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Replacing the Fuse 1+ 30W nitrogen controller board

On Fuse 1+ 30W printers, the nitrogen controller board manages the flow of nitrogen when you are printing with an inert gas atmosphere. A faulty or malfunctioning nitrogen controller board may prevent you from printing with nitrogen.

Use this guide to replace the nitrogen controller board on a Fuse 1+ 30W printer.

Required supplies:

Formlabs:

Replacement nitrogen controller board

Third-party:

2.5 mm hex driver (flat-end)
Antistatic wrist band

Estimated time: 15–30 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 printer and a dust-free workspace for replacing the nitrogen controller board.

Notice:

Fuse 1 generation printers contain sensitive electronic components. Ground yourself before touching any electronics in the printer by using a grounding strap or touching a grounded piece of metal.

Step 1: Prepare the workspace

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

Step 2: 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.

Danger:

Performing maintenance on the printer while it is plugged in increases the risk of electric shock. Never remove the back panel of the printer while the printer is plugged in. Never reconnect the printer to power while the back panel is uninstalled.

Step 3: Disconnect the nitrogen source

Disconnect the nitrogen hose from the quick-disconnect fitting, if connected.

Step 4: Remove the Wi-Fi antenna

Unscrew and remove the Wi-Fi antenna, if it is connected.

Removing the lower rear panel

Overview: Remove the lower rear panel to access the interior of the printer.

Step 1: Remove the lower rear panel screws

The six black lower rear panel screws are circled in red. The four chrome lower rear panel grounding screws are circled in blue.

Using a 2.5 mm hex driver, remove the six black panel screws and the four chrome panel grounding screws securing the lower rear panel to the printer. Set the screws aside, taking care to separate the black and chrome screws for later reinstallation.

Step 2: Remove the lower rear panel from the printer

Pull the lower rear panel straight back and away from the printer. Lay it down on a flat, clean surface.

Step 1: Remove the lower rear panel screws

Removing the original nitrogen controller board

Overview: Disconnect and remove the original nitrogen controller board.

Step 1: Prepare to remove the nitrogen controller board

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.

Locate the nitrogen controller board, pictured here.

Step 2: Disconnect the cables from the nitrogen controller board

Disconnect all JST connectors from the nitrogen controller board. For cables that have a locking tab, make sure to disengage the locking tab first, then pull the connector away from the board via its plastic housing.

Step 3: Uninstall the nitrogen controller board

Using a 2.5 mm hex drive, loosen and remove the four 8.0 mm M3 socket screws securing the nitrogen controller board to the back of the printer. Maneuver the board away from the printer, being careful not to snag or pull any of the loose connectors.

Installing the replacement nitrogen controller board

Overview: Mount, secure, and connect the replacement nitrogen controller board

Step 1: Prepare the new nitrogen controller board

If you are not still wearing one, put on an antistatic wrist band and connect it to a known ground point. Remove the new nitrogen controller board from its packaging.

Step 2: Mount and secure the nitrogen controller board

Orient the board with the connector labeled J083 at the top-left corner. Align the four screw holes on the board with the corresponding screw holes on the back of the printer. Ensure that none of the loose cables become trapped behind the board while maneuvering it into place.

Thread one 8 mm M3 socket head screw into each of the four screw holes. Recheck that none of the cables are trapped behind the board, then use a 2.5 mm hex driver to tighten the screws until snug.

Step 3: Reconnect the cables

Reconnect all seven JST connectors to the nitrogen board. Refer to the image here to match each cable to its place on the board.

Reinstalling the lower rear panel

Overview: After installing the replacement power supply, reinstall and secure the lower rear panel.

Step 1: Mount and secure the lower rear panel

The six black lower rear panel screws are circled in red. The four chrome lower rear panel grounding screws are circled in blue.

Thread the panel screws into the indicated screw holes on the lower rear panel. Refer to the image for the correct locations of the black and chrome screws. Using a 2.5 mm hex driver, screw in the six black panel screws and four chrome panel grounding screws securing the lower rear panel to the printer.

Notice:

The placement of the chrome screws is critical to the printer's electrical grounding. Incorrect placement may lead to printer damage.

Step 2: Reinstall the Wi-Fi antenna (optional)

Screw the Wi-Fi antenna onto the jack on the back of the unit.

Step 3: Reconnect the nitrogen supply

Reconnect the nitrogen hose to the quick-disconnect fitting.

Finalizing the repair

Overview: After installing the replacement nitrogen controller board, 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: Check the nitrogen supply

Confirm that nitrogen supply pressure into the Fuse 1+ 30W is in the range of 248–862 kPa (36–125 psi) and the flow rate is at least 14 L/min (0.5 SCFM). When using a nitrogen supply such as bottled nitrogen gas or liquid nitrogen, ensure that there is enough available nitrogen to complete the print. When printing with an inert gas atmosphere, the printer requires approximately 14 L (0.5 cu ft) of nitrogen gas per minute.

Step 3: Enable the nitrogen system

Tap the printer icon in the left sidebar to access the printer status screen. Toggle Nitrogen System to ON. Confirm that the touchscreen shows N₂ Mode and that both the Inlet Pressure and the Valve Pressure are in range.

Step 4: Test the repair

Start a print using nitrogen. Monitor the printer to ensure that the print proceeds normally. Contact Formlabs Support or your certified service provider to share the results of the procedure.