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Receiving and setting up the Form Wash V1

Plan an appropriate location for the Form Wash V1. Purchase additional finishing supplies, including a suitable washing solvent, to ensure you can start using the Form Wash when it arrives.

The Form Wash is ready for use when its wash bucket is filled with solvent, the Form Wash is connected to power, and the hydrometer is calibrated for use with your solvent.

Additional supplies

Prior to receiving the Form Wash, purchase ten liters of the solvent that suits your needs best.

Purchase the following additional supplies to help finish post-cured parts:

Powder-free, chemical-resistant, disposable gloves (nitrile or neoprene)
Sandpaper
Mineral oil
Primer and paints
TPM only: a hydrometer that can measure a specific gravity of 0.962–1.000

Arranging the workspace

Review the technical specifications to determine the best location for the Form Wash.

The Form Wash has the following dimensions: 26.2 × 29.3 × 34.0 cm (10.3 × 11.5 × 13.4 in). The Form Wash unit weighs 6.7 kg (14.5 lb).

Reserve the following minimum dimensions for the most convenient access:

Width: 38.9 cm (15.3 in)
Depth: 41.9 cm (16.5 in)
Height: 64 cm (25.2 in)

Operate the Form Wash in a well-ventilated room with a temperature of 18–28 °C (64–82 °F). Follow safety considerations for the Form Wash.

Unboxing the Form Wash

The Form Wash ships in a cardboard carton, protected by foam inserts above and below the unit. The upper foam insert contains the accessories, the power supply, and the Form Wash Safety Booklet (English only). During unboxing, inspect the Form Wash for any damage or missing items. In the case of damage or missing items, contact Formlabs Support or your authorized reseller.

To unbox the Form Wash:

Open the box from the top.
Lift and remove the foam insert containing the accessories.
Use the provided handles on each side of the unit to lift the Form Wash out of the box.
Remove internal packaging.
Raise the mount to access and remove any twist ties that secure the bottom of the basket to the basket mount.
Remove the siphon pump from the wash bucket.

Note:

The machine’s power cord is included on top of the foam inside the box. If you cannot locate the power cable, be sure to check all boxes in your shipment, as it may have been packed separately.

Notice:

Remove all packaging material before connecting power. Retain all packaging and inserts for warranty service. Refer to the manual for the repackaging instructions.

Form Wash components

Platform mount: Holds the build platform when washing parts on the build platform.
Basket: Holds parts to wash without the build platform.
Basket mount: A single hook secures the basket to raise and lower.
Outer lid: Limits solvent evaporation. Keep the outer lid closed when not in use.

Inner lid: A hinged, secondary lid opens and closes to contain solvent while allowing parts to be lowered or raised from the bucket.
Wash bucket: Removable container holds a maximum of 8.6 L of solvent. A rotating impeller at the bottom circulates solvent.
Display: Shows status, time, and options for configuring the Form Wash.
Knob: Turn or push to adjust time and to start, pause, or end a wash cycle.
Tool storage: Each side has designated locations for storing each tool.
Power supply: Provides power to the Form Wash. Specifications: 24 V, 2 A.
Solvent: Not included. Dissolves liquid resin from printed parts’ surfaces. Start with 10 L. Concentration of IPA must be 90% or higher.

Form Wash tools and storage

Flush cutters: Use to carefully remove support tips from printed parts.
Removal tool: Apply pressure under the base generated by PreForm to release the base of your parts from the build platform.
Hydrometer: Float in IPA to measure the IPA's resin concentration, based on previous calibration in fresh IPA.
Scraper: Can be used to remove parts from the build platform, as well as to carefully clean and inspect the resin tank for cured material.
Tweezers: Use to handle small parts or to manipulate supports after printing.
Siphon pump: Transfer IPA between the wash bucket and an IPA storage container.

Installing the Form Wash

Place the Form Wash on a clean, level surface with a nearby power source. The Form Wash is ready for use once the wash bucket has been filled between the minimum and maximum fill lines and the hydrometer is calibrated. Choose whether to wash the part on the build platform or in the basket.

To prepare to use the Form Wash, follow the steps below to fill the wash bucket with solvent. If you are using isopropyl alcohol, calibrate the included hydrometer.

Step 1: Assemble the siphon pump

To assemble the siphon pump, screw the handle (A) into the rigid tube (B) of the siphon pump.

Step 2: Fill the wash bucket with solvent

To fill the wash bucket with solvent:

Open the outer lid.
Pour or siphon the solvent into the wash bucket to fill to a level between the minimum (7.8 L) and maximum (8.6 L) fill lines.

Tip:

For more information about using a siphon, refer to the support articles Replacing IPA and Washing prints with TPM.

Step 3: Connect the power supply

Connect the power cable and external supply to the Form Wash and a power source. The Form Wash includes a USB port to allow for firmware updates.

Step 4: Calibrate the hydrometer (IPA only)

Reference the components of the hydrometer according to the following names:

A: O-ring
B: Float
C: Handle
D: Tall wings
E: Short wings
F: Weight

To calibrate the hydrometer:

Hold the handle (C) and release the tool in the wash bucket’s fresh solvent.
Slide the O-ring (A) along the ribbed stem until the O-ring aligns with the short wings (E) at the top of the float.
Leave the O-ring in this position. The alignment of the wings and the O-ring is used to check the resin concentration of solvent between washes.
Store the hydrometer in the tool storage area at the back of the unit.

Notice:

The hydrometer packaged with the Form Wash does not measure the correct range of specific gravity for use with TPM. A hydrometer that can measure a specific gravity of 0.962–1.000 can be used to measure the resin concentration in the TPM. When the specific gravity of the used TPM is above 1.000, it will not be fully effective as a final wash.

Read the support article Washing prints with TPM for more information.