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Preparing the Fuse 1's optical cleaning kit

Preparing the Fuse 1's optical cleaning kit

The standard Fuse 1 generation printer package includes supplies for cleaning optical cassettes and other optical surfaces inside the printer, as well as three push-top dispensers for Alconox,ethanol, and distilled water. Each dispenser is dedicated to one cleaning agent.

The standard cleaning process requires ethanol. If the standard process is insufficient, perform a more thorough cleaning using Alconox, ethanol, and distilled water.

Prepare the optical cleaning kit in advance so it is ready when needed.

Notice:

Do not use swabs, pre-moistened or dry wipes, surfactants, denaturants, or any other tool, chemical, or cleaning agent that is not explicitly recommended by Formlabs or a certified service provider.

Optical cleaning kit supplies

The printer package includes the following cleaning supplies:

  • Three push-top dispensers
  • PEC*PADs
  • Polyester cloth swabs (TX714A)

You will also need to purchase the following:

  • Alconox (1104-1)
  • Distilled water
  • Ethanol
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Notice:

Only use approved polyester cloth swabs when cleaning when cleaning the lenses, windows, and glass components inside Fuse 1 generation printers. Other swabs deposit residue onto optical surfaces.

Mixing Alconox and distilled water

Alconox is a powder and must be mixed with distilled water in order to be an effective detergent for cleaning optical cassettes.

  1. Open the accessories bag and remove a dispenser.
  2. Remove an Alconox label from the bag and adhere to the bottle.
  3. Unscrew the top of the dispenser and add 2 g (0.07 oz) of Alconox powder, followed by 200 mL (6.76 fl oz) of distilled water.
    • Each bottle’s total volume is 200 mL (6.76 fl oz).
  4. Screw the cap back on. Ensure it is locked by twisting the cap counterclockwise until you hear a subtle click.
  5. Gently agitate the dispenser until the Alconox powder completely dissolves. Avoid generating bubbles or foam from rapid shaking.

 

Notice:

Only mix Alconox powder with distilled water. Contaminants from water that is not distilled will collect on optical surfaces, adversely affecting print quality and the operating life of optical components. Do not clean any optical components with Alconox that has been mixed with tap, bottled, filtered, or any other source of water that is not distilled.

Purchasing additional supplies

Please refer to the support article Formlabs-approved distributors for supplies (SLS) for additional swabs, ethanol, Alconox, and distilled water.