Ender 3 Pro - Print Bed

Wow, have I learned a lot on my journey. And let me tell you for free, the stock print surface that comes with the Ender 3 Pro (or V2) has a very limited lifespan. OK, to be fair all print surfaces have a lifespan, but that magnetic mat that comes with the Ender 3 lasted me about a month on both printers, and anything other than PLA doesn’t stick and will help you lose hair.

Creatlity Stock Magnetic Mat

The stock magnetic mat is great for the odd print for beginners, but as soon as you start printing regularly you will run into issues. I’ve already thrown away a couple… They aren’t very expensive to replace, but ulitmately I struggle to print non-PLA on this surface (and being able to print with other materials is a bonus for the Ender series). It is a good initial surface though, unitl you discover other options - I just haven’t turned back.

Creality Glass

I switched from the factory mat to the Ender glass surface (black ribbed/dotted surface), because I was struggling so much with PETG (and didn’t really solve my problem, but I learned a lot, this is a great surface for smooth prints). Again, great for the first month or so, but eventually started running into “sticking” issues, and started applying UBU glue stick to make my prints stick. I’ve gotten to a point where I cannot get my prints to release from the bed even after cooling, putting in the fridge, etc., and it irritates me to no end. BUT if you need a super smooth surface for your print, look no further.

I’ve used this glass plate for the Wall-E project print, because there is a need for the bigger body and eye pieces to have a smooth finish, and I ended up dedicating this one printer to printing Wall-E parts for a month or two.

PEI Sheets

Why is this a secret?? This is what the Ender should ship with, but for good reason it doesn’t. Commercially, they would not make a lot of money shipping a PEI sheet with their printer. Because they are amazing, indestrubtable and consistent - and yet, not expensive. The best for almost all purposes, with one exception. The golden north star!

I HIGHLY recommend getting one asap for your Ender 3 printer. It’s fully compatible with your magnetic surface, and fits like a glove, and basically replaces the stock magnetic mat you have.

And wow, does everything just stick when the bed is heated, and release once it cools down (assuming proper levelling). PETG, PLA, everything just sticks and prints flawlessly! This is really a game changer for me.

The one important caveat is that it is a semi-rough surface. So your print will come out with that rough-ish surface on the bed side (although, it’s not that rough and still finer than your top layer will be). If you really need a smooth surface, and there are time you need this, glass would be a better fit, but for 90% of your print requirements, PEI is king.