The igus bonding agent – the solution for tribo-filaments
Niklas Eutebach | 3. April 2020
A component won’t stick to the printing plate – a well-known problem
Users of filament 3D printers know that a frequent problem in processing filaments is that components do not adhere correctly to the print bed. The result is that component corners raise up, there are ugly deformations, and the component might even come loose from the printing surface. Component distortion and the associated internal tension can sometimes lead to delamination and cracks. This problem occurs most frequently in challenging materials – and primarily affecting developers of very specialised applications who rely on such materials.
One option for preventing component distortion is to increase installation space temperature. Strong bed adhesion during the printing process reduces component distortion even more (after all, if the component does not adhere well, there is nothing to counteract shape changes).
Solutions for tribo-filaments
The material composition of iglidur I180 tribo-filament, which was developed specially for components with great strength, wear and temperature resistance causes it to tend to deform. Moreover, it does not adhere particularly well to the printing platform. A frequently used, very helpful tool for this problem is adhesive film, but it must be affixed to the printing surface and is susceptible to destruction by the printer nozzle or the tool when the component is removed. Depending on the variety of filaments with which you wish to work, you may sometimes wish for a more flexible solution. There are also some printers, like the Ultimaker S3 and S5, whose auto bed levelling is not suited to the use of such film.
The igus bonding agent – specially developed for tribo-filaments
To solve this problem, igus worked with Magigoo, the well-known manufacturer of 3D printing supplementary products to create a bonding agent for iglidur I180 and I180-BL, filaments often used in design. The bonding agent can be easily applied to the support surface (glass or aluminium plate or other printing surface) with an applicator tip and spread to form an even bonding surface. The bonding agent also works with other tribo-filaments such as iglidur I150, but is not absolutely necessary for them.
How should the bonding agent be used?
To apply the bonding agent, first shake the bottle vigorously, then remove the protective cap and activate flow by tapping the print bed lightly. Spread the agent with linear movements and then apply agent to the clean printing plate in a perpendicular direction to ensure even spread. After a short drying phase, the coating is ready to use. Heating the print bed activates the layer’s bonding effect. During the printing process, the component is held reliably on the print bed, minimising component deformation.
How to make your life easier with the iglidur bonding agent
The igus bonding agent’s great advantage over familiar printing surfaces becomes evident only after the printing process: after the print bed has cooled off – this can be facilitated by removing the plate from the printer – the component almost frees itself from the construction platform. The familiar (and perhaps infamous) trowel is no longer necessary, since the component can be removed from the printing plate without force being applied.
Another of the bonding agent’s strengths is its water solubility. Warm water removes the coating from the printing plate without any problem, allowing other bonding methods to be used with the same printing plate. The bonding agent is harmless and environmentally friendly and can therefore be safely disposed of.