Talk:Etched heatbed construction

Is it necessary to prevent the copper from oxidizing? Will oxidation change the resistance of the bed over time in a way that would effect it's function? Tinning or soldering the traces would likely drop the already-low resistance dramatically, but should the copper be painted or laquered or anything? Mattgilbertnet 04:11, 6 August 2013 (UTC)

Copper will always only oxidate on the surface (under dry conditions). The electric resistance doesn't change significantly. You should cover the copper nonetheless, because you'll prevent shortcuts through dust, water condensation or contact to electrically conducting building plates. So: It's not necessary but recommended. Of course you should not solder the traces, but a little Polyurethane lacquer will do the job (leaving the solderpoints uncovered, of course).

I'm planning to put the heated bed right under an aluminum building plate. Therefore I need to isolate the traces.--RobertKuhlmann 09:34, 6 August 2013 (UTC)