Required Supplies:
Formlabs:
- Replacement cooling fan (small or large)
- 2.5 mm hex driver (included in the Form 4 or Form 4L tool caddy)
Third-party:
- 3 mm hex driver
- Phillips screwdriver
- Nitrile gloves
- Anti-static grounding strap
WHITE PAPER
Replacing the Form Cure L V2 cooling fans
Replacing the Form Cure L V2 cooling fans
The Form Cure L V2 has three cooling fans that cool the internal components of the machine. Two are located under the top shell of the machine, while the third is located under the bottom shell. A faulty or malfunctioning cooling fan may struggle to spin, run inconsistently, make unusual noises, or allow the machine to overheat.
Use this guide to replace the cooling fans on the Form Cure L V2.
Estimated time: 40 minutes
Danger:
Read and follow all safety instructions and warnings in the operator manual. Replacement with incorrect parts can lead to burns, shock, fire, or explosion. Dispose of all parts in accordance with local regulations.
Preparing the workspace
Overview: Prepare the Form Cure L V2 and workspace for replacing the cooling fans.
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.
Step 3: Remove the glass turntable
Open the curing chamber door. Gently lift the glass turntable off of the turntable coupler and set it aside. Close the chamber door.
Accessing the cooling fan
Overview: Remove the rear, side, and top or bottom shells to access the cooling fans.
Step 1: Remove the rear shell
Rotate the machine so you can access its rear shell. Using a 2.5 mm hex driver, loosen and remove the 14 screws securing the rear shell to the frame of the machine. Set the screws and shell aside.
Step 2: Remove the side shells
Slide the two side shells towards the back of the machine. If they are difficult to remove, use a vice grip with a towel between the jaws to avoid scratching the panel coating.
Step 3: Remove the screws securing the top shell (top fans only)
Two of the three cooling fans are located under the machine’s top shell. If you are replacing one of these fans, you will need to remove the top shell. Using a 2.5 mm hex driver, loosen and remove the six screws along the lower edges of the top shell. Set the screws aside.
Step 4: Remove the top shell (top fans only)
Carefully remove the top shell and set it aside.
Step 5: Remove the screws securing the bottom shell (bottom fan only)
One of the three cooling fans is located under the machine’s bottom shell. If you are replacing this fan, you will need to remove the bottom shell. Using a 2.5 mm hex driver, loosen and remove the six screws along the upper edges of the bottom shell. Set the screws aside.
Step 6: Remove the bottom feet (bottom fan only)
Carefully rotate the Form Cure L V2 so you can access the bottom of the machine. Using a 2.5 mm hex driver, loosen and remove the 12 screws securing the rubber feet to the bottom of the machine. Set the screws and the four feet aside.
Step 7: Remove the screws securing the bottom shell (bottom fan only)
Using a 2.5 mm hex driver, remove the remaining eight screws securing the bottom shell to the machine. Set the screws aside.
Step 8: Remove the bottom shell (bottom fan only)
Lift the bottom shell off of the machine and set it aside.
Removing the cooling fan
Overview:
Disconnect and remove the cooling fan or fans to be replaced.
Step 1: Unscrew the retaining screws
Locate the cooling fan you are replacing and remove the fan’s mounting screws:
- Top cooling fan (large): Use a 3 mm hex driver to remove the three screws securing the fan.
- Top cooling fan (small): Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws securing the fan.
- Bottom cooling fan: Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws securing the fan.
Set the screws aside for disposal.
Step 2: Disconnect the fan cable
Squeeze the locking tab on the fan cable and pull the connectors apart. Do not pull on the wires themselves. If the wire or connector is caught between layers of insulation, carefully move the insulating foam out of the way first.
Step 3: Remove other cooling fans (optional)
If you are replacing multiple cooling fans, repeat steps 1–2 as needed.
Installing the replacement fan
Overview: Connect and secure the new cooling fan or fans.
Step 1: Mount and secure the cooling fan
Place the new fan on the insulation panel, making sure that the fan outlet lines up with the duct cutout in the panel. Align the screw holes in the fan with the corresponding holes in the insulation. Secure the fan using the included screws:
- Top cooling fan (large): Use a 3 mm hex driver to install the three screws securing the fan.
- Top cooling fan (small): Use a Phillips screwdriver to install the two screws securing the fan.
- Bottom cooling fan: Use a Phillips screwdriver to install the two screws securing the fan.
Step 2: Connect the fan cable
Connect the fan cable. The cable only fits into its connector in the correct orientation. The locking tab clicks into place when the cable is fully connected.
Step 3: Install other cooling fans (optional)
If you are replacing multiple cooling fans, repeat steps 1–2 as needed.
Reinstalling the shells
Overview: After replacing the cooling fans, reinstall the machine’s shells.
Step 1: Mount and secure the top shell (if previously removed)
Place the top shell onto the Form Cure L V2. Align the six screw holes along the edges of the shell with the corresponding holes in the insulation panel. Thread one mounting screw into each of the six screw holes, then use a 2.5 mm hex driver to tighten until snug.
Step 2: Mount and partially secure the bottom shell (if previously removed)
Place the bottom shell onto the Form Cure L V2. Align the six screw holes along the edges of the shell with the corresponding holes in the insulation panel. Thread one mounting screw into each of the six screw holes, then use a 2.5 mm hex driver to tighten until snug.
Step 3: Reinstall the side shells
Slide the two side shells back into place between the top and bottom shells.
Step 4: Mount and secure the rear shell
Mount the rear shell back onto the machine. Thread one rear shell retention screw into each of the 14 screw holes in the rear shell. Using a 2.5 mm hex driver, tighten the screws until snug.
Step 5: Fully secure the bottom shell (if previously removed)
Check that the installed panels sit flush against one another. Thread one bottom shell mounting screw into each of the eight screw holes marked in the image here. Using a 2.5 mm hex driver, tighten the screws until snug.
Step 6: Mount and secure the feet (if previously removed)
Place the four feet on the bottom shell, aligning the three screw holes in each foot with the corresponding holes in the shell. Thread one mounting screw into each of the 12 screw holes, then use a 2.5 mm hex driver to tighten until snug.
Finalizing the repair
Overview: After installing the new cooling fan, power on the machine and perform final checks.
Step 1: Insert the turntable
Place the turntable onto the turntable mount.
Step 2: Power on the machine
Close the door. Connect the power cable to the and the power supply. Flip the breaker switch on the back of the unit to the ON position to turn on the machine. The Form Cure L initializes.
Step 3: Test the repair
Start a post-cure cycle and check that the machine reaches its target temperature and operates normally.