This guide covers how to apply, maintain, and remove Vision Miner High Temperature Nano Polymer Adhesive (NPA) on the Vision Miner 22IDEX V4 build plate. NPA provides bed adhesion for high-performance materials like PEEK, PEKK, ULTEM™, and others. The guide includes the standard cold application method, an advanced diluted method for thinner coatings, and a hot application method for materials with extreme adhesion requirements.
¶ Safety and Warnings
WARNING: The build plate and heated bed can reach temperatures above 180 °C (356 °F). Always let the bed cool to room temperature before cleaning or applying adhesive — unless you are specifically using the hot application method described in this guide.
WARNING: Work in a well-ventilated area. Isopropyl alcohol is flammable — keep it away from heat sources and open flames.
Attention: Never use abrasive pads or steel wool on the carbon fiber build plate. This will permanently damage the surface.
IMPORTANT: A clean build plate is the single most important factor for good adhesion. Oils from fingers, dust, and leftover residue will all reduce adhesion. Clean thoroughly before every application.
¶ Tools and Materials
- Vision Miner High Temperature Nano Polymer Adhesive (NPA)
- Isopropyl alcohol (IPA)
- Windex® or similar glass cleaner
- Lint-free cloths
- Adhesive brush (included with the printer)
- Scraper (included with the printer)
- Brand new razor blade (for deep cleaning only)
- Small glass jar with lid (for diluted NPA method)
- Gloves and eye protection
¶ 1. Pre-Application Cleaning
Before applying adhesive, the build plate must be completely free of contaminants.
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Make sure the build plate is cool and removed from the printer (or at room temperature if cleaning in place).
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Dampen a lint-free cloth with IPA.
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Wipe the entire build plate surface to remove dirt, debris, oils, and any previous adhesive residue.
- Inspect the surface. If residue remains, repeat the wipe. The plate should be spotless before proceeding.
¶ 2. Standard Application (Cold Build Plate)
This is the primary method. Apply NPA to a cold, clean build plate.
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Verify the build plate is cold and completely clean (see section above).
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Hold the NPA bottle like a pen. Gently squeeze to draw parallel lines across the build plate, spacing them about 25 mm (≈ 1 in.) apart.
IMPORTANT: Distribute the lines evenly across the entire build area. Don't concentrate adhesive in the center — even coverage extends the coating's lifespan.
- Immediately use the provided brush to spread the adhesive evenly. For the first coat, use horizontal strokes across the plate.
- For a brand new build plate, apply a second coat using vertical strokes once the first coat has dried.
IMPORTANT: Do not use circular motions — they leave visible marks in the drying adhesive that can affect surface finish.
- Let the adhesive dry completely. The build plate is ready for printing.
¶ 3. Diluted NPA Method (Advanced)
The standard NPA is thick and creates a heavy film that layers up over time. The diluted method produces a thinner, more even coating that is easier to apply and doesn't build up as quickly. This is the recommended method for experienced users.
IMPORTANT: This is a secondary method. If you're applying NPA for the first time, start with the standard method above.
¶ Preparing Diluted NPA
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Pour some NPA from the bottle into a small glass jar.
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Add an equal amount of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) — the ratio is 1:1 (NPA to IPA).
- Mix gently. The result is a thinner adhesive that spreads easily and forms a thinner film on the build plate.
IMPORTANT: Store diluted NPA in a sealed jar. IPA evaporates quickly — if left open, the mixture will thicken back to the original concentration.
¶ Applying Diluted NPA
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Make sure the build plate is cold and clean (see Pre-Application Cleaning above).
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Apply the diluted NPA to the build plate using the brush. Because it's thinner, you can brush it on directly — no need to draw lines first.
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Use even horizontal strokes to distribute the adhesive. The coating will be noticeably thinner than the standard method.
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Let the coating dry completely before printing.
¶ 4. Hot Application Method (For Difficult Materials)
For materials that have extreme adhesion problems — the part keeps detaching from the bed despite proper NPA coating — the hot application method can solve this. Applying diluted NPA onto a heated build plate creates a very strong bond.
WARNING: You will be working near a hot build plate (120–180 °C / 248–356 °F). Wear heat-resistant gloves. Do not touch the bed surface.
IMPORTANT: Use diluted NPA for this method, not the standard thick NPA. Standard NPA is too viscous when applied on a hot surface and forms an uneven, overly thick film.
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Prepare diluted NPA if you haven't already (see Diluted NPA Method above).
