QIDI Max 4 3D Printer Dual-sided PEI Plate | Qidi Tech Qidi 3D Printer
QIDI Max 4 Dual-Sided PEI Plate — Textured & Smooth Spring Steel Build Sheet $89.99 ★★★★☆ 4.6/5 (128 reviews) In Stock 390 x 390 mm Dual-Sided The QIDI Max 4 Dual-Sided...
Description
QIDI Max 4 Dual-Sided PEI Plate — Textured & Smooth Spring Steel Build Sheet
$89.99
In Stock
390 x 390 mm
Dual-Sided
The QIDI Max 4 Dual-Sided PEI Plate is a 390 x 390 mm flexible spring steel build sheet with a textured PEI coating on one side and a smooth PEI coating on the other, designed as a factory-matched replacement for the QIDI Max 4, providing reliable first-layer adhesion for PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, and TPU while allowing prints to pop off by flexing the plate after cooling — no scraper, no glue, no hairspray required.
Product Overview
The QIDI Max 4 Dual-Sided PEI Plate is engineered specifically for the Max 4's 390 x 390 mm build area. It consists of a flexible spring steel substrate coated on both sides with polyetherimide (PEI) — the gold-standard 3D printing build surface. The textured side provides superior mechanical grip for PLA and PETG, while the smooth side delivers a glossy bottom finish and works best with ABS, ASA, and engineering filaments. The plate mounts magnetically to the Max 4's heated bed and is fully compatible with the printer's automatic bed leveling system.
Unlike glass beds or adhesive sheets, PEI provides a chemical bond with molten thermoplastics during printing and releases cleanly when the plate cools to room temperature. The dual-sided design effectively doubles the usable lifespan — when one side wears out, simply flip the plate. With proper care (isopropyl alcohol cleaning, no sharp tools), each side is rated for 1,000+ print cycles.
Key differentiator: This is the only factory-matched 390 x 390 mm dual-sided PEI plate for the QIDI Max 4. Third-party PEI sheets in this size are rare — most generic PEI plates top out at 355 x 355 mm (Bambu X1C size) or require trimming, which risks misalignment with the Max 4's magnetic bed and leveling sensor.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Name | QIDI Max 4 Dual-Sided PEI Plate |
| Price | $89.99 USD |
| Compatibility | QIDI Max 4 (390 x 390 x 340 mm build volume) |
| Not Compatible With | QIDI Q2, X-Max 3, X-Plus 3, Bambu, Creality, Prusa (different sizes) |
| Plate Dimensions | 390 x 390 mm |
| Substrate Material | Flexible spring steel (cold-rolled carbon steel) |
| Coating | PEI (Polyetherimide) on both sides |
| Side A Texture | Textured (matte, satin finish) |
| Side B Texture | Smooth (glossy finish) |
| Plate Thickness | ~0.5 mm (spring steel + PEI coating) |
| Mounting Method | Magnetic (adheres to Max 4 magnetic bed) |
| Maximum Bed Temperature | 130 degrees C |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 to 130 degrees C |
| First-Layer Adhesion | Chemical (PEI-to-thermoplastic bond) |
| Print Removal Method | Flex the plate after cooling; prints pop off |
| Compatible Filaments | PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, PA-CF, PC, PVA, HIPS |
| Recommended Bed Temp (PLA) | 60 degrees C (textured side) |
| Recommended Bed Temp (PETG) | 70 to 80 degrees C |
| Recommended Bed Temp (ABS/ASA) | 90 to 110 degrees C (smooth side) |
| Recommended Bed Temp (TPU) | 40 to 50 degrees C |
| Lifespan Per Side | 1,000+ print cycles (with proper care) |
| Cleaning Method | 99%+ isopropyl alcohol, lint-free cloth |
| Weight | ~320 g |
| Color | Gold/amber (PEI natural color) |
| Warranty | 90 days (manufacturer defects) |
Textured vs Smooth Side: Which to Use When
| Feature | Textured Side (Side A) | Smooth Side (Side B) |
|---|---|---|
| Surface finish on print bottom | Matte / satin texture | Glossy / smooth mirror |
| Best for PLA | Superior adhesion, less warping | Works but may need higher bed temp |
