3D Universe Presents: The Unofficial FlashForge Creator X Manual
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Installing a Glass Build Plate
Why Consider Printing on Glass?
The FlashForge Creator X comes with a new and improved build plate, which is significantly
thicker than the one used on the Creator (the previous model). This ensures the build plate will
remain perfectly level and will not warp with temperature changes.
When the Creator X arrives, it has a nice layer of Kapton tape installed on the build plate.
Kapton tape is a popular surface for printing ABS, as the plastic adheres to it fairly well, yet is
easy to remove.
The challenge with Kapton tape is that it tears very easily. When that happens, you need to
apply a new layer of Kapton tape, and doing so in a manner that yields a nice smooth surface
without any air bubbles or imperfections can be a difficult task.
Another downside of Kapton tape is, when you wish to print with other materials, you will need
to change the print surface by adding glass, blue painter’s tape, or other materials, depending
on what you’re printing with.
As an alternative, you may consider adding a ¼” thick heat-‐resistant glass build plate on top of
the standard build plate. The thermal glass build plate can be used to print on directly in a
variety of materials, assuming you prepare it appropriately (see below).
You can purchase a properly sized thermal glass build plate for your FlashForge Creator X here:
http://shop3duniverse.com/collections/accessories/products/glass-‐build-‐plate
Installing a Thermal Glass Build Plate
Because adding a glass build plate will add another ¼” to the total build plate thickness, a “shim”
needs to be installed so the printer will not lift the build plate as high. The required shim can be
freely downloaded from Thingiverse
(
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:289995
)
and 3D
printed on your Creator X! You’ll want to print this before installing your glass build plate, of
course.
This part will be installed at the rear of the build plate, positioned such that it will come into
