Cleaning and maintaining the Form 4L Flex Build Platform

When performing consecutive prints using the same resin, you can clean the outside surfaces of the Form 4L Flex Build Platform without separating the print surface from the build platform body.

If you are changing resins, disassemble the Form 4L Flex Build Platform to clean between the print surface and the build platform body. Follow the instructions below to keep the build platform clean and well-maintained.

Warning:

Wear gloves when handling printed parts and surfaces that are contaminated with solvents or liquid resin.

Notice:

Store the Form 4L Flex Build Platform in a printer with the cover closed or away from sources of light when not in use.

Cleaning the Form 4L Flex Build Platform before printing with the same resin

If you are performing consecutive prints with the same resin, you do not generally need to remove the flexible surface from the build platform body for cleaning.

To prepare your Form 4L Flex Build Platform for a new print using the same resin:

Use the scraper to remove any resin from the flexible print surface.
Wipe the flexible print surface with a clean cloth or dry paper towel to remove any remaining resin.
Ensure the print surface is clean and properly aligned.

Over time, resin trapped between the print surface and the build platform body can flex the print surface enough to cause print failures. If the print surface is not flat and properly aligned with the build platform body, clean the build platform more thoroughly.

Solvent can get trapped between the print surface and build platform body, particularly if you wash your parts before removing them from the build platform. Flex the print surface to drain any trapped solvent.

Cleaning the Form 4L Flex Build Platform before printing with a different resin

If you are planning to print with a different resin, remove the flexible surface from the build platform body to make sure all surfaces are thoroughly cleaned.

Caution:

Pinch hazard: Keep your fingers away from the seam between the print surface and the build platform body, particularly when reinstalling the print surface.
Cutting hazard: The edge of the flexible print surface may be sharp and could present a cutting hazard. Exercise caution when cleaning the print surface.

To prepare your Form 4L Flex Build Platform for a new print with a different resin:

Remove the flexible print surface

Use the scraper to remove any resin from the flexible print surface.
Place the build platform on your work surface. Lift the part release tabs closest to you.
Push up on one of the rear tabs behind the handle to disengage the print surface from the build platform body.
Remove the print surface from the build platform body.

Clean the Form 4L Flex Build Platform

Place the flexible print surface in a Form Wash or a Form Wash L basket.
Insert the build platform body into the build platform mount of the Form Wash L or the Form Wash L Rinse Bucket.
Wash the build platform body and the flexible print surface with isopropyl alcohol (IPA), Formlabs Resin Washing Solution, or tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether (TPM) for five minutes.
Make sure the build platform body and flexible print surface are completely dry and clean of any resin or solvent.

Reinstall the flexible print surface

Place the rear print surface alignment rod into the alignment channel.
Carefully lower the print surface down onto the build platform body. Ensure the print surface is flat and property aligned before starting your next print.
Squeeze the part release paddles to fully seat the print surface alignment rods into their respective alignment channels. Ensure the print surface is clean and properly aligned.