WHITE PAPER

Replacing the Form 3 cover

The cover is the upper enclosure of Form 3. It is made of a strong, amber-tinted material, and blocks exposure to the laser and protects the resin from curing due to ambient light. Large cracks or other damage to the cover could affect print quality or allow stray laser light to escape the printer.

Use this guide to replace the cover.

Required Supplies:

Formlabs:

Replacement cover
2.5 mm hex driver

Third-party:

Nitrile gloves

Estimated time: 15 minutes

NOTICE:

This procedure may require an additional person to help steady and align the cover.

Preparing the workspace

Overview: Prepare the Form 3 and a dust-free workspace for replacing the cover.

Step 1: Remove the build platform

Remove the build platform first to avoid dripping resin into the printer cavity.

Step 2: Remove the resin cartridge

Remove the resin cartridge and close the vent cap to prevent resin from dripping off the bite valve and into the printer.

Step 3: Remove and store the resin tank

Remove the resin tank, place it in the resin tank case, and cover it with its lid. Set the case and tank aside on a clean, flat surface.

NOTICE:

Wear gloves and hold the resin tank by the tank grips on either side to avoid contamination or damage to the underside of the tank.

Step 4: Prepare the workspace

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

Step 5: Unplug the printer

Disconnect the power cable before continuing with maintenance.

WARNING:

Moving parts and lead screws present crushing and tangling hazards. Be sure that the printer is unplugged from its power source and powered down before servicing the machine.

Removing the cover

Overview: After setting up a workspace, remove the printer cover.

Step 1: Open the cover

The cover is attached to the underside of the hinge by four 2.5 mm hex screws. Open the cover to access the screws.

Step 2: Unscrew the cover

Fully loosen and remove the four screws holding the cover to the hinge with the provided hex driver. The cover is supported entirely by these four screws–if possible, have someone hold the cover steady while you remove them. Avoid dropping the screws into the printer cavity or the cartridge slot.

Step 3: Remove the cover bracket

Remove the bracket at the top of the hinge (now facing the back of the printer) and set aside.

Step 4: Remove the cover

Lift the cover up and away from the printer, leaving the hinge in its open position.

Installing the replacement cover

Overview: Install and secure the replacement printer cover.

Step 1: Align the cover

Hold the cover flush against the top of the hinge (now facing the back of the printer). Position the new cover so that its four screw holes line up with the holes in the hinge.

Step 2: Install the cover bracket

Put the bracket back into place so that the threaded fittings pass through the holes on the cover and into the hinge. The cover will be clamped between the bracket and the hinge.

Step 3: Install the screws

Insert each of the four screws into their holes in the bottom face of the hinge. Tighten with the provided hex driver until snug. Avoid dropping the screws into the printer cavity or the cartridge slot. If any of the cover screws are lost or damaged, they can be replaced with a standard 10 mm long M3 x 0.5 mm socket head screw.

Finalizing the repair

Overview: After replacing the cover, perform final checks.

Step 1: Power on the printer

Close the printer cover and connect the power cable to the printer and the power supply. The printer initializes. If the cover has been installed properly, the printer returns to its ready state.

Step 2: Set up the printer

Insert the resin tank, resin cartridge, and build platform to continue printing. If the printer reports that the cover is open, repeat these steps and ensure that the cover closes properly.