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Removing Wi-Fi hardware (Form Cure L V2)

Removing Wi-Fi hardware (Form Cure L V2)

The Form Cure L V2 motherboard has a Wi-Fi module that is disabled by software and cannot be enabled through the machine’s interface. Depending on your organization's security requirements, you may need to physically remove the Wi-Fi hardware before using the machine.

Use this guide to all Wi-Fi hardware from the Form Cure L V2.

Disabling Form Cure L V2 Wi-Fi hardware

Required Supplies:

  • 2 mm hex driver (included in the Form 4L tool cap assembly)
  • #2 Phillips screwdriver
  • ESD-safe spudger or ESD-safe tweezers
  • Bench-top rework station, hot rework tweezers, or other SMD soldering equipment
  • Solder sucker
  • Soldering flux
  • Nitrile gloves
  • Anti-static grounding strap

Estimated time: 30–45 minutes

Preparing the workspace

Overview: Prepare the Form Cure L V2 and workspace for modifying the motherboard.

Step 1: Prepare the workspace

Clear a workspace around your machine. Ensure that the workspace is well-ventilated and free of dust.

Step 2: Unplug the machine

Turn off the machine using the power switch on the back of the unit. Disconnect the power cable before continuing with maintenance. Do not perform maintenance on the machine while it is connected to power. Wait five minutes after disconnecting the machine from power before proceeding. If the machine was recently in use, the post-cure chamber will be warm. Wait at least 10 minutes for the chamber to cool.

Danger:

Performing maintenance on the machine while it is plugged in increases the risk of electric shock. Never remove the machine's shells while it is plugged in. Never reconnect the machine to power while the shells are uninstalled.

Removing the motherboard

Overview: Disconnect and uninstall the motherboard.

Step 1: Open the door

Open the curing chamber door to access the screws securing the front panel.

Step 2: Remove the motherboard and display assembly screws

Using a 2 mm hex driver, loosen and remove the four screws securing the motherboard and display assembly to the frame of the machine. Set the screws aside.

Step 2: Remove the motherboard and display assembly screws

Step 3: Unmount the motherboard and display assembly

Step 3: Unmount the motherboard and display assembly
Step 3: Unmount the motherboard and display assembly

Gently tilt the motherboard and display assembly upwards then pull it down. The assembly should separate from the machine’s frame. Do not pull sharply on the motherboard and display assembly, as it is still connected to the Form Cure L V2 by a set of cables.

Step 4: Disconnect the motherboard cables

Step 4: Disconnect the motherboard cables

Disconnect all of the cables from the motherboard except for the two ribbon cables. For each, squeeze the tab and slide the cable out of the connector. Take care not to pull on the wires themselves.

Fully separate the motherboard and display assembly from the machine and set it on your work surface.

Step 5: Disconnect the display cables

The Form Cure L V2 display is connected to the motherboard via two ribbon cables. For both, slide the locking tab on the connector towards the cable. Once the tab is properly released, the cable slides out of the connector with minimal force. Take care not to damage the ribbon cables or pull on them sharply.

Step 5: Disconnect the display cables

Step 6: Remove the motherboard

Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, loosen and remove the five screws securing the motherboard to the display. Set the screws aside. Place the motherboard on an ESD-safe work surface.

Step 6: Remove the motherboard

Modifying the motherboard

Overview: After removing the motherboard from the machine, remove the Wi-Fi components from the motherboard.

Step 1: Prepare to modify the motherboard

If you have not already, put on an antistatic wrist band and connect it to a known ground point. Do not connect the wristband any surfaces that are powder-coated or painted. Prepare a pair of hot rework tweezers or appropriate SMD soldering equipment, as well as any necessary personal protective equipment.

Step 2: Disable or remove the Wi-Fi module

Locate the Wi-Fi module and related resistor (labeled R39). You can remove the resistor to electrically disable the Wi-Fi module or remove both it and the Wi-Fi module entirely.

Step 2: Disable or remove the wi-fi module

For best results, use a bench-top rework station (300–350 ℃), ESD-safe tweezers, a solder sucker, and soldering flux. Apply soldering flux to the solder joints. Position the air nozzle 2–3 cm vertically above the pads and heat the solder joints on both ends evenly. Once the solder melts, carefully remove the resistor with tweezers and clean the residual solder on the pads with a solder sucker.

If you plan to reverse this procedure in the future, save component R39 for later reuse in an ESD-safe bag. Repeat to remove the W-iFi module itself, if desired.

Step 2: Disable or remove the wi-fi module

Reinstalling the motherboard

Overview: After modifying the motherboard, mount it to the display.

Step 1: Mount the motherboard

Place the motherboard on the back of the display, aligning the five screw holes in the motherboard with the corresponding holes in the display assembly.

Step 2: Secure the motherboard

Thread one mounting screw into each of the five holes in the motherboard. Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, tighten the screws until snug.

Step 2: Secure the motherboard

Step 3: Connect and secure the ribbon cables

Slide the ribbon cables into the connectors on the motherboard. Make sure the cables are inserted evenly. The blue marks should face upwards. Slide the locking tabs toward the connectors to secure the ribbon cables.

Reinstalling the motherboard and display assembly

Overview: Connect, mount, and secure the motherboard and display assembly.

Step 1: Connect the motherboard cables

Step 1: Connect the motherboard cables

Hold the motherboard and display assembly in front of the machine, near its mounting point. Reconnect all cables to the motherboard, using the image here as a reference. Each cable only fits into its connector in the correct orientation. The locking tab clicks into place when the cable is fully connected.

Step 2: Mount the motherboard and display assembly

Mount the motherboard and display assembly
Mount the motherboard and display assembly

Tilt the motherboard and display assembly slightly upwards. Insert it under the front edge of the top shell, then tilt the bottom of the assembly into place. Make sure that it sits flush with the body of the machine and that the four screw holes in the bottom of the motherboard and display assembly align with the corresponding holes in the Form Cure L V2.

Step 3: Secure the motherboard and display assembly

Thread one mounting screw into each of the four screw holes in the bottom of the motherboard and display assembly. Using a 2 mm hex driver, tighten the screws until snug.

Step 3: Secure the motherboard and display assembly

Finalizing the procedure

Overview: After reinstalling the motherboard and display assembly, perform final checks.

Step 1: Power on the machine

Connect the power cable to the machine and its power supply. Turn on the switch at the back of the machine.

Step 2: Test the procedure

Test the various functions of the Form Cure L V2 and ensure that it works normally (with the exception of Wi-Fi connectivity).