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Replacing the Form 4L resin tank RFID board

The resin tank RFID board sits in the back right side of the printer and detects the presence of the resin tank on Form 4L printers. A malfunctioning resin tank RFID board may prevent the printer from recognizing resin tanks and printing properly.

Use this guide to replace the Form 4L resin tank RFID board.

Required Supplies:

Formlabs:

Resin tank RFID board
2 mm hex driver (included in the Form 4L tool cap assembly)

Third-party:

7 mm nut driver (optional)
Nitrile gloves

Estimated time: 30 minutes

Preparing the workspace

Overview: Prepare the Form 4L and a dust-free workspace for replacing the Form 4L resin tank RFID board.

Step 1: Remove the build platform

Remove the build platform first to avoid dripping resin onto the optical surfaces.

Step 2: Remove the resin cartridges

Remove the resin cartridges and close the vent caps 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 cavity

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 paper towels. Dampen the paper towels with isopropyl alcohol if necessary to fully remove the resin.

Danger:

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

Step 6: Unplug the printer

Disconnect the power cable from the printer 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.

Removing the back panel

Overview: Remove the back panel to access the resin tank RFID board.

Notice:

Formlabs printers contain sensitive electronic components. Ground yourself before touching any electronics in the printer by using a grounding strap or touching a grounded piece of metal.

Step 1: Remove the back panel screws

Use a 2 mm hex driver to remove the 20 screws securing the back panel to the printer. Set the screws aside.

Step 2: Remove the back panel

Remove the back panel by sliding it down and away from the back of the printer. Set the back panel aside.

Removing the resin tank RFID board

Overview: After preparing the printer and workspace, remove the resin tank RFID board.

Step 1: Locate the resin tank RFID board

The resin tank RFID board is located on the left side of the printer.

Step 2: Remove the resin tank RFID board screws

Use a 2 mm hex driver to remove the two screws that secure the resin tank RFID board to the mounting plate. Set the screws aside.

Step 3: Disconnect the resin tank RFID board

Squeeze the plastic retaining clip and unplug the resin tank RFID cable from the board. Do not pull on the wires.

Step 4: Remove the resin tank RFID board

Once the cable is unplugged, the resin tank RFID board is separated from the printer. Slide the resin tank RFID board out from behind the mounting plate. Set it aside for disposal with electronics waste.

Installing the replacement resin tank RFID board

Overview: Mount and secure the replacement resin tank RFID board.

Step 1: Mount and secure the replacement resin tank RFID board

Orient the board so the QR code faces outwards and the cable connector is on the right.

Slide the replacement resin tank RFID board behind the mounting plate. Orient the board so the QR code faces outwards and the cable connector is on the right. While holding the board with one hand, align the two screw holes in the plate with the two mounting holes on the board.

Thread the resin tank RFID board retention screws into the screw holes. Use a 2 mm hex driver to tighten the two screws until finger tight.

Tip:

If you have difficulty aligning and remounting the board, use a 7 mm nut driver to remove the two mounting plate nuts. Remove the mounting plate from the printer. Use a 2 mm hex driver to install the resin tank RFID board onto the mounting plate. Reinstall the mounting plate back on the printer.

Step 2: Connect the resin tank RFID cable

Connect the resin tank RFID cable to the replacement board. The connector makes an audible and tactile click when secured.

Reinstalling the back panel

Overview: After replacing the resin tank RFID board, reinstall and secure the back panel.

Step 1: Mount the back panel

Position the back panel against the printer. Ensure that the twenty screw holes in the back panel align with the corresponding holes in the printer and the back panel sits flush with the sides of the printer.

Step 2: Secure the back panel

Thread one back panel screw into each of the twenty screw holes in the back panel. Use a 2 mm hex driver to tighten until snug.

Finalizing the repair

Overview: After installing the new resin tank RFID board, power on the printer and perform final checks.

Step 1: Power on the printer

Connect the power cable to the printer and the power supply. The printer initializes.

Step 2: Test the resin tank RFID board

Insert a resin tank and check that the printer recognizes it properly. Contact Formlabs Support or your authorized reseller to share the results of the procedure.