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Sending a print job from PreForm to a printer

Sending a print job from PreForm to a printer

After orienting and supporting a model, connect your printer to the internet via USB, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi. Ensure your printer is connected to the same network as your computer, then send a print job to the printer.

While uploading a print job to the printer, PreForm and the printer’s touchscreen show that the FORM file upload is in progress. Once transferred, print jobs must be confirmed on the printer’s touchscreen to start the print.

Uploading a print job to a Formlabs SLS printer

To upload a print job from PreForm to a Formlabs SLS printer:

  1. Import your models and set up your print job.
  2. Click Edit Job Setup. The Job Setup window opens.
  3. Select the Printer and the Job Settings. Click Apply.
  4. Click Print Now to start the print immediately if the printer is ready or Upload to Queue to add the print to the printer or Printer Group’s queue.

If a job is currently running and you have a local connection to your printer, you may be able to add new parts to your ongoing print. Enable Add to Running Job, set up your print, and click Add to Job.

Note:

Do not disconnect your printer while the upload is in progress.

Uploading a print job to a Formlabs SLA printer (Form 3 and later)

To upload a print job from PreForm 3.29 or later to a Formlabs SLA printer (Form 3 and later):

  1. Import your models and set up your print job.
  2. Click Edit Job Setup. The Job Setup window opens.
  3. Select the Printer and the Job Settings. Click Apply.
  4. Click Print Now to start the print immediately if the printer is ready or Upload to Queue to add the print to the printer or Printer Group’s queue.
  • If you did not confirm that the build platform is ready to print on the printer’s touchscreen, the Print Now? window opens. Verify that the build platform is clean and locked into position, then click Confirm and Print Now. The model is sent to the printer.
Build platform readiness confirmation notice in PreForm 3.29.0
Build platform readiness confirmation window in PreForm 3.29.0

Note:

Do not disconnect your printer while the upload is in progress.

Uploading a print job to all other Formlabs resin printers

To upload a print job if you are using:

  • A Form 2
  • A Form 3 generation printer running firmware 1.20.33 or earlier
  • A Form 3L generation printer running firmware 1.11.14 or earlier
  • PreForm 3.28.1 or earlier
  1. Import your models and set up your print job.
  2. Click Edit Job Setup. The Job Setup window opens.
  3. Select the Printer and the Job Settings. Click Apply.
  4. Click Upload to Queue. The model is sent to the printer.

Note:

Do not disconnect your printer while the upload is in progress.

Print Now or Upload to Queue is unavailable in PreForm

The Print Now option is only available if you are sending a print job to an individual printer whose status is Ready to Print and whose inserted resin cartridge and resin tank match the resin type for your print job. Otherwise, PreForm will display Upload to Queue. If the Print Now button is unavailable in PreForm:

  • The printer may be missing consumables, such as a resin tank or a resin cartridge. Check that the job resin matches the one the printer is set up for.
  • The printer may not be ready to print or currently printing another print job. Click Upload to Queue to send the job to the printer’s local queue. Check the printer to verify its current status.
  • Check if you are sending your print to an individual printer or to a Printer Group. When sending a print to a Printer Group, only Upload to Queue is available.

If the Upload to Queue button is not selectable, make sure you have selected a printer. Manually add the printer to PreForm if necessary.