| Best for PETG | Excellent grip, easy release | Good, but PETG may stick too hard |
| Best for ABS/ASA | Good adhesion | Best glossy finish, clean release |
| Best for TPU | Textured grip prevents shifting | Works, may need glue for first layer |
| Best for PA-CF / engineering | Strong mechanical adhesion | Good for high-temp materials |
| Wear resistance | Texture wears faster (500-800 cycles) | More durable (1000+ cycles) |
| First-layer visibility | Texture hides imperfections | Shows every detail, good for calibration |
| Cleaning frequency | More often (texture traps debris) | Less often (smooth wipes clean) |
| Recommended bed temp | 60-80C (PLA/PETG) | 70-110C (ABS/ASA) |
Adhesion Performance by Material
| Filament | Recommended Side | Bed Temp | Adhesion Rating | Release Ease | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | Textured | 60C | Excellent (9/10) | Very easy | No glue needed. Cool to 30C to release. |
| PLA+ | Textured | 60-65C | Excellent (9/10) | Very easy | Same as PLA, slightly higher temp. |
| PETG | Textured | 70-80C | Excellent (9/10) | Easy | May leave residue; clean with IPA after every 5 prints. |
| ABS | Smooth | 100-110C | Very Good (8/10) | Very easy | Enclosed chamber recommended to prevent warping. |
| ASA | Smooth | 100-110C | Very Good (8/10) | Very easy | Similar to ABS, better UV resistance. |
| TPU 95A | Textured | 40-50C | Good (7/10) | Moderate | Slow first layer (20mm/s). Textured side prevents shifting. |
| Nylon / PA | Textured | 70-80C | Good (7/10) | Easy | Dry filament essential. PVA glue helps for large prints. |
| PA-CF | Textured | 80-90C | Very Good (8/10) | Easy | Hardened steel nozzle required. Abrasive to PEI over time. |
| PC | Smooth | 110-130C | Good (7/10) | Moderate | Enclosed chamber, high bed temp. May need PVA glue. |
| PVA (support) | Textured | 50-60C | Good (7/10) | Easy | Keep dry. Dissolves in water for support removal. |
Installation Guide
1Power off and cool the printer
Ensure the Max 4 bed is at room temperature (below 40C) before handling. A hot bed can cause burns and may weaken the magnetic base. Turn off the printer and wait 10 minutes if it was recently printing.
2Remove the old build plate
If replacing a worn PEI plate, gently peel it off the magnetic bed from one corner. The spring steel will flex and release. Do not use metal scrapers on the magnetic bed surface.
3Clean the magnetic bed surface
Wipe the magnetic bed with a lint-free cloth and 99%+ isopropyl alcohol. Remove any dust, filament residue, or adhesive. A clean surface ensures maximum magnetic hold. Let it dry completely (30 seconds).
4Select the side you want to use
Decide which side faces up: textured for PLA/PETG/TPU, smooth for ABS/ASA/PC. The plate is symmetric — either side can face up. The PEI coating is on both sides, and the spring steel core is magnetic regardless of orientation.
5Place the plate on the magnetic bed
Align the plate with the corners of the magnetic bed. The 390 x 390 mm plate should sit flush within the bed frame. Start from one corner and lay it down gradually, pressing firmly. Check that all four corners are flat and not lifted.
6Verify flatness
Run your hand across the plate surface to check for bubbles or lifted edges. If a corner is lifted, peel it back and reapply. The plate must be perfectly flat for the Max 4's auto-leveling sensor to read correctly.
7Re-run auto bed leveling
On the Max 4 touchscreen, navigate to Settings > Bed Leveling > Auto Level. The printer will probe 25 or 49 points across the new plate. This is essential because the new plate may have slightly different surface height. Wait for leveling to complete before printing.
8Clean the PEI surface before first use
Wipe the active PEI side with 99%+ isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free microfiber cloth. New PEI plates may have manufacturing residue that reduces adhesion. Clean in a circular motion, then wipe dry.
