How to use LokBuild
If you have ever used tape or films you will know that they are difficult to fit. LokBuild is more rigid and really easy to apply to your build plate. Also it is almost impossible for air bubbles to get trapped beneath the LokBuild surface.
LokBuild can be removed from the build plate cleanly in one piece and leaves no residue behind.
INSTALLATION
1) Wipe down the build platform making sure it is clean.
2) Trim LokBuild to match the shape and size of your build plate. This can be done easily with general household scissors or a craft knife.
3) Remove the adhesive backing and apply LokBuild to the build plate. Start from one side and work your way to the other side, smoothing LokBuild as you go.
4) Adjust the printers nozzle height and check that the build surface is level.
HOW TO CLEAN LOKBUILD
LokBuild should not need to be cleaned very often but if you do please use alcohol wipes or similar (low % Isopropyl). Do not use acetone or anything with a high % Isopropyl, this will damage the surface.
NOZZLE HEIGHT CALIBRATION
LokBuild is much more forgiving than some other products when setting the nozzle height and does not require such a high level of accuracy. However there will be an optimal nozzle height for your chosen material and printer.
The key to a good nozzle height is to experiment. We recommmend starting further away from the bed than with other surfaces and then reduce the nozzle height slightly until the print sticks to LokBuild.
The vast number of printers and materials makes it impossible to give exact print parameters but a good starting point for the nozzle height would be between 0.20mm - 0.25mm.
TIP: When setting the nozzle height start further away from the bed than with other surfaces such as tapes. LokBuild works better without squashing the filament too much on the first layer.
TROUBLESHOOTING
WHY WON'T MY PRINTS STICK TO LOKBUILD?
This is usually due to the nozzle being too far away from the LokBuild surface. Decrease the nozzle height slightly and repeat until you get good print adhesion.
Note that some materials such as ABS will require the nozzle to be closer to the LokBuild surface than others.
WHY ARE MY PRINTS DIFFICULT TO REMOVE FROM LOKBUILD AND ARE STICKING TOO WELL?
This is usually because the nozzle is too close to the LokBuild surface. Increase the nozzle height slightly and re-level the print bed. Removal of larger ABS prints can be helped by reheating the print bed.
TIP: When setting the nozzle height start further away from the bed than with other surfaces such as tapes. LokBuild works better without squashing the filament too much on the first layer.
HOW DO I REMOVE COMPLETED PRINTS FROM LOKBUILD?
In most cases prints will pop off cleanly with minimal effort. However on some models with larger contact areas a spatula may be useful.
WHAT BED TEMPERATURE SHOULD I USE FOR PLA?
When using LokBuild with PLA we recommend to use an unheated bed if possible.
DOES THE BED NEED TO BE HEATED TO PRINT WITH ABS?
To print successfully with ABS the bed should be heated to the filament manufacturers reccomended temperature (usually around 100-110 deg C).
Where conditions are good for ABS printing, such as an enclosed printer with an actively heated chamber, the bed can be a lower temperature than usual when used in conjunction with LokBuild. Materials such as PLA based can be used without a heated bed.
IS LOKBUILD AVAILABLE IN DIFFERENT SIZES AND COLOURS?
lokbuild comes in sizes 305x305 and 203 x 203
TIP: All LokBuild surfaces can be trimmed to match the shape and size of your build plate. This can be done easily with general household scissors or a craft knife.
