Build Plates Overview
Bambu Lab offers four different build plates, each optimized for different materials and use cases. Choose the right plate to avoid failed prints and plate damage.
Compatibility matrix
| Material | Cool Plate | Engineering Plate | High Temp Plate | Textured PEI | Glue stick? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★ | ★★★★ | No |
| PLA+ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★ | ★★★★ | No |
| PLA Silk | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★ | ★★★ | No |
| PLA-CF | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★ | ★★★★ | No |
| PETG | ⚠️ + glue stick | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★ | ⚠️ Required on Cool Plate |
| PETG-CF | ⚠️ + glue stick | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★ | ⚠️ Required on Cool Plate |
| ABS | ★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | Yes |
| ASA | ★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | Yes |
| TPU | ★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★★ | No |
| PA6 | ★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★ | Yes (required) |
| PA12 | ★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★ | Yes (required) |
| PA-CF | ★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★ | Yes (required) |
| PC | ★ | ★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★ | Yes (required) |
| PVA/support material | ★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★ | ★★★ | No |
Key: ★★★★★ = Excellent, ★★★★ = Good, ★★★ = OK, ★★ = Avoid, ★ = Not recommended, ⚠️ = Use with caution
Plate overview
Cool Plate (Smooth PEI)
Smooth PEI plate. Best for PLA and PLA variants. Do not use PETG without a glue stick — PETG adheres too well and can tear off the coating.
Engineering Plate (Textured PEI)
Textured PEI with better adhesion for technical materials. Gives a nice patterned bottom surface on prints. The best all-round plate.
High Temp Plate
For materials with high temperature requirements: ABS, ASA, PC, PA. Withstands bed temperatures up to 120 °C.
Textured PEI Plate
Gives a coarse texture. Excellent for TPU and materials requiring good mechanical adhesion. Easy to release prints after cooling.
Using a glue stick
A glue stick serves two purposes:
- Barrier (PETG on Smooth PEI) — prevents excessive adhesion and plate damage
- Improved adhesion (ABS, PA on all plates) — improves contact between material and plate
Recommended glue stick: Bambu Lab's own, or a standard Pritt Stick. Apply a thin, even layer and let it dry for 30 seconds.
Wash the plate with lukewarm water and mild soap after using a glue stick. Allow to dry completely before the next print.