Cheap, colorful, and available pretty much everywhere, 3D printer tape is one of the affordable solutions to 3D print bed adhesion. Read on as we look at the pros and cons of the different tapes out there.
3D Printer Tape: The Low-down
Some swear by it, others just swear at it. However you look at it, there are as many opinions on using tape for 3D print bed adhesion as there are 3D printer users.
Such opinions vary widely over both heated and cold beds, and across different machines. The results obtained are very hard to correlate as there can be a different outcome across the same model printed on the same machine at different times, as there are so many parameters that can have small variations that result in a totally different printed result.
To help you cut through the confusion, here’s a look at the most common forms of 3D printer tape, how they’re different and their strengths and weaknesses.
Some suppliers describe all types of print bed coverings as ‘tape’. We will limit this article to the materials that are purchased on a roll and applied in strips, as this is the commonly understood meaning of ‘tape’.
Masking / Painter’s Tape
What is it: It is a pressure sensitive tape made of a thin paper layer coated with an easily released pressure sensitive adhesive. There are grades of adhesive denoted by a number up to 100, with differing paper surface finishes denoted by colors; some swear by the green, others demand the blue. We have found that the results vary, somedays the blue will work, and other days the green.
Whats good about it: It’s very easy to apply and remove, and relatively cheap for each application. The green has a smoother surface than the blue, which gives a better base finish if you are not printing on a raft.
Whats bad about it: It’s too easy to remove, which means it often comes off with the printed item. You would be lucky to get more than 4 items printed for every application of masking tape. There is a limit on the tape width, so for larger items you print there could be a seam in the base due to the join in the tape strips. It is not for a heated bed — its paper remember! The adhesive is also not particularly heat-tolerant past direct sunshine.
Where is it: Most hardware stores, which is great if you need it in a hurry. Alternatively look online to get a better price and more choice on width.
Polyimide / Kapton Tape
What is it: High-temperature Polyimide Tape with one-sided silicone adhesive is available in a range of sizes and can handle temperatures up to 280ºC. The most commonly known brand of Polyimide tape is DuPont’s Kapton tape. Used by NASA for space missions, Polyimide tape can usually be found in 3D printing in smaller widths as hot end wrapping and wire management.
Whats good about it: Its available in wide widths that remove strip joins and features a very smooth surface which gives great adhesion and a glossy base finish. It also looks super cool on your print bed with a classy gold finish and can handle heated beds up to 270 degrees Celsius — well above what is needed for 3D printing. It is also much easier to remove printed items but is still considered consumable, lasting only for around 20 items, depending on the item adhesion and your removal skills.
Whats bad about it: Its very hard to apply without bubbles, and requires a very clean undamaged base. It is also VERY difficult to remove, as it tears into thin strips and takes a very patient approach to clean the baseplate. More expensive than masking tape, it is not overly expensive.
Where is it: Easily found online, plan ahead if you have a long delivery time to contend with and can’t wait to print. Alternatively, if you’re lucky enough to have a local 3D printing store, they may stock it. However, don’t be tempted to just buy the thin hot end tape to “give it a try” as the removal will drive you crazy.