Introduction

NXE400Pro and XiP Pro have 2 styles of build plate available? Users often question which build plate should be selected. The default parameter set in NexaX will indicate the validated build plate with which the default settings were validated.

Solid Build Plate	Slotted Build PLate

History

The NXE400 was first developed with only a slotted build plate option. The slotted build plate was re-designed at the release of the NXE400Pro model to be easier to clean, transversally stiffer, and retain less resin. Old and newer style slotted build plates on NXE printers are interchangeable.

Slotted build plates are required for larger print areas to reduce first layer peel forces and allow resin to flow faster und the parts between layers. The slots prevent pressure build up under the build plate when homing or printing large cross sections. 

NXE Printers home differently than XiP Pro printers. Changing the build plate affects the effective first layer gap and base layer exposure time requirements.

Guidelines

• Use the build plate suggested in NexaX when running default settings and NexaX validated materials. You can see a summary chart here. 
• Solid build plates waste less resin (less wetted surface area) and are easier to clean than slotted build plates.
• Never run a solid build plate on NXE400 printers (LE1-LE3), only on NXE400Pro (LE4 or later) which are reinforced to withstand the greater pressures.
• It is always safe to use a slotted build plate when available (it will have a smaller first layer gap).
• Viscous (>3000 cPs) and Filled materials with non-newtonian behavior must use a slotted build plate (including xFLEX402, xESD, xPP405, xPEEK147)
• Slotted build plates can be run faster (shorter base exposure time, less need for wait times), but not when using a full platform base option on the pillar supports. 
• Solid build plates are typically flatter / stiffer and should be used when setting alignment
• On NXE printers, use of a slotted build plate with low viscosity material will reduce membrane life if there is any contamination >0.1mm in the vat. This is due to homing to torque rather than homing to position as on XiP Pro.
• When using xMOLD we recommend printing directly on a solid build plate for best results. The plate should be coated to allow removal of the printed molds (contact support for more information).
• When printing dental aligner models, we recommend printing directly on a solid build plate for best results. 

Updated February 20, 2024 16:43