Print Removal Technique
- Wait for full cool-down. Let the bed cool to 30C or below. PEI releases thermoplastics as it contracts during cooling.
- Remove the plate from the bed. Peel the flexible plate off the magnetic bed from one corner.
- Flex the plate gently. Hold with both hands and bend slightly (concave toward the print). Most prints pop off immediately.
- Use a plastic spatula if needed. For stubborn prints, use a plastic (not metal) spatula to gently pry under one corner.
- Clean after removal. Wipe the plate with IPA before the next print.
Never use a metal scraper on the PEI surface. Metal tools will gouge the PEI coating, creating permanent scratches that cause uneven adhesion. Always use plastic spatulas, and always let the plate cool fully before removal.
Maintenance & Care
| Task | Frequency | How |
|---|---|---|
| Clean PEI surface | Every 3-5 prints | Wipe with 99%+ IPA and lint-free microfiber cloth. |
| Deep clean (PETG residue) | Every 10-15 prints | Warm water + dish soap, soft sponge. Rinse, air dry. |
| Inspect for wear | Every 20 prints | Check for glossy spots, scratches, peeling corners. |
| Flip to other side | When one side wears | Clean both sides, flip, re-level bed. |
| Store properly | When not in use | Lay flat, no sharp bends, away from direct sunlight. |
| Remove filament residue | As needed | Heat bed to 60C, peel softened residue with tweezers. |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Dual-sided design doubles lifespan (2,000+ total cycles)
- Factory-matched 390 x 390 mm size for Max 4 — no trimming
- Textured side: excellent PLA/PETG adhesion, no glue needed
- Smooth side: glossy finish for ABS/ASA, easy release
- Flexible spring steel — prints pop off by flexing, no scraper
- Magnetic mounting — install in 30 seconds, no clips
- Compatible with Max 4 auto bed leveling
- Withstands bed temps up to 130C (PC, PA-CF capable)
- Works with all common filaments (PLA to PC)
- Easy cleaning with isopropyl alcohol
- Consistent first-layer adhesion print after print
- No hairspray, glue stick, or ABS slurry required
Cons
- Max 4 only — 390 x 390 mm size won't fit other printers
- Expensive at $89.99 (generic PEI sheets cost $30-50)
- Textured side wears faster than smooth (500-800 vs 1000+ cycles)
- PETG can leave residue requiring frequent cleaning
- PA-CF and carbon fiber filaments accelerate wear
- Must cool fully before removal (adds 5-10 min wait)
- Metal scrapers will permanently damage the coating
- Magnetic base can weaken over 1-2 years of use
- UV sunlight degrades PEI over months (store away from windows)
- Large prints can still warp if chamber not heated (ABS/ASA)
- 90-day warranty is short for a $90 consumable
- Replacement requires re-running bed leveling
Related Articles & Guides
Learn More About PEI Build Plates
- PEI vs G10 vs Glass: Best Build Plate for Every Filament — Head-to-Head Comparison
- Best PEI Build Plates 2026: 7 Top Surfaces Tested & Ranked for Adhesion
- PEI Plate Cleaning, Maintenance & Restoration — Fix First-Layer Adhesion
- QIDI Max 4 PEI Plate Installation, Bed Leveling & First-Layer Setup Guide
FAQ
What is the QIDI Max 4 Dual-Sided PEI Plate?
The QIDI Max 4 Dual-Sided PEI Plate is a 390 x 390 mm flexible spring steel build sheet coated with polyetherimide (PEI) on both sides — one textured, one smooth. It mounts magnetically to the QIDI Max 4's heated bed and provides chemical adhesion for molten thermoplastics during printing, then releases prints cleanly when cooled. The dual-sided design doubles the usable lifespan compared to single-sided plates.
Is this PEI plate compatible with other 3D printers?
No. This plate is cut to exactly 390 x 390 mm to match the QIDI Max 4's build area and magnetic bed. It will not fit the QIDI Q2 (270 x 270 mm), X-Max 3 (325 x 325 mm), Bambu Lab X1C (256 x 256 mm), Creality K1 (300 x 300 mm), or Prusa MK4 (250 x 210 mm). Using an incorrectly sized plate can interfere with the leveling sensor, cause edge curling, or prevent proper magnetic adhesion.
