The Form Cure L V1 has three LED modules that expose printed parts to light during post-curing. Each LED module is cooled by a fan. If any of the LED module cooling fans are malfunctioning or broken, printed parts may not post-cure properly and may not reach their optimal mechanical properties.

Use this guide to remove and replace the Form Cure L V1 LED module cooling fans.

Estimated time: 30 minutes (additional time may be required to allow the post-cure chamber to cool if the machine was recently in use)

Overview: Prepare the Form Cure L and a dust-free workspace for replacing the LED module cooling fan.

Step 1: Unplug the networking cables and Wi-Fi antenna

Disconnect the Ethernet and USB cables from the unit, if they are connected. Unscrew and remove the Wi-Fi antenna.

Step 2: Unplug the machine

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 two hours for the chamber to cool.

Overview: If you are replacing the cooling fan for the top or left LED module, unscrew and remove the top shell.

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.

Overview: If you are replacing the cooling fan for the bottom LED module, unscrew and remove the bottom shell.

Step 1: Remove the turntable

Open the Form Cure L door. Lift the turntable out of the machine and set it aside. Close the Form Cure L door. The Form Cure L turntable is made of glass; handle with care.

Step 2: Unscrew the bottom shell retention screws

The bottom shell is secured to the frame of the machine with 15 hex screws. When facing the front of the Form Cure L, two screws are located on the right side, two screws are located on the left side, and 11 screws are located on the bottom.

Carefully tilt the machine away from you and place it on its back. Use a 2.5 mm hex driver to unscrew and remove the screws.

Overview: Unscrew, unplug, and uninstall the LED module cooling fan that is being replaced.

Step 1: Locate the LED module cooling fan

The LED module cooling fan is a round blower fan, positioned at one end of the corresponding LED module. Locate the LED module cooling fan you are replacing.

Step 3: Disconnect the fan cable

Follow the wires from the LED module cooling fan and locate the fan cable plug. The top and bottom LED module cooling fan wiring is routed through a cable management channel. You may need to slide the wires out of the channel to access the plug.

Press the latch on the fan cable plug, grip the connectors, and separate them from one another. Do not pull on the wires themselves.

Overview: Mount and secure the new cooling fan.

Step 1: Mount and secure the replacement cooling fan

Position the replacement cooling fan on its mounting surface, aligning the screw holes in the fan with the posts on the machine’s frame. Lower the cooling fan into place, ensuring that the label on the fan faces the machine’s frame, the screw holes in the fan sit over the posts, and the fan outlet aligns with the opening in the LED module.

Reinstall the retention screw or screws and tighten with a 2.5 mm hex driver until finger tight.

Overview: If you replaced the cooling fan for the top or left LED module, reinstall and secure the top shell after performing any other maintenance procedures.

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.

Overview: If you replaced the cooling fan for the bottom LED module, reinstall and secure the bottom shell after performing any other maintenance procedures.

Step 1: Reinstall the bottom shell

Lower the bottom shell onto the Form Cure L. Make sure you do not pinch any wires between the shell and the frame of the machine. Check that the screw holes in the bottom shell line up with the corresponding screw holes in the frame of the machine.

Step 2: Secure the bottom shell

Thread one 2.5 mm flat head hex screw into each of the screw holes in the left and right side of the bottom shell. Thread one 2.5 mm button head hex screw into each of the screw holes in the bottom of the machine. Using a 2.5 mm hex driver, tighten the screws until finger tight.

Step 3: Reinstall the turntable

Open the Form Cure L door. Place the turntable onto its mount. Close the Form Cure L door. The Form Cure L turntable is made of glass; handle with care.

Overview: After reinstalling the shell, 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. Flip the breaker switch on the back of the unit to the ON position to turn on the machine.

Step 2: Test the repair

Start a post-cure cycle to test the replacement LED module cooling fan. Monitor the Form Cure L to ensure that the post-cure cycle runs normally. Contact Formlabs Support or your authorized reseller to share the results of the procedure.