Thermally decomposing build plate for facile release of 3D printed objects

A method, comprising:

• obtaining a build plate useable in a 3D printing device, the build plate comprising:
• a top surface, a bottom surface, and sidewalls comprised of a material;
• and a recessed section formed through the top surface;
• filling the recessed section with a liquid form of a metal or metal alloy, wherein filling the recessed section with the liquid form of the metal or metal alloy comprises:
• placing a lid over the top surface of the build plate that extends over the recessed section;
• inverting the build plate with the placed lid such that a drain hole extending from the recessed section through the bottom surface of the build plate is exposed;
• and
• pouring the liquid form of the metal or metal alloy through the drain hole;
• and
• cooling the metal or metal alloy below its solidus temperature to form a solid form of the metal or metal alloy that provides a build surface for forming a 3D printed metal object in the 3D printing device, wherein the metal or metal alloy has a solidus temperature that is lower than a solidus temperature of the 3D printed metal object and lower than a solidus temperature of the material forming the top surface, the bottom surface, and the sidewalls of the build plate.