Evaluation of print surface adhesion in FFF/FDM

Abstract The primary objective is to analyze the impact of different materials and surface treatments on first-layer adhesion, which represents a critical factor influencing print quality and process reliability. The experiment involved testing three commonly used thermoplastics – PLA, PETG, and ASA – on six types of print surfaces: PEI film on a steel sheet, Creality textured surface, anodized aluminum plate, satin-finished anodized aluminum plate, glass surface, and mirror surface. The influence of bed temperature on adhesion was systematically varied throughout the tests. The results indicated that the Creality textured surface exhibited the highest adhesion, although it caused increased difficulty in part removal. PEI surfaces provided stable adhesion, whereas glass and mirror surfaces required elevated temperatures to prevent warping. PLA and PETG showed improved adhesion with increasing temperature, whereas ASA was the most demanding in terms of adhesion and performed best on structured surfaces. In conclusion, the optimal adhesion setup depends on the combination of material, surface, and temperature. Future research should focus on dynamic Z-offset adjustments and the optimization of first-layer patterning.