Bed & Adhesion Calculators

Bed adhesion is the foundation of every successful 3D print. Whether you are running a budget Ender 3 or a Prusa MK4, getting the first layer right saves hours of wasted filament and failed prints. In the UK, most hobbyist printers ship with either a PEI spring steel sheet or a glass bed, each requiring different preparation. Use our Bed Temperature Calculator to find the right surface temperature for your material, and the Z-Offset Calculator to dial in the precise nozzle gap, typically between 0.05 mm and 0.20 mm depending on your setup.

For larger prints or materials prone to warping such as ABS and nylon, adhesion aids become essential. Our Brim Width Calculator helps you add just enough extra perimeter to hold the part down without wasting material, while the Raft Calculator estimates the additional filament and print time when a full raft is needed. Popular UK suppliers like 3DJake and PrintedSolid stock adhesion sheets and glue sticks specifically formulated for 3D printing beds.

Efficient use of your build plate matters too. The Build Plate Calculator shows how many copies of a part you can tile across your bed with adequate spacing, and the Build Volume Calculator confirms your model fits within the printable area. If you are running a print farm or attending a UK makerspace like those in London, Manchester, or Bristol, the Bed Levelling Calculator helps you set up a consistent mesh across multiple machines quickly, reducing setup time between jobs.