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Heat the build plate through the Web Interface. Start with 120 °C (248 °F) for most materials.
- Once the bed reaches target temperature, use the brush to apply diluted NPA directly onto the hot surface. Work quickly — the IPA evaporates fast on a hot bed, leaving a thin, even adhesive film.
- After application, set the bed temperature to the value required by your filament profile and proceed with printing.
IMPORTANT: For PEEK and other high-temperature materials, start at 120 °C for application, then raise to the normal printing temperature. For extreme adhesion cases, you can apply at up to 180 °C (356 °F), but 120 °C is sufficient for most situations.
¶ 5. Post-Print Cleaning
Cleaning between prints extends the life of the NPA coating and keeps adhesion consistent.
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After each print, let the build plate cool down.
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Dampen a lint-free cloth with IPA and wipe the build plate to remove any surface residue left by the printed part.
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Inspect the surface. If the NPA coating is still intact and even, you can print again without reapplication.
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If the coating is worn, uneven, or patchy — perform a full clean and reapply following Standard Application or Diluted NPA Method.
¶ 6. Complete NPA Removal (Deep Cleaning)
Over time, NPA layers build up and harden. Periodic deep cleaning removes this buildup and restores the surface.
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Let the build plate cool completely.
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Liberally apply IPA over the entire build plate to soften the hardened adhesive. Let it soak for 1–2 minutes.
- Use the scraper to carefully remove the softened residue.
- For stubborn spots, gently run a brand new razor blade along the surface at a shallow angle.
Attention: Work slowly with the razor blade. Pressing too hard or using a used blade can scratch the carbon fiber build plate permanently.
- Wipe the plate one final time with a clean lint-free cloth dampened in IPA. Confirm the surface is completely clean.
¶ FAQ
¶ How often should I clean and reapply NPA?
For high-temperature materials (PEEK, ULTEM™, PEKK, and similar), clean and reapply adhesive before every print. For lower-temperature filaments like PLA, a single coating can last up to 50 prints — but inspect the coating before each print and reapply when it looks worn or patchy.
¶ When should I use the diluted method vs. the standard method?
The standard method is the easiest starting point. Switch to diluted NPA once you're comfortable with the process — it produces thinner, more consistent coatings and reduces buildup over time. Use the diluted method exclusively if you plan to do hot application.
¶ When should I use the hot application method?
Only when you're having adhesion problems that the standard cold application doesn't solve. Common cases: PEEK, PEKK, and other high-temperature filled materials that warp or detach during printing. Try the standard method first.
¶ Can I mix the diluted NPA in advance?
Yes. Store it in a sealed glass jar. The IPA will evaporate if left open, so keep the lid on between uses.
¶ Can I use regular NPA (not diluted) for the hot application method?
You can, but it's not recommended. Standard NPA is too thick — it forms an uneven, heavy film on a hot surface. Diluted NPA gives a much better result.
¶ What should I do after applying NPA?
Run a test print to verify adhesion. If your first layer is not sticking well, check that the bed is level and the Z-offset is correct before reapplying adhesive.
¶ Troubleshooting
- Issue: NPA coating is uneven or streaky after application.
- Cause: Adhesive started drying before brushing was complete, or circular brush motions were used.
- Solution: Work quickly when spreading. Use straight strokes (horizontal then vertical for second coat). If the result is unacceptable, perform a full clean and reapply.
- Issue: Part detaches from the build plate during printing.
- Cause: Insufficient adhesion — NPA layer too thin, bed not clean, or chamber/bed temperature too low.
- Solution: Clean the plate and reapply NPA. If the problem persists, try the hot application method with diluted NPA. Also verify your bed and chamber temperatures match the filament profile.
- Issue: NPA film is too thick and creates visible ridges on the first layer.
- Cause: Too much adhesive applied, or multiple layers built up without cleaning.
- Solution: Perform a complete NPA removal, then reapply a single thin coat. Consider switching to the diluted NPA method to avoid thick buildup.
- Issue: Part is extremely difficult to remove after printing.
- Cause: Hot application method used at too high a temperature, or too many NPA layers applied.
- Solution: Let the bed cool completely — NPA adhesion weakens as the plate cools. If the part is still stuck, gently use the scraper at the edge of the part. For future prints, reduce the application temperature or use a thinner coating.
¶ Support
Vision Miner Support
- Email: support@visionminer.com
- Phone: +1 (949) 522-4422