Replicator 1 Glass Build Platform

thingiverse

Avoid using Kapton tape on your Replicator 1's heated build platform. A group buy for a borosilicate glass plate was recently conducted on the MakerBot Operators' Google Group. The plate, measuring 3.3mm thick and 230mm x 150mm with a tolerance of +/-0.030", is placed directly over the aluminum platform. It has seamed edges for safety. Obtain it from Industrial Glass Technologies in North Carolina, where each plate costs $6.21, with a minimum order of $50. Secure the glass plate using medium-small binder clips or printed clips like those modeled by the author (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:35687), although better options are being explored. Some users leave a layer of Kapton between the aluminum and glass, but it's unclear whether this helps or hinders performance. Instead, try the glass-on-aluminum approach. You also need to reconfigure your Z axis limit switch (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:35530). Maintain an HBP temperature of 115°C, but using thermal interface grease between the heater plate and aluminum may allow for a lower setpoint. Using hairspray on top of the glass improves ABS stick; apply liberally outside the Replicator to avoid damaging its internal parts. Raise the platform slightly to increase first-layer "smoosh." PLA prints adhere well without hairspray. Suitable hairspray brands include Suave Super-something-or-other and Fructis Extreme Control Anti-Humidity with natural bamboo extract. Aquanet is also reported to work. Use a razor handle (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:34481) or cool the plate rapidly under water or in the freezer to remove prints.