Let me start by saying this build plate is a game-changer for PLA and PETG enthusiasts. The moment I unboxed it, the premium feel of the cobalt oxide coating and that subtle ice-blue texture had me excited. It's like the Goldilocks zone between Bambu Lab's smooth and textured PEI plates – just the right amount of grip without being overly aggressive.
Where this plate truly shines is in real-world printing marathons. I threw everything at it – from delicate silk PLA articulated dragons to PETG functional parts – and not a single first-layer failure. The adhesion is so strong that during a Pacific Northwest power outage, my half-printed model stayed put on the cold plate overnight! The recommended 30-50°C range for PLA is spot-on; I saved noticeable energy compared to my usual 60°C setup.
The texture leaves a beautiful semi-matte finish that's become my new favorite. Large prints? No warping. Small detailed parts? Stuck like glue (without actual glue!). That enlarged cooling handle isn't just for show – it makes plate removal effortless even when your printer's crammed in an enclosure.
Now, the not-so-perfect bits: This plate plays hard to get sometimes. Thin prints might require some gentle persuasion with a plastic scraper (keep one handy). While it handles PETG beautifully at lower temps (I used 60°C vs my usual 70°C), ABS is a no-go – learned that the hard way when a large print corner lifted after leaving my chamber open.
After two weeks of non-stop printing (seriously, my P1S didn't sleep), here's my verdict: If you primarily print PLA/PETG and hate glue sticks, this is worth every penny. Just mind the care instructions – soap/water only, no alcohol wipes! While Darkmoon3D's ICE plate might be slightly better built, this delivers 95% of the performance at a friendlier price point. Just maybe keep your textured PEI plate around for those rare times you need ABS or TPU.