When applying kapton tape to your build plate, it can be a little tricky to do. Making use of Kapton Sheets rather than a roll of kapton tape can make this process a little bit easier as they have a backing which helps with stopping them from folding over on themselves and they are cut to be the proper size.
Wet Application Method
You will need a few supplies to apply kapton tape to your platform:
- Kapton Sheet
- Soapy Water in a spray bottle
- Squeegee
- Acetone
The first step will be to completely remove the previous sheet from the build plate.
Once you have a clear build plate you will then want to peel the kapton sheet backing off and set it down sticky side up on a flat surface and then spray the sheet with the soapy water.
Now that we have the sheet sprayed we can then grab one narrow side in each hand and gently set it sticky side down onto the platform(a wide grip at this point can help prevent the tape from folding on itself). This is the best point to ensure you are in the proper position. You will want to aim for as centered as possible but as long as there is overhang on all sides that is fine.
Once you are happy with its position you will want to firmly press down on the center of the sheet. You will then take the squeegee and work your way out from the center. The way to prevent air bubbles is by holding the edge you are working towards up at about 30 Degrees from the platform and squeegeeing towards the high point. If you do have a bubble don’t be afraid to pull up the tape to the bubble and go back as the soapy water makes the tape release easily. Once it is all applied to the platform you should have no bubbles.
Now you will want to let the tape dry for a while.
After the tape is dry you can then wipe the surface with acetone to clean it off and prep it for printing.
Dry Application Method
You will need a few supplies to apply kapton tape to your platform:
- Kapton Sheet
- Squeegee
- Acetone
This method is more difficult than the wet application but does not have the drying time before use.
The first step is to remove the previous build tape on the platform.
Next you will want to peel about 1/3 of the tape from its backing starting at a narrow edge.
Line up the narrow edge you’ve exposed carefully as this determines how it will sit on the platform. If your crooked it may not line up at the far end. You will want to start with a small amount of overhang.
Once you have it lined up press that side down and ensure you keep tension on the tape slowly work your way across the build platform ensuring you evenly work across. If you do too much in one area at a time it can mean you will create bubbles in another nearby area.
Peel the backing off the tape as you go. The more backing you leave on though the easier it is to prevent wrinkles so don’t over peel it.
Once you have applied the tape wipe it with acetone and you can begin printing right away.
This second method often won’t work as nicely in the long term as the wet application but if you need to get printing right away it is an option.