Printer bed types

TinyArtist

3D printer beds vary by surface material, including Glass (smooth, easy cleanup, fair adhesion), PEI (Polyetherimide) (excellent adhesion, especially for PEI/PEX coated sheets), Powder Coated (textured surface, good adhesion, durable), and Magnetic Flexible beds (easy print removal by bending). The best type depends on the filament being used, with PLA often working on glass or PEI, PETG needing PEI or other textured surfaces, and ABS requiring higher temperatures, often found on PEI or other specialized surfaces.



Common Types of 3D Printer Beds
Glass Beds
Pros: Provides a perfectly flat and smooth surface for a glossy finish on the bottom of prints. Easy to clean.
Cons: Adhesion can be poor, requiring glues or other adhesion aids, and they are not flexible.
Good for: PLA, and often with additional adhesion aids for other filaments.

PEI/PEX Beds (Polyetherimide/Polyethylene Terephthalate, Glycol-modified)
Pros: Offers excellent adhesion for many filaments, including some challenging ones like PETG and ABS, and can be easily bent to remove prints. PEX is a durable alternative with better high-temperature resistance than PEI.
Cons: Can be harder to get off prints than glass, and may require special care to maintain for long prints.
Good for: PLA, PETG, ABS, and other heat-sensitive materials.

Powder Coated Beds
Pros: Features a durable, textured surface that creates a unique texture on the print, similar to factory-made plastic products. It offers good adhesion and is often built on a flexible spring steel sheet for easy print removal.
Cons: The texture may not be desired for all projects.
Good for: Many filaments, including PLA, PETG, and ABS.

Magnetic & Flexible Beds
Pros: The flexible steel sheet allows for easy print removal by simply bending the sheet after the print cools. They often use a magnetic base for quick removal and placement.
Cons: Can be difficult to keep perfectly flat and may lose adhesion strength with increasing print size, according to Fab365.
Good for: A variety of filaments, but less ideal for large or complex prints.

Sticker Sheet Beds
Pros: A common and easy-to-use option for beginner 3D printing, often made of PVC or similar materials.
Cons: Less durable and may wear out faster than other bed types.
Good for: Basic PLA prints.
Choosing the Right Bed Type

The best bed type depends on the filament you are using and the desired finish of your print. For instance, glass beds are good for PLA, while PEI or powder-coated beds are more versatile and suitable for harder materials like PETG and ABS.

TinyArtist

I personally use a PEI magnetic bed, I find them cost effective, easy to remove prints and easy to clean. I prefer a smooth surface but laser engraved ones can produce a very interesting finish.