> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://ms-kb.msd.unimelb.edu.au/next-lab/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://ms-kb.msd.unimelb.edu.au/next-lab/3d-printing/open-access-printers/modix-big-60-open-access/preparing-the-print-bed.md).

# Preparing the Print Bed

## Surface Choice

Please use the textured surface.

## Heating Principles

Unlike the other printers, the heated bed on the Modix is completely wired separately and must be individually set. This is done so for safety reasons.

The Modix bed is separated into two heating zones and these zones each have their own switch to individually turn on/off.

<figure><img src="/files/Nnx2MsqgYIkmecgNXoGo" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* **Use only** the inner zone for **small prints** in the center 200mm x 200mm zone.
* OR **Use both** inner and outer zones for **larger prints.**

## Operating the Heat Bed

1. Press the up and down arrows to change the target bed temperature.
2. Turn on the heating zones you want to use.
3. Wait a couple of minutes for the bed to reach the target temperature.  The waiting time heavily depends on the target temperature; **the higher, the longer.**

Common bed temperatures:

| **PLA**            | 60°C  |
| ------------------ | ----- |
| **PETG**           | 75°C  |
| **ABS**            | 100°C |
| **Flexible (TPU)** | 50°C  |


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://ms-kb.msd.unimelb.edu.au/next-lab/3d-printing/open-access-printers/modix-big-60-open-access/preparing-the-print-bed.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.