We have had some succes using the print head to push a finished print off off the bed and then starting a new one. We use a different tape than the standard blue one for this: Sigma ProGold. It sticks a lot less, but still enough when printing the first layer at moderate speed and with the fan off. When cooled it just pops off. We use a switching routine and copy/paste the 'main' g-code + switch a couple of times. See
Our switch code: (printer just printed our part, is on top layer height of 34 mm)
G1 F4200; set rapid speed for travel move
G0 Z44 ;go up (actually just final print height + 10mm)
G0 X136.9 Y150 ; go to x-y spot, x is chosen to have the head push with the bolt on which the fan is attached
G0 Z4 ;move down
G1 Y0 F3000 ; push print off with movement speed 3000 mm/min
The code then looks like this:
[*:14hr3q3m]printer start code
[*:14hr3q3m]main gcode
[*:14hr3q3m]switch
[*:14hr3q3m]main gcode
[*:14hr3q3m]switch
[*:14hr3q3m]... repeat
[*:14hr3q3m]end gcode
We are still working on this (not a priority atm though). Some points:
[*:14hr3q3m]We use manual gcode editing at this point
[*:14hr3q3m]We made an error with applying our tape, so the print got stuck at an edge and sprang away
[*:14hr3q3m]We haven't got a good first layer (even with skirt), possibly because of a retract move at the end of print or oozing (Z-height is no problem, you correct this for the first print anyway)
[*:14hr3q3m]Not sure about relative/absolute positioning and how we can use it best