Acid Bed Leveling. The Madness Continues

Acid bed leveling is an experimental technique developed by Mels3D for achieving a perfectly flat build plate in 3D printing. This innovative process uses acid etching to precisely remove material from the surface of the build plate, correcting any irregularities. 

 Key Points: 

1. Precision

The acid etching process allows for extremely fine adjustments, resulting in a highly accurate and uniform surface.

 2. Surface Quality

 This method can produce a smoother surface compared to traditional mechanical leveling methods, enhancing print adhesion.

 3. Durability

Plates leveled through acid etching tend to maintain their flatness longer, reducing the frequency of re-leveling. 

4. Material Compatibility

Typically used on metal build plates like aluminum or steel, which can endure the etching process.

 Process:

1.Preparation

 The build plate is cleaned thoroughly to eliminate any contaminants.

 

2. Etching

An acid solution is applied to dissolve high spots and create a level surface. 

3. Neutralization

The acid is neutralized and the plate is rinsed to remove residual chemicals. 

4. Final Cleaning

 The plate is dried and cleaned, ready for use in the 3D printer. This method, being in the experimental stage by Mels3D, holds promise for high-precision 3D printing applications where even minor deviations in build plate flatness can significantly impact print quality.