Choosing the right build plate

The right build plate is essential for good adhesion and easy print removal. The wrong combination results in either poor adhesion or the print sticking so firmly that it damages the plate.

Quick reference table

Filament	Recommended plate	Glue stick	Plate temperature
PLA	Cool Plate / Textured PEI	No / Yes	35–45°C
PETG	Textured PEI	Yes (required)	70°C
ABS	Engineering Plate / High Temp	Yes	90–110°C
ASA	Engineering Plate / High Temp	Yes	90–110°C
TPU	Textured PEI	No	35–45°C
PA (Nylon)	Engineering Plate	Yes	90°C
PC	High Temp Plate	Yes	100–120°C
PLA-CF / PETG-CF	Engineering Plate	Yes	45–90°C
PVA	Cool Plate	No	35°C

Plate descriptions

Cool Plate (Smooth PEI)

Best for: PLA, PVA Surface: Smooth, gives a smooth underside on the print Removal: Flex the plate gently or wait until it cools down — the print releases on its own

Do not use the Cool Plate with PETG — it adheres too well and can tear coating off the plate.

Textured PEI (Patterned)

Best for: PETG, TPU, PLA (gives a rough surface) Surface: Patterned, gives a textured and aesthetic underside Removal: Wait until room temperature — the print pops off on its own

:::warning PETG requires glue stick on Textured PEI Without a glue stick, PETG adheres extremely strongly to Textured PEI and can peel off coating when removed. Always apply a thin layer of glue stick (Bambu glue stick or Elmer's Disappearing Purple Glue) across the entire surface. :::

Engineering Plate

Best for: ABS, ASA, PA, PLA-CF, PETG-CF Surface: Has a matte PEI surface with lower adhesion than Textured PEI Removal: Easy to remove after cooling. Use glue stick for ABS/ASA

High Temp Plate

Best for: PC, PA-CF, ABS at high temperatures Surface: Withstands plate temperatures up to 120°C without deformation Removal: Cool down to room temperature

Common mistakes

PETG on smooth Cool Plate (without glue stick)

Problem: PETG bonds so strongly that the print cannot be removed without damage Solution: Always use Textured PEI with glue stick, or Engineering Plate

ABS on Cool Plate

Problem: Warping — corners lift during print Solution: Engineering Plate + glue stick + raise chamber temperature (close the front door)

PLA on High Temp Plate

Problem: Too-high plate temperature gives excessive adhesion, making removal difficult Solution: Cool Plate or Textured PEI for PLA

Too much glue stick

Problem: Thick glue stick causes elephant foot (spreading first layer) Solution: One thin layer — the glue stick should barely be visible

Changing plates

1. Let the plate cool to room temperature (or use gloves — the plate may be hot)
2. Lift the plate from the front and pull out
3. Place the new plate — the magnet holds it in place
4. Run automatic calibration (Flow Rate and Bed Leveling) after a plate change in Bambu Studio or via the dashboard under Controls → Calibration

:::info Remember to calibrate after changing Plates have slightly different thicknesses. Without calibration, the first layer may be too far away from or may crash into the plate. :::

Plate maintenance

Cleaning (after every 2–5 prints)

• Wipe with IPA (isopropyl alcohol 70–99%) and a lint-free cloth
• Avoid touching the surface with bare hands — skin oils reduce adhesion
• For Textured PEI: wash with lukewarm water and mild dish soap after many prints

Removing glue stick residue

• Heat the plate to 60°C
• Wipe with a damp cloth
• Finish with an IPA wipe

Replacement

Replace the plate when you see:

• Visible pits or marks from print removal
• Consistently poor adhesion even after cleaning
• Bubbles or spots in the coating

Bambu plates typically last 200–500 prints depending on filament type and handling.

:::tip Store plates correctly Store unused plates in their original packaging or standing upright in a holder — do not stack with heavy objects on top. Deformed plates cause uneven first layers. :::