Replacing the Form 4 SOM

The Form 4 system on a module (SOM) plugs in to the motherboard and runs firmware on the printer. A malfunctioning SOM may cause the printer to freeze during initialization or fail to turn on.

Use this guide to replace the Form 4 SOM.

Required Supplies:

Formlabs:

System on module (SOM)
2.5 mm hex driver (included in the Form 4 tool caddy)

Third-party:

2 mm hex driver
ESD-safe tweezers
1 piece of printer paper
Nitrile gloves
Anti-static grounding strap

Estimated time: 30 minutes

Danger:

Read and follow all safety instructions and warnings in the operator manual. Replacement with incorrect parts can lead to burns, shock, fire, or explosion. Dispose of all parts in accordance with local regulations.

Preparing the workspace

Overview: Prepare the Form 4 and workspace for replacing the SOM.

Step 1: Remove the build platform

Remove the build platform first to avoid dripping resin onto the Light Processing Unit (LPU).

Step 2: Remove the resin cartridge

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

Step 3: Remove and store the resin tank and mixer

Unlatch the mixer and resin tank. Remove the resin tank and cover it with its lid. Set the 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: Clean the printer

Warning:

Resin may cause skin irritation or an allergic skin reaction. Wear gloves when handling liquid resin or resin-coated surfaces. Wash skin with plenty of soap and water.

Open the printer cover and clean any resin pooled on and around the LPU with non-abrasive wipes. Dampen the wipes with isopropyl alcohol if necessary to fully remove the resin.

Danger:

Fire hazard. IPA is flammable. Keep containers closed, and keep out of the reach of children.

Step 6: Unplug the printer

Disconnect the power cable before continuing with maintenance. Do not perform maintenance on the printer while it is connected to power. Wait five minutes after disconnecting the printer from power before proceeding.

Danger:

Performing maintenance on the printer while it is plugged in increases the risk of electric shock. Never remove the printer panels while the printer is plugged in. Never reconnect the printer to power while the panels are uninstalled.

Removing the right panel

Overview: Uninstall the right panel to access the motherboard.

Notice:

Formlabs printers contain sensitive electronic components. Ground yourself before touching any electronics in the machine by using an antistatic wrist band or touching a grounded piece of metal.

Step 1: Open the printer cover

Two of the four screws that secure the right panel to the printer are located behind the printer cover frame. Open the printer cover to access these screws.

Step 2: Remove the right panel screws

Step 3: Remove the right panel

Pull the right panel directly away from the printer. Set the panel aside.

Removing the SOM

Overview: Access the motherboard and remove the SOM.

Step 1: Ground yourself with an antistatic wrist band

Put on an antistatic wrist band, then connect it to a known ground point.

Notice:

The Form 4 motherboard and SOM are sensitive circuit assemblies and must be treated with care. Any damage from mishandling or exposure to static electricity may render the motherboard or SOM, and thus the printer, inoperable. Do not ground yourself with any surfaces that are powder-coated or painted.

Step 2: Locate the SOM

Locate the motherboard on the right side of the printer. The SOM is located in the center of the board.

Step 3: Disconnect the Wi-Fi antenna cable from the SOM

Using a pair of ESD-safe tweezers, disconnect the Wi-Fi antenna cable. Take care removing the Wi-Fi antenna cable, as it is extremely fragile and may bend or break if improperly handled.

Step 4: Remove the SOM mounting screws

Using a 2 mm hex driver, remove the three retention screws securing the SOM to the motherboard. Set the screws aside.

Step 5: Prepare the SOM removal tool

The SOM is securely connected to the motherboard with two press-fit connectors. A folded piece of paper works well to assist in the removal of the SOM without damaging the motherboard. Cut an approximately 4 inch (100 mm) strip of paper. Fold the paper three times to form a 1 inch (25 mm) wide strip.

Step 6: Position the SOM removal tool

Gently slide the folded paper under the bottom-left corner of the SOM as shown. Position the edge of the paper to the left of the bottom-right mounting screw hole.

Step 7: Disconnect the left side of the SOM from the motherboard

Using one finger, press the paper against the motherboard underneath the right mounting screw. Using your other hand, gently pull the other end of the paper. The left side of the SOM releases from the motherboard with steady pressure. Once the left side of the SOM has been loosened from the motherboard, set the paper strip aside.

Step 8: Remove the SOM

Grip the SOM by the top and bottom edges. Gently separate the SOM from the motherboard. Set the SOM aside for disposal with electronic waste.

Installing the replacement SOM

Overview: After removing the SOM, mount and secure the replacement SOM.

Step 1: Install the replacement SOM

Using the mounting screw holes, align the SOM with the motherboard with the Wi-Fi antenna socket at the top and the heatsink facing outward. Press on the left and right edges of the SOM towards the middle of the board, as annotated above, to fully seat it in the motherboard connectors.

Step 2: Secure the SOM to the motherboard

Using a 2 mm hex driver, screw in the three retention screws until finger tight.

Step 3: Connect the Wi-Fi antenna cable

Align the connector housing on the end of the antenna cable over the socket on the SOM. Using a finger or the tip of a small flat-head screwdriver, push gently to seat the antenna cable.

Reinstalling the right panel

Overview: Reinstall and secure the right panel.

Step 1: Mount the right panel

Place the right panel on the printer. Ensure that the screw holes in the panel align with those in the printer frame and that it sits flush with the touchscreen assembly and the back of the machine.

Step 2: Install the right panel screws

Use a 2.5 mm hex driver to install the four screws that secure the right panel to the printer. Tighten the screws until snug.

Finalizing the procedure

Overview: After replacing the SOM, power on the printer and 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 and displays a series of onboarding steps on the touchscreen. Follow these steps to prepare the printer for use.

Step 2: Update the printer's firmware

Update the printer's firmware. Test the printer to ensure that it operates normally. Contact Formlabs Support or your authorized reseller to share the results of the procedure.