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Removing Wi-Fi hardware (Form Cure L V2)

The Form Cure L V1 has Wi-Fi functionality for receiving firmware updates and uploading log files. Wi-Fi can be turned off via the machine’s touchscreen, but depending on your organization's security requirements, you may need to physically remove the Wi-Fi hardware before using the device. This hardware includes a component on the system on a module (SOM) plugged into the motherboard as well as a Wi-Fi antenna plugged into the SOM.

Use this guide to remove all Wi-Fi hardware from the Form Cure L V1.

Required supplies:

1.3 mm hex driver
1.5 mm hex driver
2.5 mm hex driver
Tweezers and/or a small flat-blade screwdriver
Hot rework tweezers or other appropriate SMD soldering equipment
Nitrile gloves

Estimated time: 45–60 minutes

Preparing the workspace

Overview: Prepare the Form Cure L and a dust-free workspace for modifying the SOM.

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

Disconnect the power cable from the machine 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.

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 top shell

Overview: Unscrew and remove the top shell from the Form Cure L to access the SOM.

Notice:

The Form Cure L contains sensitive electronic components. Ground yourself before touching any electronics in the machine by using a grounding strap or touching a grounded piece of metal.

Step 1: Unscrew the top shell retention screws

The top shell is secured to the frame of the machine with six hex screws. When facing the front of the Form Cure L, two screws are located on the right side and four are located on the left. Use a 2.5 mm hex driver to unscrew and remove the screws.

Step 2: Remove the top shell

Slide the top shell towards the back of the machine to unhook it from the frame. Lift the top shell away from the machine and set it to the side.

Disconnecting the Wi-Fi antenna

Overview: Unplug the Wi-Fi antenna from the SOM.

Step 1: Disconnect the Wi-Fi antenna from the SOM

The Wi-Fi antenna is plugged into the SOM at the top- right corner of the board. The connector is accessible through a cutout in the heatsink. Grip the antenna’s connector by its housing and disconnect it from the SOM. Do not pull on the antenna itself.

Removing the SOM

Overview: Unplug and remove the SOM.

Step 1: Unscrew the SOM retention screws

The SOM is plugged into the motherboard and secured with two screws on the top side of the module. Using a 1.3 mm hex driver, loosen and remove two SOM retention screws. Set the screws aside.

Step 2: Unlatch the SOM

The SOM is additionally secured via two latches: one on the left side of the board and one on the right.

Using fingernails or a small flat-blade screwdriver, open the two latches securing the SOM into its socket. The SOM may tilt forward once you have opened both latches.

Step 3: Remove the SOM

Lift the SOM up from the edge opposite its connector and carefully pull it free from the socket. Place the SOM on a static-free surface.

Modifying the SOM

Overview: After removing the SOM from the machine, remove component L13.

Step 1: Unscrew and remove the heatsink

Using a 1.5 mm hex hex driver, unscrew and remove the four screws securing the heatsink to the SOM. Set the screws aside. Remove the heatsink and set it aside.

Step 2: Remove component L13

Using hot tweezers or other appropriate SMD soldering equipment, remove component L13 from the SOM. If you plan to reverse this procedure in the future, save component L13 for later reuse.

Reinstalling the SOM

Overview: After modifying the SOM, reinstall the heatsink and reconnect the SOM to the motherboard.

Step 1: Reinstall the heatsink

Reinstall the heatsink onto the SOM, making sure the thermal pad on the bottom of the heatsink covers the processor (the largest chip on the board, labeled U6). Ensure that the cutout on the edge of the heatsink allows access to the Wi-Fi antenna port and that the screw holes in the heatsink align with the holes in the SOM.

Insert one heatsink retention screw into each of the four screw holes in the heatsink. Using a 1.5 mm hex driver, tighten the four screws until finger tight. Do not overtighten.

Step 2: Reinstall and secure the SOM

Insert the SOM into its socket on the motherboard. Close the two latches. Insert one SOM retention screw into both of the screw holes on the top edge of the SOM. Using a 1.3 mm hex driver, tighten the two screws until finger tight. Do not overtighten.

Secure the loose Wi-Fi antenna

Overview: Secure the Wi-Fi antenna within the machine to ensure it remains undamaged.

Step 1: Secure the Wi-Fi antenna

Bundle up the end of the cable that was previously connected to the SOM. Cover the connector with insulating tape so it cannot short out any parts in the machine. Tuck the bundled end of the cable into the machine such that it will not be damaged when you reinstall the top shell. As an alternative, remove the antenna from the machine completely. If you plan to reverse this procedure in the future, save the antenna for later reuse.

Reinstalling the top shell

Overview: Reinstall and secure the top shell

Step 1: Reinstall the top shell

Lower the top shell onto the Form Cure L. Make sure you do not pinch any wires between the shell and the frame of the machine. Slide the top shell towards the front of the machine to hook it into place. Check that the screw holes in the top shell line up with the corresponding screw holes in the frame of the machine.

Step 2: Secure the top shell

Thread one 2.5 mm hex screw into each of the six screw holes in the top shell. Using a 2.5 mm hex driver, tighten the screws until finger tight.

Finalizing the procedure

Overview: After removing all Wi-Fi hardware from the Form Cure L, power on the machine and perform final checks.

Step 1: Power on the machine

Connect the power cable to the Form Cure L and the power supply. The machine initializes. Test the machine to ensure that it operates normally (with the exception of Wi-Fi connectivity).