Start with the exact bed size, not the printer name
Printer model names are useful, but they do not always tell us the exact bed dimensions. Measure the usable bed area in millimetres, then note any clips, screw heads, tabs, or raised edges that reduce the space. If the bed is spring steel or a removable plate, measure the surface that actually prints, not the frame around it.
For best results, use a metal rule or vernier calliper and check both width and depth. If you have a circular, chamfered, or irregular bed, measure the widest points and say where the corners change shape. A quick sketch on paper helps too.
- Measure width and depth in mm
- Note corner style: square, rounded, chamfered, or cut off
- Record hole positions, clips, magnets, and handle cut-outs
- Tell us if the plate sits inside a frame or on top of one
Share photos that show the bed clearly
Photos save time and reduce mistakes. Take one straight-on photo from above, one from the front, and one close-up of the edges or mounting points. Good lighting matters, especially if the surface is scratched, warped, or has old adhesive residue.
If your printer is in a school lab, maker space, or print farm, include the full machine and the bed area. That gives us context for installation and day to day use. Please keep the bed clean before taking pictures, and if there is dust or glue build-up say so in your message.
- Use natural light or a bright indoor light
- Keep the camera level so the bed shape is true
- Include a ruler or tape measure in at least one photo
- Send close-ups of damage, wear, or peeling areas
Tell us how the plate will be used
Different print jobs need different surface behaviour. A school lab may want simple repeatability and easy maintenance, while a print farm may need fast changeovers and consistency across multiple machines. If you print PLA, PETG, ABS, or other materials, tell us what sticks well and what gives trouble.
We also need to know about heat settings, enclosure use, and whether the printer runs through load-shedding or on backup power. Sudden stops can affect adhesion and bed wear. Coastal humidity in places like Durban and Gqeberha can also change how a surface performs, so mention your local conditions if they matter.
- List the main filaments you use
- Share nozzle and bed temperature ranges
- Say whether the printer is enclosed or open frame
- Explain if you need fast release, strong grip, or easy cleaning
Requesting special sizes or shapes
If your bed is not a standard rectangle, we can still help you work out a suitable option. Send the exact shape and dimensions, then tell us whether you need a single plate, a magnetic base, or a replacement surface over an existing base. For very tight fits, allow for a small tolerance so the plate can sit properly without catching on the frame.
Common custom requests include rounded corners, notch cuts, hole positioning, and trimmed edges for gantry clearance. If you need several plates for one machine type across a classroom or farm, ask about matching sets so every unit behaves the same. That makes training and maintenance easier, and it cuts down on guesswork.
- Round, square, or odd shaped beds
- Custom cut-outs for clips, handles, or wiring
- Matching sets for multiple machines
- Replacement surfaces to fit existing magnetic bases
What to include in your enquiry form
When you send your request through the enquiry form on our contact page, include enough detail for us to check fitment and make a useful recommendation. The more exact the information, the fewer delays later. If you are unsure about a measurement, say so and we will help you check it properly.
Use this simple checklist before you submit your request:
- Printer make and model, if known
- Measured bed width and depth in mm
- Photos of the bed and mounting points
- Material being printed most often
- Any heat, warp, or adhesion problems
- Whether you need cutting, fitting, or just supply
What happens after we review your details
Once we have your measurements and photos, we check the fit, material choice, and any installation needs. If something is unclear we will ask a follow-up question before moving ahead. That saves time and helps avoid the wrong cut or an awkward install.
For Centurion collections and support across Pretoria, Midrand, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Bloemfontein, and Gqeberha, we can advise on practical next steps based on your location and setup. If you need replacement planning, bed flatness checks, or surface refresh work, we can guide you on the best order to do things. In many cases a small detail, like a hidden screw head or a slightly bowed frame, is the difference between a good fit and a frustrating one.
