Introduction: Replacement Bed for Cube 2

About: Mechanical engineer, Colorado State University alumni, and member of Alamance Makers Guild.

After shattering the bed of my Cube 2 printer at the Burlington Mini Maker Faire, I looked up the cost of a replacement. To my surprise, it's $100 for a piece of glass with a steel slug glued to it!

So what did I do next? I bought a piece of glass and glued a steel slug to it.

Hopefully this ible can provide guidance to others in the same unfortunate situation.

Step 1: Materials

  • 0.125" x 5.5" x 5.5" Borosilicate Glass ~ $15
    • 8476K81 on McMaster Carr
  • 0.125" x 1" x 2" Steel ~ $3
    • I used some scrap material, but you can also purchase from McMaster
  • Rear view mirror adhesive ~ $5
    • purchased at Autozone

Total: $23

Step 2: Cut the Metal Slug

Using the dimensions in the attached PDF, cut the steel slug with your preferred tools. I personally had access to a metal shear and a vertical band saw.

After cutting, be sure to round the edges to prevent cutting yourself later.

Step 3: Adhere the Slug

Using the PDF from the previous step, line up the metal slug on the glass.

Make sure the slug is facing the right direction, trace the perimeter with a dry erase marker, and remove the slug.

Now, follow the instructions on the adhesive kit to adhere the slug to the glass. Be sure to work quickly so that the adhesive sets properly.

Step 4: Further Steps

  1. I've tried roughing the surface of the glass to be like the original bed, but have not had great success. I've tried etching and sanding but I think sand blasting would be the best option.
  2. The bed adhesive packaged with my Cube lasted 9 months before failing to hold my prints. Elmers purple school glue has been a great substitute with my new bed.

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