Note:
When connecting a Fuse 1 generation printer, Fuse Sift, or Fuse Blast to a computer via USB or to a network via Ethernet or Wi-Fi, check whether your machine’s firmware is up to date.
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Connecting a Fuse 1 generation printer, Fuse Sift, or Fuse Blast via USB, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi
Connecting a Fuse 1 generation printer, Fuse Sift, or Fuse Blast via USB, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi
Connect a Fuse 1 generation printer, Fuse Sift, or Fuse Blast to a secure network via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, providing internet access for:
- remote printing (only Fuse 1 generation printers)
- remote monitoring (only Fuse 1 generation printers)
- remote troubleshooting
- sending diagnostic logs
- receiving firmware updates
There are three options for connecting a Fuse 1 generation printer, Fuse Sift, or Fuse Blast:
- USB
- Ethernet
- Wi-Fi
When a Fuse 1 generation printer is connected to a LAN, the machine’s current status and print progress can be monitored with Dashboard.
USB
The USB port on a Fuse 1 generation printer, Fuse Sift, and Fuse Blast is intended for a secure, wired connection. Use a USB A-to-B cable for connecting a computer directly to a Fuse 1 generation printer or a Fuse Sift. Use a USB A-to-C or USB C-to-C cable for connecting a computer directly to a Fuse Blast.
To connect with USB:
- Plug one end of the USB cable into the USB port on the back of the unit.
- Connect the other end of the USB cable to a computer’s USB port.
Note:
If your computer is running Windows 7 and cannot connect to a printer via USB, download the USB drivers for PreForm.
Ethernet
The rear of a Fuse 1 generation printer, Fuse Sift, and Fuse Blast is equipped with a RJ-45 Ethernet (10BASE-T/100BASE-TX/1000BASE-T) 1000 Mbit LAN Port. Use a shielded Ethernet cable (not included): minimum Cat5, or Cat5e or Cat6 for 1000BASE-T to connect the machine to a local network
| FUSE 1 GENERATION PRINTERS/FUSE SIFT/FUSE BLAST | |
|---|---|
| Ethernet connectivity | RJ-45 Ethernet (10BASE-T/100BASE-TX/1000BASE-T) LAN port Connect with a shielded Ethernet cable (not included): minimum Cat5, or Cat5e or Cat6 for 1000BASE-T. |
To connect with Ethernet:
- Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port on the back of the unit.
- Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to your LAN.
Wi-Fi
Fuse 1 generation printers, the Fuse Sift, and Fuse Blast have built-in Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n) that supports WPA/WPA2 security. Use the touchscreen to configure a wireless network connection.
| FUSE 1 GENERATION PRINTERS | FUSE SIFT | FUSE BLAST | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi connectivity | |||
| Protocol | IEEE 802.11 b/g/n | IEEE 802.11 b/g/n | IEEE 802.11 b/g/n/ac |
| Frequency | 2.4 GHz / 5 GHZ | 2.4 GHz | 2.4 GHz / 5 GHZ |
| Supported security | WPA/WPA2 | WPA/WPA2 | WPA/WPA2 |
Note:
- To connect a Fuse 1 generation printer or Fuse Blast to a wireless network, install the Wi-Fi antenna by screwing it onto the jack on the back of the unit, next to the power, USB, and Ethernet ports.
- Your wireless network needs to provide send and receive access to ports UDP 9993 and HTTPS 443, as well as api.formlabs.com.
- For a Windows operating system, after installing PreForm, check to ensure that Bonjour is properly installed. Bonjour is third-party software that is required to connect over Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Visit support.apple.com for assistance with Bonjour. The USB connection can still be used while the Fuse 1 is connected to a LAN.
- To upload a print using Wi-Fi on a Fuse 1 generation printer, your computer must be on the same network as the printer unless remote printing is enabled.
Manual IP configuration
When connected to an active Ethernet connection or available wireless network, a Fuse 1 generation printer and the Fuse Sift can be configured with a static IP address. The Fuse Blast can not be configured with a static IP address. Use the touchscreen to configure a manual IP connection.
To connect with Wi-Fi or Ethernet using a manual IP configuration:
- With an established Ethernet or available Wi-Fi connection, tap the wrench icon on the Home screen. The Settings screen appears.
- Tap Connectivity. The Connectivity screen appears.
- For Wi-Fi networks, tap Wi-Fi, then the desired wireless network. A new screen appears. Tap the Manual IP button in the lower-left corner. The Manual IP Settings screen appears.
- For Ethernet connections, tap Ethernet. The Manual IP Settings screen appears.
- Toggle Use Manual IP to ON. The toggle turns blue.
- Enter the appropriate IP Address, Subnet Mask, Default Gateway, and Name Server.