GeckoTek/ Kickstarter
GeckoTek EZ Stick
EZ Stick harnesses advanced coating technology to prevent warping and allows for easy removal of a built part.
GeckoTek, a professional 3D printing build plate manufacturer, has launched its second Kickstarter campaign to step up production of its EZ Stick build surfaces.
Having reached its target of $60,000 in the first fundraising campaign, GeckoTek is now looking for a further $20,000. EZ Stick harnesses advanced coating technology to prevent warping and allow for easy removal of a built part. It works with a range of 3D printing materials, including ABS, PLA, PETG, Flexible, and Nylon, with each surface lasting for 100+ prints.
The EZ Stick comes in two versions for prints performed at hot temperatures and room temperature. EZ Stick Hot, for 3D printers with heated beds, provides maximum adhesion when heated, and painless release when cooled. This surface was developed with engineers and designers in mind who do not want to use tape and glue, in case of blemishes on the end-part for example. The EZ Stick is primarily for printing PLA at room temperature, though it also works for some PETGs. This surface was designed for educators who, for safety and affordability reasons, prefer non-heated 3D printers.
“I started GeckoTek because 3D printing should be fun and accessible to everyone,” writes Brad Ruff, the CEO and Co-Founder of GeckoTek on the Kickstarter campaign page. “The biggest problem with desktop 3D printers is the Build Surface. It is so frustrating when parts peel up or fall off the platform. So many people resort to glue stick and hairspray, only to find it’s impossible to get the parts off. GeckoTek’s Build Surfaces solve this problem once and for all.”
GeckoTek/ Kickstarter
GeckoTek EZ Stick
An EZ Stick build surface in action.
Since there is such a great number and variety of 3D printing platforms, GeckoTeck has been unable to tailor build surfaces to every machine in the industry. But in an attempt to solve this problem, EZ Stick has been made from a durable high-temperature polymer that can be cut with scissors to fit the user’s build platform. EZ Stick can also be attached to the build platform in seconds, thanks in large part to its high temperature pressure-sensitive adhesive backing. The EZ Stick does also not need binding clips. Its thick durable polymer film makes it easy to get a smooth, bubble-free application.
GeckoTek spent over 1,000 hours testing around 200 formulas in order to get the right balance of adhesion while printing and release when the part is complete. Then, the Cincinnati-based company carried out torture tests with all major printer brands, to confirm the EZ Stick’s capability of lasting for over 100 prints.
The company’s first Kickstarter campaign was launched in 2014 from Ruff’s garage, with the promise to create an advanced 3D printer build plate. With this most recent campaign, GeckoTek will be using existing suppliers and infrastructure to ensure an increased production speed and fulfilment process. So far, GeckoTek has produced and shipped more than 5,000 build plates.
If the required funding is received, GeckoTek will begin pilot production and testing next month, with full production commencing soon after. The company is targeting August for packaging and shipment of EZ Stick to all financial backers.
