Special Plates (PEO, PEY, PEX)
In addition to the four standard plates, Bambu Lab and third-party manufacturers offer special plates with unique coatings and surface patterns. These plates are used primarily where the appearance of the bottom of the print is an important part of the finished product.
All special plates use the same spring-steel magnetic attachment system and fit all Bambu Lab printers.
PEO — Hologram/Hexagon Pattern
The PEO plate features a distinctive hexagon pattern etched into the coating. The pattern gives the underside of the print a geometric, honeycomb-like appearance that is very popular for decorative objects.
Properties
- Surface: Hexagon pattern — geometric honeycomb texture on the underside
- Effect: Holographic/metallic shimmer in light
- Max bed temperature: 80 °C
- Coating: PEO (polyethylene oxide-based special coating)
Best Suited For
| Material | Suitability | Glue Stick |
|---|---|---|
| PLA | ★★★★★ | No |
| PLA+ | ★★★★★ | No |
| PLA Silk | ★★★★★ | No |
| PETG | ★★★★ | Little (optional) |
| TPU | ★★★ | No |
Use Cases
- Decorative figures and sculptures
- Jewelry and accessories
- Cosplay props and miniatures
- Display models where the underside is visible
ABS, ASA, PA and PC require higher bed temperatures than the PEO plate can handle. Use Engineering Plate or High Temp Plate for these materials.
PEY — Glitter/Star Effect
The PEY plate gives a glitter or star-like pattern on the underside of the print. The fine glitter pattern reflects light from many angles and gives a unique, festive appearance.
Properties
- Surface: Fine glitter pattern — star or diamond effect
- Effect: Shimmering, reflective underside in light
- Max bed temperature: 80 °C
- Coating: PEY (special coating with structured surface)
Best Suited For
| Material | Suitability | Glue Stick |
|---|---|---|
| PLA | ★★★★★ | No |
| PLA Silk | ★★★★★ | No |
| PLA+ | ★★★★★ | No |
| PETG | ★★★★ | Little (optional) |
| TPU | ★★★ | No |
Use Cases
- Jewelry, bracelets and decorations
- Party items and props
- Ornamental box toppers and gift cards
- Props for cosplay and theater
Glue stick fills in the glitter pattern and permanently destroys the decorative effect. Always choose materials that adhere naturally to PEI-like surfaces (PLA, PETG) without adhesion agents.
PET — Carbon Fiber Look
The PET plate has a diagonal woven pattern that imitates the appearance of real carbon fiber composite. Popular for RC parts, drone covers and technical props where aesthetics matter.
Properties
- Surface: Diagonal woven pattern — carbon fiber look
- Effect: Technical, industrial aesthetic on the underside
- Max bed temperature: 90 °C
- Coating: PET special coating
Best Suited For
| Material | Suitability | Glue Stick |
|---|---|---|
| PLA | ★★★★★ | No |
| PLA-CF | ★★★★★ | No |
| PETG | ★★★★★ | No |
| PETG-CF | ★★★★ | Little (optional) |
| TPU | ★★★★ | No |
Use Cases
- RC car bodies and drone covers
- Mobile phone cases and electronics props
- Prototypes that should look "professional"
- Models where carbon fiber aesthetics are desired without the cost of real CF
When using carbon fiber-filled filament (PLA-CF, PETG-CF) on the PET plate, the carbon fiber aesthetics are enhanced — the coating and filament complement each other visually.
PEX — High Temperature Smooth
PEX is a high-temperature variant of smooth PEI — think Cool Plate, but designed for demanding materials like PC and PAHT. Extremely durable with a glossy underside and superior thermal stability.
Properties
- Surface: Smooth — gives a glossy, mirror-like underside like the Cool Plate
- Max bed temperature: 135 °C (highest of all standard plates)
- Coating: PEX special coating, thermally stable and extremely wear-resistant
- Release: Prints release upon cooling like standard smooth PEI
Best Suited For
| Material | Bed Temperature | Glue Stick |
|---|---|---|
| PC | 100–120 °C | Yes (recommended) |
| PAHT-CF | 100–110 °C | Yes (required) |
| PA-CF | 90–100 °C | Yes |
| ABS | 90–110 °C | Yes |
| ASA | 90–110 °C | Yes |
| PLA | 35–45 °C | No |
| PETG | 70–85 °C | Yes (barrier) |
Advantages Over Standard High Temp Plate
- Higher max bed temperature (135 °C vs. 120 °C)
- Smooth underside where High Temp gives a smooth but slightly matte finish
- Longer lifespan — PEX coating is harder and more resistant
- Better dimensional stability through repeated thermal cycles
PEX is a technical high-performance product. The smooth surface is functional, not decorative like PEO/PEY. Choose PEX for material-demanding prints, not for pattern effects.
Comparison of Special Plates
| Plate | Pattern | Max Temp | Best For | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PEO | Hexagon/honeycomb | 80 °C | PLA, PETG (decorative) | 200–400 prints |
| PEY | Glitter/star | 80 °C | PLA, PLA Silk (decorative) | 200–400 prints |
| PET | Carbon fiber weave | 90 °C | PLA, PETG, PLA-CF | 250–450 prints |
| PEX | Smooth | 135 °C | PC, PAHT-CF, ABS | 300–500 prints |
General Tips for Special Plates
Avoid Glue Stick on Decorative Plates
The decorative effect of these plates comes from fine structures in the coating. Glue stick (PVA) fills these structures and destroys the pattern — and it is very difficult to wash out of the fine recesses again.
Choose materials that do not require glue stick: PLA, PLA+, PLA Silk, PETG.
Cleaning
- PEO, PEY, PET: Wipe gently with IPA and a soft cloth. Avoid scrubbing that can erase the pattern
- PEX: Clean like standard smooth PEI — IPA, optionally water and dish soap
Storage
Special plates should be stored in original packaging or in a plate holder to protect the pattern from scratches and dust. Scratches in decorative patterns are visible on the finished print.
Compatibility
All special plates are compatible with:
- Bambu Lab X1C
- Bambu Lab X1E
- Bambu Lab P1S
- Bambu Lab P1P
- Bambu Lab A1 / A1 Mini
Special plates — particularly PEO and PEY — are consumables with a shorter lifespan than standard plates. Consider ordering a spare plate so you don't have to interrupt projects while waiting for delivery.