The Stickiest Surface in the Game? A Review of the Bambu Cool Plate SuperTack

If you’ve been running a Bambu Lab printer for a while, you know the struggle: the original Engineering Plate is a tank, the PEI Textured Plate is the "set it and forget it" king, but the Cool Plate always felt like a bit of a chore. Having to apply glue stick just to print basic PLA felt like stepping back into 2015.

Enter the Bambu Cool Plate SuperTack. This isn't just a minor refresh; it’s a complete overhaul of how we handle low-temperature printing. I’ve put it through its paces, and here’s the breakdown.

What Makes it "Super"?

The "SuperTack" name isn't just marketing fluff. The plate features a specialized coating designed specifically for high adhesion at low bed temperatures.

  • No Glue Required: This is the headline. You can finally print PLA without painting your bed with glue stick or hairspray.
  • Low Energy Usage: It’s optimized for bed temperatures between 35°C and 45°C.
  • Smooth Finish: Unlike the Textured PEI plate, this gives your first layer a perfectly smooth, matte-to-satin finish.

Performance Breakdown

Feature Performance Note
PLA Adhesion ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Exceptional. Large-format prints stayed flat with zero warping.
Ease of Removal ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Wait for it to cool! It grips hard until the plate drops to room temp.
Surface Finish ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Clean, professional, and free of glue-stick "ghosting."
Durability ⭐⭐⭐⭐ The coating is tough, but avoid using metal scrapers.

The Pros and Cons

The Good:

  • Energy Efficiency: Because the bed doesn't need to hit 60°C+, your printer consumes less power and your chamber stays cooler (great for preventing heat creep in enclosed printers like the X1C or P1S).
  • Reliability: I tested a 200mm thin-walled box—a prime candidate for corner lifting—and it didn't budge.
  • Maintenance: A simple wipe with 99% Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) is all it needs between prints.

The Not-So-Good:

  • Limited Material Support: This is a specialist plate. While it's the GOAT for PLA, it’s not meant for PETG or ABS, which can bond too strongly and tear the coating.
  • The "Stick" is Real: If you try to remove a print while the plate is still warm, you're going to have a bad time. Patience is a requirement here.

The Verdict: Is it worth it?

If you primarily print PLA and want the cleanest possible bottom surface without the hassle of glue, the SuperTack is a no-brainer. It solves the biggest pain point of the original Cool Plate while delivering better results.

However, if you already love the "grainy" look of the Textured PEI plate and don't mind the extra 15 minutes of bed heating, you might not need this. But for those chasing the perfect first layer? It’s a game-changer.

Pro-Tip: Always recalibrate your flow rate when switching to this plate. The different surface tension can slightly affect how that first layer squishes compared to the standard Engineering plate.

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