The Form Cure contains two heaters that heat printed parts during post-curing. If the heaters are broken or malfunction, printed parts may not post-cure properly and may not reach their optimal mechanical properties. Replace the heaters to restore proper functionality.
Use this guide to replace the Form Cure (2nd Generation) heaters.
Required Supplies:
Formlabs:
Third-party:
Estimated time: 30 minutes
Notice:
Formlabs devices 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.
Preparing the workspace
Overview: Prepare the Form Cure (2nd Generation) and workspace for replacing the heater.
Step 1: Prepare the workspace
Clear a workspace around your machine. Ensure that the workspace is well-ventilated and free of dust.
Step 2: Clean the Form Cure chamber
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 Form Cure door. Clean any resin that may have pooled or cured in the post-cure chamber with paper towels. Dampen the paper towels with isopropyl alcohol if necessary.
Danger:
IPA is flammable. Keep containers closed, and keep out of the reach of children. Allow IPA to fully evaporate before starting a post-cure cycle.
Step 3: Remove the turntable
Lift the turntable directly upwards off the rollers and set it aside.
Step 4: Unplug the machine
Turn off the machine using the power switch on the back of the unit. Disconnect the power cable before continuing with maintenance. Do not perform maintenance on the machine while it is connected to power. Wait five minutes after disconnecting the machine from power before proceeding. If the machine was recently in use, the post-cure chamber will be warm. Wait at least 10 minutes for the chamber to cool.
Danger:
Performing maintenance on the machine while it is plugged in increases the risk of electric shock. Never remove the machine's shells while it is plugged in. Never reconnect the machine to power while the shells are uninstalled.
Removing the heaters
Overview: Remove the heater cover panel to remove the heaters.
Step 1: Remove the heater cover panel screws
Use a 2.5 mm hex driver to remove the four screws that secure the heater cover panel to the machine. Set the panel and the screws aside.
Step 2: Disconnect the heater cables
Each heater connects to the machine with one blue cable and one red cable. Gently pull the plastic housing on each of the four cables to disconnect the heaters. Do not pull on the individual wires.
Step 3: Remove the heater retention screws
Use a 2.5 mm hex driver to remove the two heater retention screws that secure each heater to the machine. Set the four screws aside.
Step 4: Remove the heaters
Remove the two heaters from the machine. Set aside for disposal with electronic waste.
Installing the replacement heaters
Overview: Mount and secure the replacement heaters.
Step 1: Mount and secure the replacement heater
Position the replacement heater on its mounting surface, aligning the screw holes on the mounting bracket with the screw holes in the machine. Ensure the cables are in the correct position.
Thread one heater retention screw into each of the two screw holes. Use a 2.5 mm hex driver to tighten until snug.
Step 2: Secure the second replacement heater to the machine
Repeat Step 1 to secure the second replacement heater to the machine.
Step 3: Connect the heater cables
Each heater has two cables that connect to the machine. Attach the inner cable to the red cable. Attach the outer cable to the blue cable. The cable makes an audible click when properly connected.
Step 4: Align the heater cover panel
Align the heater cover panel in the correct orientation with the notch on the bottom and the black mounting brackets facing out into the curing chamber. Tilt the heater cover panel at an angle to insert into place without interfering with the fan.
Step 5: Secure the heater cover panel
Thread one heater cover panel screw into each of the four screw holes. Use a 2.5 mm hex driver to tighten until snug.
Finalizing the repair
Overview: After installing the replacement heaters, power on the machine and perform final checks.
Step 1: Insert the turntable
Place the turntable onto the turntable mount.
Step 2: Power on the machine
Close the Form Cure door. Connect the power cable to the Form Cure and the power supply. Flip the breaker switch on the back of the unit to the ON position to turn on the machine. The Form Cure initializes.
Step 3: Test the repair
Start a post-cure cycle to test the replacement heaters. Monitor the Form Curec to ensure it heats up properly. Contact Formlabs Support or your authorized reseller to share the results of the procedure.
