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Setting up Open Material Mode (SLS)

Setting up Open Material Mode (SLS)

With Open Material Mode, you can print with any type of 1064 nm powder on Formlabs SLS printers. Open Material Mode is available for a one-time lifetime fee per printer.

Follow the steps in this article to set up Open Material Mode on your Formlabs SLS printer.

Requirements

Your printer will need to connect to the internet during Open Material Mode activation.

Activating Open Material Mode

Note:

  • Before activating Open Material Mode, transfer any powder credits on the printer to a powder card for use on a different Fuse Series printer. Otherwise, powder credits will be lost upon activating Open Material Mode.
  • Before continuing, make sure the printer is connected to the internet. You can choose to connect it temporarily (e.g., via a mobile hotspot). An active internet connection is not required after activation to print with Open Material Mode.
  1. On your printer, tap the gear icon. The Settings screen appears.
  2. Navigate to the activation screen.
    • Fuse 1: Tap System > Advanced capabilities > Activate new capability.
    • Fuse 1+ 30W: Tap System > Advanced capabilities > Activate new capability.
The Settings > System screen on a Fuse 1+ 30W printer
The Advanced capabilities screen on a Fuse 1+ 30W printer
  1. Enter your activation code and tap the confirmation button on the bottom right.
  2. If the code you entered is valid, the Advanced capabilities screen appears again and displays Open Material Mode.
Entering an Open Material Mode activation code on a Fuse 1+ 30W printer
Open Material Mode activated on a Fuse 1+ 30W printer

Note:

If you enter an incorrect or invalid code, the printer will show an error message. Tap Activate new capability and re-enter your activation code.

You can also confirm that the capability has been activated via PreForm:

  1. Open PreForm.
  2. Click the name of a Printer. The Job Setup window opens.
  3. Scroll to the Choose Printer section. Click to select a printer.
  4. A blue ribbon icon appears next to the printer name to indicate that Open Material Mode has been activated. Select the printer.
A Form 3 printer with Open Material Mode in PreForm

Once you have successfully activated Open Material Mode on your printer, use it to set up and start a print.