User's Manual

3.Operation
UP Plus 2 User Manual 32
Method 3 – Veroboard: Many users have reported excellent results by using a piece
of Veroboard to cover the build platform. Veroboard is a perforated fiberglass board
covered with copper tracks that is commonly used for prototyping electronic circuits.
It can be purchased from almost any electronic supply store. Best results are obtained
by attaching the veroboard to the platform with the copper side down. This helps with
heat transfer, and prevents damage if the nozzle drags along the veroboard.
When using Veroboard, the first layer of the raft pushes plastic into all the
perforations, and this provides a strong mechanical bond with the surface that
prevents it from later lifting. The Veroboard can be either taped down (with masking
tape or double-sided tape), or clipped to the platform with bulldog clips as shown in
the picture below (picture courtesy of TeamTeamUSA).
Users have also reported that it can be easier to remove the model from the Veroboard
after the model has cooled down. As the plastic cools, it shrinks away from the
perforations, which would make it easier to pull out. Users have also reported that
some brands of veroboard are better than others and have also reported some cases
where this inferior veroboard itself warps.
Method 4 – Kapton tape: Kapton is a polyamide film developed by DuPont which
can remain stable in a wide range of temperatures, from -273 to +400 °C. Kapton is
used in, among other things, flexible printed circuits (flexible electronics) and thermal
micrometeoroid garments, the outside layer of space suits (from Wikipedia). Many
users have reported excellent anti-warping results by covering their platform with a
layer of Kapton tape.
Users of the Kapton tape method recommend cleaning the platform by wiping it with
acetone prior to printing and also recommend proper pre-heating.