The build chamber print bed provides a flat, level surface on which a Fuse 1 generation printer deposits powder during a print. You may need to replace the build chamber print bed due to wear or when changing powder types. For example, TPU 90A powder has a lower melting point than other Formlabs powders. When switching from TPU 90A powder to another Formlabs powder, thoroughly clean the printer and replace the build chamber print bed to prevent any residual TPU 90A powder from contaminating the build chamber. Failing to replace the print bed when necessary may result in failed prints or equipment damage.
Use this guide to clean and replace the Fuse 1 generation build chamber print bed.
Required supplies:
Formlabs:
Third-party:
Estimated time: 30–45 minutes
Preparing the workspace
Overview: Prepare the build chamber and a dust-free workspace for cleaning and replacing the Fuse 1 generation build chamber print bed.
WARNING:
Do not perform this procedure if the build chamber was used for printing less than six hours prior. Failure to do so may result in serious burns. Allow the build chamber and print enclosure to fully cool to room temperature before touching or inspecting any printer components.
Step 1: Empty the build chamber
If the build chamber has recently been used for a print and contains a powder cake, empty the build chamber using a Fuse Sift.
Even if the build chamber is already empty, fully raise the print bed using the controls on the Fuse Sift or by tapping Settings > System > Motor Moves on the printer touchscreen.
NOTE:
It is normal for powder to fall out from the bottom of the build chamber and accumulate on the work surface when removing the print bed.
Step 2: Vacuum the build chamber
Use the vacuum attached to the Fuse Sift to clean the build chamber. If the build chamber is inserted into the Fuse Sift, push the Vac button on the control panel or tap the vacuum hose icon on the touchscreen to turn the vacuum on. Vacuum the print bed and the top of the build chamber to remove any loose powder and prevent contamination of the new print bed or your workspace. If the build chamber is not currently inserted into the Fuse Sift, remove the vacuum hose from the port on the side of the Fuse Sift so that it can reach the build chamber, then turn on the vacuum.
Step 3: Prepare the workspace
Clear a workspace around your build chamber. Ensure that the workspace is well-ventilated and free of dust.
Removing the build chamber print bed
Overview: Remove the print bed from the build chamber.
Step 1: Remove the build chamber print bed screws
Using a 2.5 mm hex driver, loosen and remove the four M4 × 12 mm button head screws securing the build chamber print bed to the build chamber piston.
Step 2: Lever the print bed upwards
Carefully wedge the putty knife into the gap between bottom of the print bed and the white felt seal. Gently lift the edge of the print bed upward.
CAUTION:
Do not force the putty knife into the gap. Do not use a slotted screwdriver or other narrow tool. Either method can damage the inner build chamber wall.
Step 3: Rotate the build chamber
Rotate the entire build chamber 90°.
Step 4: Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each side
Repeat steps 2 and 3 on each side of the print bed. carefully wedge the putty knife into the gap between the print bed and the felt seal, gently lift the print bed up, and rotate the build chamber until the print bed can be lifted off the build chamber.
Step 5: Remove the print bed
Remove the print bed from the build chamber. Set the print bed aside.
Installing the new build chamber print bed
Overview: Install the new build chamber print bed.
Step 1: Inspect the new build chamber print bed felt seal
Inspect the build chamber print bed felt seal for any cuts or tears. Ensure that it is properly secured to the print bed.
NOTICE:
Do not use the replacement print bed if the felt seal is damaged or detached from the assembly. Contact Formlabs Support or your certified service provider if the replacement print bed felt seal is damaged or detached from the assembly.
Step 2: Place the new print bed on the build chamber piston top
Place the new print bed on the build chamber piston top. Take care to orient the print bed correctly. The only offset screw hole should be located in the front-left corner of the build chamber.
Step 3: Press the print bed into place
Firmly press the print bed into the build chamber by pushing down on each corner one at a time.
NOTE:
It may be necessary to compress the felt seal into position. To do so, press the top half of the print bed down while also pushing the bottom half of the print bed into place.
Step 4: Inspect the print bed
Inspect the print bed to ensure that it is flush to the top of the build chamber. If the print bed is not flush with the build chamber, firmly press down each corner of the print bed until it is properly aligned.
Apply one drop of Loctite 246 (or another similar threadlocker) to each of the print bed retention screws. Thread the four M4 × 12 mm button head screws into their screw holes in the print bed. Using a 2.5 mm hex driver, tighten the screws until finger tight.
Finalizing the repair
Overview: After installing the build chamber’s print bed, clean the build chamber and perform final checks.
Step 1: Clean the build chamber and work surface
Clean the build chamber and work space of any powder that may have come loose during maintenance to prevent powder contamination.
Step 2: Test the build chamber
Insert the build chamber into the printer and start a print. Contact Formlabs Support or your certified service provider to share the results of the procedure.
