Bed Adhesion

Also known as: First Layer Adhesion, Print Adhesion, Build Plate Adhesion

beginner General

How well the first layer of a print sticks to the build plate.

Bed adhesion refers to the bond between your print’s first layer and the build surface. Good adhesion is critical—poor adhesion causes prints to come loose mid-print, ruining hours of work.

Factors Affecting Adhesion

Mechanical Factors

  • Bed leveling - Uneven bed causes inconsistent adhesion
  • Z offset - Nozzle height above the bed
  • First layer settings - Speed, flow, and squish

Thermal Factors

  • Bed temperature - Different materials need different temps
  • Ambient temperature - Drafts can cause warping

Surface Factors

  • Bed surface type - PEI, glass, textured, BuildTak
  • Cleanliness - Oils from fingers reduce adhesion
  • Surface condition - Worn or damaged surfaces

Improving Adhesion

Clean Your Bed

  • Wipe with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) before each print
  • Occasionally wash with dish soap and water
  • Avoid touching the print surface

Adjust First Layer

  • Slow down first layer speed (20-30mm/s)
  • Increase first layer flow slightly (100-110%)
  • Use a slightly lower Z offset for more “squish”

Temperature Settings

MaterialBed Temp
PLA50-60°C
PETG70-85°C
ABS90-110°C
TPU40-60°C

Use Adhesion Helpers

  • Brim - Extra material around the base
  • Raft - Full platform under the print
  • Glue stick - Adds grip, helps with removal
  • Hairspray - Unscented, for problem filaments