How to Remove a Stuck Print
When you have a print that stuck too well to the build plate it can be very frustrating. Here are some techniques we use to make this process a little easier.
The first step is if possible remove your build plate. It is much easier to both damage your print and injure yourself if you are struggling to remove a print in the confined space inside the printer. It is also wise to wear thick gloves on both hands for really stubborn prints as the tools used to remove prints generally are somewhat sharp.
We mainly make use of large dull knives as tools to remove prints as they can get under a print fairly easily at a corner and with a rolling/twisting motion rather than a prying motion and can generally remove a print without damaging the tape. Another widely used item to remove prints is a putty knife as it slips under prints very easily, but the downside to a putty knife is that it is very difficult to avoid damaging your build tape.
On a tall and skinny print with limited contact to the build plate it is often possible to use the handle of a screwdriver or something similar to whack the print to loosen it. Although this method is very fast and easy, it does risk damaging the print especially if it is fragile or has very few shells and infill.
With your chosen tool the best bet is to start at corners or areas with protruding shapes as they are more likely to be easy to get under. Once you get started under as many corners as possible it then is time to try to work towards the middle from each corner. If you can safely grab the print and apply slight upward pressure pulling away from the corner you are working on you will often have better results.
If the print is too well stuck then get a can of compressed air, turn it upside down and spray your print near its base. This will rapidly cool the print cause it to shrink a tiny amount often breaking the bond to the build plate. Be aware that the print and glass build plates may be more brittle like this.
If all else fails sacrificing your build tape is often a decent option rather than risking damage to your print. This can be done by removing the tape from the build plate if possible and then using rubbing alcohol, water or another liquid to weaken the glue on the tape and help break the bond to the tape.
Tips to make Print Removal Easier
If you have designed something to 3D print it may seem like there is no easy way to remove it from the print bed no matter what you do. Here are some tips that may help you with better preparing for a print that may not be easy to remove.
When you are designing your part, keep in mind that large flat surfaces without any corners can be difficult to get off the print bed. Consider adding small notches around the print to make starting the removal easier by allowing you to get underneath it safely and easily.
Another thing to consider is to invest in a build plate that is designed to allow easy print removal such as the new Zebra Plate for the Replicator 2. This plate allows you to print even extremely difficult to remove prints and remove them simply by flexing the plate. This Zebra Plate is also convenient because you don’t have to constantly replace tape on the print bed.