Bed Adhesion
Bed adhesion is the chemical and mechanical bond between the first extruded layer of molten filament and the heated build plate. Proper bed adhesion ensures that the 3D model remains firmly stationary throughout the entire print without lifting, shifting, or warping.
Factors Influencing First Layer Adhesion
Optimal bed adhesion depends on three main variables: correct Z-offset distance between the nozzle and the build plate, appropriate heated bed temperature (e.g. 55°C–65°C for PLA, 70°C–85°C for PETG), and a clean surface free of oils and dust.
Adhesion Aids & Helpers
Slicers provide helper structures such as brims (a flat border attached to the base) and rafts (a sacrificial foundation) to increase surface contact area. Physical adhesives like liquid glue sticks, PVP coatings, and isopropyl alcohol (IPA) cleaning maintain surface grip.
Cost of Poor Bed Adhesion
A first layer detachment ruins the entire print job, wasting plastic, consuming machine hours, and creating "filament spaghetti". Estimating risk allowances (typically 3%–8% fail rate) covers the cost of occasional adhesion failures.
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