Print Surface, Bed & Y Axis
Last updated
Last updated
On an i3 style printer, the bed moves in the Y axis (i3 style printers are therefore nicknamed bed slingers for this reason). The bed also contains the print surface and a heated bed. In the case of a Prusa i3 MK3S, it uses a spring steel sheet with a PEI surface adhered to it. This spring steel sheet is coupled to the bed carriage through magnets located underneath the bed.
Generally, the main form of maintenance needed to be performed on the Y axis carriage is checking the belt tension is set right and tightening/loosening it as necessary. You can read more about it here:
Prusa uses a spring steel sheet that has a smooth PEI film stuck on one sideas the printing surface. Prints are done on this surface and because of the flexible nature of the spring steel sheet, a user can easily flex the plate to remove prints quickly.
Using a PEI print surface does require some cleaning and maintenance to make sure prints stick and adhere well to the bed. This is also generally the number 1 reason of why warping occurs and how to combat/prevent it.
There several ways to clean the surface, ranging from regular soap and water and IPA alcohol wipes. You can read more about spring steel sheets here:
You will notice our spring steel sheets have a rough look; these have been sanded with a high grit sandpaper which works well as a final resort to restore adhesion .
On the Y carriage, you will find the Prusa heated PCB bed. It is what the spring steel sheet sits on and has magnets glued underneath it to hold the spring steel sheet in place. It's function is to heat up the print surface which is crucial for certain plastics that requires a hot surface to remain well stuck on.
Be careful! The heated bed can achieve up to 100°C heat, which is dangerous and painful to touch
Generally, the heater bed does not require any fiddling. However, if you need to disassemble it for troubleshooting issues, follow the guide here:
