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VAAPR Maintenance

The VAAPR bed is an engineered surface, with a material and texture optimized for 3D print auto-ejection. We invented this surface, going through over 20 formulations until we found an optimal balance between adhesion while hot, and release after cooling.

1. How to clean your VAAPR bed (Video Tutorial)​

The VAAPR bed works best when it is clean and free of dust or oils.

Once it is clean, you should only need to clean it occasionally, since the VAAPR bed is self cleaning. Your will soon be auto-ejecting parts, so you won't need to touch the bed directly, and you'll only have to wipe it down once every few months.

Warning

Do not apply isopropyl alcohol, acetone, or any other cleaning solutions to the VAAPR bed.

Most cleaning products irreversibly damage the print surface!

ONLY clean the VAAPR print bed with unscented dish soap and water. We recommend Seventh Generation Dish Soap

VAAPR bed cleaning instructions:

  1. Apply 1-2 drops of unscented dish soap to a clean, damp cloth or paper towel. As of September, 2022, all VAAPR beds come with a small bottle of Seventh Generation Dish Soap which should be enough to clean the bed 30 times.
  2. Wipe the entire bed thoroughly with the soapy cloth.
  3. Rinse the bed down using another clean damp cloth or paper towel. Make sure there is no soap residue left on the bed.
  4. Use a dry towel to dry the bed.

2. How to avoid damaging your VAAPR bed​

  • Level the bed, and calibrate Z offset! Do this whenever you make significant mechanical changes to your printer, or whenever you update firmware.
  • Do not use metal scrapers or blades to remove parts from the VAAPR bed. Metal objects will permanently scratch the surface.
  • Do not try to remove prints while the bed is still hot. This may cause the VAAPR bed to flex and separate from the underlying adhesive, creating an uneven print surface.

3. How to remove a VAAPR bed​

We hope you never have to do this, but here are the instructions just in case:

  1. Get some Goo Gone Adhesive Remover (not necessary, but it makes the next steps much easier)
  2. Wear puncture-resistant work gloves and safety goggles, just in case.
  3. Place your 3D printer on a sturdy table. Clamp it to the table if possible. Or if you have a removable flex plate, remove it from the printer.
  4. Heat the bed to 55°C (ignore this step for removable flex plates).
  5. Pry up one corner of the VAAPR bed with a putty knife, print bed scraper, or flat-head screwdriver.
  6. Continue to pry up the bed until you can grip it with your hands. You can apply goo gone into the crack between the VAAPR and the underlying surface to make this a bit easier.
  7. Peel the bed off. This will require significant force. Goo gone helps, but you'll have to be patient as it takes time to seep into the crack between the VAAPR and the underlying surface.
  8. Remove any residue from the underlying surface. Apply goo gone, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrape it off with a putty knife, 3D print scraper, or a razor blade.