Description:

Apply this film to the glass using a “wet” method, which is similar to applying tint to a car window. The benefit here is that this is a good method for beginners, as the wet film is much more forgiving and can be manipulated and repositioned during application. The downside is that the film will need to “cure” for at least 10 hours, during which time the moisture will evaporate and the PET will adhere to the glass well. If you use the glass too soon, you run the risk of forming bubbles under the PET film when the glass is heated up.


What parts and tools are necessary to apply PET film?

We recommend the following parts and tools:
• Glass plate (very clean)
• Fine mister bottle (or spray bottle) with water
• PET roll (200 mm)
• Hard installation foam (or credit card)
• Sharp blade (or exacto knife)
• One paper towel




Process:

The following are the steps we take in applying a wide strip of PET using the “wet” method.

1) Position the PET film onto the glass

 

Get your glass plate and apply a fine mist of water ensuring that it is completely saturated. Try not to touch the printing surface as hands can leave a residue which may prevent proper adhesion. While lifting up the roll and film, carefully place the wet glass under the film and line it up with the glass. Once you are satisfied with the placement, hold the glass in position and use your blade to cut off the roll of PET film, leaving a 1″ flap. Then cut the other end of the film (closest to the table edge), again, leaving a 1″ flap. This will release the glass and now it should have a 1″ flap of PET on both ends.

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2)  Applying the PET film without air bubbles


Lay down the glass on a clean surface and lift one of the corners of the film about half way to the center. Hold the film up and away from the glass at a 45 degree angle and use your squeegee to press the film down and to remove any air bubbles. Work your way from the center of the glass to the corner. The center of the glass is the most important and if you see any air bubbles, it is best to pull it back up while it is wet and try again.

  • Next, pull up the film from the opposite corner and repeat. Do this until all of the water and air bubbles have been worked out of film.

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3) Trim the PET flaps


Use your sharp blade to trim the two flaps. You will want to hold the blade against the edge of the glass and bring it in slightly so that it is at a 45 degree angle. Airwolf 3D glass plates are custom fabricated with a “pencil cut” edge, a type of beveled edge. Cutting the PET at an angle prevents the possibility of a loose flap, which might result in the film curling up later on your 3d printer glass.

  • Next, place your glass on a paper towel and once again use your squeegee to press out the edges and work out any residual water.

Remove it off the paper towel and set it aside on a dry, flat surface to dry for at least 10 hours before using it on the heated bed of your 3D printer. Do not leave objects on top of the surface as this may leave an imprint on the film.

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