Form 4 generation printers contain an integrated camera. If the camera is enabled, it automatically saves a photo of each print when it completes. Any issues with the camera may prevent it from working properly.

Use this guide to replace the Form 4 camera.

Estimated time: 20 minutes

Overview: Prepare the printer and a dust-free workspace for replacing the camera.

Step 1: Remove the build platform

Remove the build platform first to avoid dripping resin onto the Light Processing Unit (LPU).

Step 2: Remove the resin cartridge

Remove the resin cartridge and close the vent cap to prevent resin from dripping off of the bite valve and into the printer.

Step 3: Remove and store the resin tank and mixer

Unlatch the mixer and resin tank. Remove the resin tank and cover it with its lid. Set the tank aside on a clean, flat surface.

Step 4: Prepare the workspace

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

Step 5: Clean the printer

Open the printer cover and clean any resin pooled on and around the LPU with non-abrasive wipes. Dampen the wipes with isopropyl alcohol if necessary to fully remove the resin.

Step 6: Unplug the printer

Disconnect the power cable before continuing with maintenance. Do not perform maintenance on the printer while it is connected to power. Wait five minutes after disconnecting the printer from power before proceeding.

Overview: Remove the back panel to access the camera.

Step 1: Remove the back panel screws

Use a 2.5 mm hex driver to remove the eight screws securing the back panel to the printer. Set the screws aside.

Step 2: Remove the back panel

Remove the back panel by sliding it down and away from the back of the printer. Set the back panel aside.

Overview: Disconnect the cable that connects the camera to the printer and remove the screws securing the camera.

Step 1: Disconnect the camera ribbon cable

Pull each side of the black plastic tab on the connector to unlatch the camera ribbon cable. Gently pull the ribbon cable away from the camera. The ribbon cable should slide out of the connector.

Step 2: Remove the camera mounting screws

Use a T10 Torx driver to remove the two screws securing the camera to the printer. Set the screws aside.

Step 3: Remove the camera

Slide the camera out of the printer and set it aside for disposal.

Overview: Reconnect the camera ribbon cable and replace the screws securing the camera.

Step 1: Insert the camera

Slide the camera into the printer and line up the screw holes.

Step 2: Replace the camera mounting screws

Use a T10 Torx driver to secure the two screws securing the camera to the printer.

Step 3: Reconnect the camera ribbon cable

Overview: After replacing the camera, reinstall and secure the back panel.

Step 1: Mount the back panel

Slide the top edge of the back panel under the cover bracket. Ensure that the eight screw holes in the back panel align with the corresponding holes in the printer and the back panel sits flush with the sides of the cover.

Step 2: Secure the back panel

Thread one back panel screw into each of the eight screw holes in the back panel. Use a 2.5 mm hex driver to tighten until snug.

Overview: After replacing the camera, power on the printer and perform final checks.

Step 1: Power on the printer

Connect the power cable to the printer and the power supply. The printer initializes.

Step 2: Test the camera

Start a print and test the camera functions, such as the timelapse, to check that the replacement was successful. Contact Formlabs Support or your authorized reseller to share the results of the procedure.