3d printing on to...

[mattg 0]

Hi, I have a project coming up where I would like to 3d print an object onto a plastic sheet so that the two pieces are permanent. I know I could print two objects and bond them, or use dual extruders, but I want it to bond to base sheet because the model has a low height and many separate sections.

Similar to 3d printing text onto the base sheet if you like.

If I was to 3d print the base the quality would be no where near as good and as I have a few to do it would be labour intensive.

Anyway, before I start experimenting, has anyone had any experience of this, or have any pointers?

I know the mechanics of it, eg positioning and leveling off the sheet to start, but I am wandering the best choice of materials for both extruding and the base sheet, and whether I should cover the base sheet with a bonding agent which won't t affect the asphetics. I am looking forward to solving this one and would appreciate any tips or guidance that anybody could suggest!

Thanks,

Matt

[SandervG 1,521]

Hi, thank you for your post!

Do you have a certain range of plastics you can choose from or are there no limitations?

How big are the base plates you want to use, would they fit in an Ultimaker?

I think a lot of plastics would work as a base plate, but I think you should check if they don't have a coating. Especially plastics with a low glass temp would merge with PLA/ABS.

A plastic with a high temp may go unaffected when the 3D printed material is applied and you probably want them to merge.