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Replacing the Form Wash L SOM

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

Use this guide to replace the Form Wash L SOM.

Required supplies:

Formlabs:

System on module (SOM)

Third-party:

1.3 mm hex driver
2.5 mm hex driver
Nitrile gloves

Estimated time: 20–30 minutes

Preparing the workspace

Overview: Prepare the Form Wash L and a dust-free workspace for replacing the SOM.

Step 1: Prepare the workspace

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

Step 2: Unplug the networking cables and Wi-Fi antenna

Disconnect the Ethernet and USB cables from the unit, if they are connected. Unscrew and remove the Wi-Fi antenna.

Step 3: Unplug the machine

DANGER:

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

Disconnect the power cable from the machine 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.

Removing the right shell

Overview: Remove the right shell of the machine to access the SOM.

NOTICE:

The Form Wash L contains sensitive electronic components. Ground yourself before touching any electronics in the machine by using a grounding strap or touching a grounded piece of metal.

Step 1: Unscrew the right shell screws

Use the 2.5 mm hex driver to loosen and remove the 12 screws holding the right shell to the frame of the Form Wash L. Three countersunk screws are located on the right side of the machine and nine button head screws are located on the rear. Set the screws aside.

NOTICE:

There are two screws, accessible through cutouts in the right shell, that secure the lid to the frame of the machine. Do not remove these screws during this procedure.

Step 2: Remove the right shell

Pull the right shell away from the Form Wash L to separate it from the machine’s frame. Set the right shell aside.

Removing the SOM

Overview: Unscrew and uninstall the SOM.

Step 1: Disconnect the Wi-Fi antenna from the SOM

Unplugging the Form Wash L Wi-Fi antenna from the SOM

The Wi-Fi antenna is plugged into the SOM at the top-right corner of the board. The connector is accessible through a cutout in the heatsink. Grip the antenna’s connector by its housing and disconnect it from the SOM. Do not pull on the antenna itself.

Step 2: Unscrew the SOM retention screws

The SOM is plugged into the motherboard and secured with two screws on the top side of the module. Using a 1.3 mm hex driver, loosen and remove two SOM retention screws. Set the screws aside.

Step 3: Unlatch the SOM

The SOM is additionally secured via two latches: one on the left side of the board and one on the right. Using fingernails or a small flat-blade screwdriver, open the two latches securing the SOM into its socket. The SOM may tilt forward once you have opened both latches.

Remove the SOM

Disconnecting the Z-axis limit switch cable

Lift the SOM up from the edge opposite its connector and carefully pull it free from the socket. Place the SOM on a static-free surface.

Installing the replacement SOM

Overview: Mount and secure the new SOM.

Step 1: Mount and secure the replacement SOM

Insert the SOM into its socket on the motherboard at an angle, then tilt it towards the motherboard until the two latches close. Insert one SOM retention screw into both of the screw holes on the top edge of the SOM. Using a 1.3 mm hex driver, tighten the two screws until finger tight. Do not overtighten.

Step 2: Reconnect the Wi-Fi antenna

The Wi-Fi antenna is plugged into the SOM at the top-right corner of the board. The connector is accessible through a cutout in the heatsink. 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.

Reconnecting the Form Wash L Wi-Fi antenna

Reinstalling the right shell

Overview: Reinstall and secure the right shell.

Step 1: Reinstall the right shell

Hold the right shell against the Form Wash L. Check that the screw holes in the right shell line up with the corresponding screw holes in the frame of the machine. Loosely thread the three countersunk 2.5 mm hex screws into the screw holes on the right side of the machine and the nine button head screws into the screw holes on the back of the machine.

Step 2: Secure the right shell

Starting with the screws on the right side of the machine, tighten the screws using a 2.5 mm hex driver until finger tight.

Finalizing the repair

Overview: After reinstalling the right shell, power on the machine and perform final checks.

Step 1: Power on the machine

Reconnect the power cable to the Form Wash L. Flip the breaker switch on the back of the unit to the ON position to turn on the machine.

Step 2: Test the repair

Use the touchscreen to test various actions and ensure that the machine works normally. Contact Formlabs Support or your authorized reseller to share the results of the procedure.