What is the difference between the textured and smooth sides?
The textured side has a matte, satin finish that provides superior mechanical grip for PLA, PETG, and TPU — it is the recommended side for everyday printing and produces a matte bottom surface. The smooth side has a glossy finish that works best with ABS, ASA, and PC, producing a smooth mirror-like bottom surface and releasing more easily. The textured side wears faster (500-800 cycles) than the smooth side (1,000+ cycles).
How do I clean the PEI plate and how often?
Clean the active PEI surface every 3-5 prints with 99%+ isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free microfiber cloth. Wipe in a circular motion and buff dry. For PETG residue buildup, do a deep clean every 10-15 prints using warm water and dish soap with a soft sponge, then rinse and air dry. Never use acetone, MEK, or other aggressive solvents — they can dissolve or cloud the PEI coating. Never use a metal scraper or abrasive pad.
Why is my print not sticking to the PEI plate?
Poor first-layer adhesion on PEI is almost always caused by one of five issues: (1) Dirty surface — oil, dust, or residue reduces bonding. Clean with IPA. (2) Bed temperature too low — PLA needs 60C, PETG 70-80C, ABS 100-110C. (3) Nozzle too far from bed — re-run auto bed leveling and verify Z-offset. (4) Wrong side for the material — use textured for PLA/PETG, smooth for ABS/ASA. (5) PEI surface is worn out — glossy spots indicate texture is gone; flip or replace.
How do I remove a print from the PEI plate without damaging it?
Always wait for the bed to cool to 30C or below — PEI releases thermoplastics as it contracts during cooling. Then peel the flexible plate off the magnetic bed from one corner and gently flex it (concave toward the print). Most prints will pop off immediately. For stubborn prints, use a plastic (not metal) spatula to gently pry under one corner. If a print is really stuck, put the plate in the freezer for 5 minutes; thermal contraction will release it.
How long does the PEI plate last before needing replacement?
With proper care, each side of the dual-sided plate lasts 1,000+ print cycles, giving a total of 2,000+ cycles per plate. The textured side typically wears faster (500-800 cycles) because the surface texture gradually flattens, while the smooth side can exceed 1,000 cycles. Signs that a side is worn out: inconsistent adhesion, glossy spots on a textured surface, visible scratches, or prints that won't stick even after cleaning. At that point, flip to the other side.
Can I use glue stick or hairspray on the PEI plate?
Generally, no — PEI is designed to provide adhesion without any adhesives, and adding glue stick or hairspray can create a residue layer that interferes with the PEI-to-plastic chemical bond, making adhesion worse over time. The only exception is for very large prints with high-warp materials (ABS, PC) where a thin layer of PVA glue stick on the smooth side can help prevent edge curling. If you use glue, clean it off thoroughly with warm water and soap afterward.
What bed temperature should I use for each filament on PEI?
Recommended bed temperatures: PLA 60C (textured side), PLA+ 60-65C, PETG 70-80C (textured), TPU 40-50C (textured), ABS 100-110C (smooth side), ASA 100-110C (smooth), Nylon/PA 70-80C (textured, dry filament), PA-CF 80-90C (textured, hardened nozzle), PC 110-130C (smooth, enclosed chamber). Always start at the lower end and increase if adhesion is poor.
Is the $89.99 price worth it compared to generic PEI sheets?
For QIDI Max 4 owners, yes — with caveats. Generic PEI sheets cost $30-50 but rarely come in 390 x 390 mm; most max out at 355 x 355 mm (Bambu size) or require trimming, which risks misalignment with the Max 4's magnetic bed and leveling sensor. The QIDI OEM plate is factory-cut to exact dimensions, has consistent PEI coating thickness on both sides, and includes a properly matched magnetic interface. Third-party 390 x 390 mm dual-sided PEI from reputable brands (Wham Bam, Energetic) may be cheaper alternatives if available.
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QIDI Max 4 3D Printer Dual-sided PEI Plate | Qidi Tech Qidi 3D Printer
$89.99