Tape Applicator

thingiverse

Successful bonding of initial layers requires strong adhesive force from the tape applied directly to the print bed. To achieve this bond, I've found that hand-rubbing tape down leaves behind oils from skin contact and doesn't fully adhere the tape. In my experience, switching to applying the tape with a stiff plastic edge such as a credit card helps create fewer problems in achieving a good bond on initial layers. A specialized 3D printed applicator can further guarantee strong adhesion between tape and print bed, its stiffer edge providing extra roughening action for an improved grip, in turn increasing adhesive strength. As of Update 9/23: a scaling correction has been made to the STL file; updated part files now available.