On Fuse 1 generation printers, the motor and temperature controller board (also known as the MoTempBo) process signals to and from the motors and temperature sensors in the printer. A faulty or malfunctioning controller board will prevent the printer from working properly.
Use this guide to replace the motor and temperature controller board on a Fuse 1 generation printer.
Required supplies:
Formlabs:
Third-party:
Estimated time: 15–30 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 printer and a dust-free workspace for replacing the motor and temperature controller board.
Notice:
Fuse 1 generation 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: Prepare the workspace
Clear a workspace around your printer. Ensure that the workspace is well-ventilated and free of dust.
Step 2: 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 back panel of the printer while the printer is plugged in. Never reconnect the printer to power while the back panel is uninstalled.
Step 3: Remove the Wi-Fi antenna
Unscrew and remove the Wi-Fi antenna, if it is connected.
Step 4: Disconnect the nitrogen source (Fuse 1+ 30W only)
Disconnect the nitrogen hose from the quick-disconnect fitting, if connected.
Removing the lower rear panel
Overview: Remove the lower rear panel to access the interior of the printer.
The six black lower rear panel screws are circled in red. The four chrome lower rear panel grounding screws are circled in blue.
Using a 2.5 mm hex driver, remove the six black panel screws and the four chrome panel grounding screws securing the lower rear panel to the printer. Set the screws aside, taking care to separate the black and chrome screws for later reinstallation.
Pull the lower rear panel straight back and away from the printer. Lay it down on a flat, clean surface.
Removing the original motor and temperature controller board
Overview: Disconnect and remove the original motor and temperature controller board.
Put on an antistatic wrist band and connect it to a known ground point. Do not connect the wristband any surfaces that are powder-coated or painted.
Locate the controller board, positioned above the laser assembly at the back of the machine.
Use a permanent marker or other means to label each of the four silicone tubes attached to the board as shown here
Step 2: Disconnect the tubes from the motor and temperature controller board
Disconnect the four silicone tubes by gently pressing down on the black plastic sensor housing while pulling the tube off of the barb fitting.
Notice:
Do not pull the silicone tubes off of the barb fitting without holding the sensor housings. Failure to do so may damage the sensors or the board.
Step 3: Disconnect the cables from the motor and temperature controller board
Disconnect all cables from the board. For cables that have a locking tab, make sure to disengage the locking tab first, then pull the connector away from the board via its plastic housing.
Using a 2.5 mm hex driver, loosen and remove the four 8 mm M3 socket head screws securing the original board to the back of the printer. Maneuver the board away from the rear panel, being careful not to snag or pull any of the loose connectors. Set the board aside for disposal with electronic waste.
Installing the replacement motor and temperature controller board
Overview: Connect, mount, and secure the replacement motor and temperature controller board.
Step 1: Prepare the new controller board
If you are not still wearing one, put on an antistatic wrist band and connect it to a known ground point. Remove the controller board from its packaging.
Align the four screw holes on the new controller board with the corresponding holes on the back of the printer. Ensure that no cables are trapped beneath the board.
Thread one 8 mm M3 socket head screw into each of the four screw holes in the board. Check that no cables are trapped beneath the board, then use a 2.5 mm hex driver to tighten the screws until snug.
Reconnect the cables to the controller board. Refer to the image here to map each connector with its socket.
Reconnect the silicone tubes to their corresponding barbed connectors. Refer to the image here to map each tube to the correct fitting.
Reinstalling the lower rear panel
Overview: After installing the replacement controller board, reinstall and secure the lower rear panel.
The six black lower rear panel screws are circled in red. The four chrome lower rear panel grounding screws are circled in blue.
Thread the panel screws into the indicated screw holes on the lower rear panel. Refer to the image for the correct locations of the black and chrome screws. Using a 2.5 mm hex driver, screw in the six black panel screws and four chrome panel grounding screws securing the lower rear panel to the printer.
Notice:
The placement of the chrome screws is critical to the printer's electrical grounding. Incorrect placement may lead to printer damage.
Step 2: Reinstall the Wi-Fi antenna (optional)
Screw the Wi-Fi antenna onto the jack on the back of the unit.
Step 3: Reconnect the nitrogen supply (Fuse 1+ 30W only)
Reconnect the nitrogen hose to the quick-disconnect fitting, if it was previously connected.
Finalizing the repair
Overview: After installing the replacement controller 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: Update the printer's firmware
Open PreForm and connect to the printer via USB (preferred) or a local network. Download the latest firmware version from Formlabs. Manually update the printer’s firmware in PreForm by clicking the Printer box on the top right, selecting the printer from the list, clicking Update Firmware, then following the instructions in the dialog box that appears.
When the printer is ready, proceed with the update prompts on the touchscreen.
Step 3: Level the printer
The motor and temperature controller board contains a leveling sensor, whose zero position is calibrated after installation into the printer. In the printer UI, navigate to Settings > Calibration > Printer Leveling > Calibrate Printer Level Sensor. Follow the instructions on the printer UI to level the printer using a bubble level and zero the level sensor.
Notice:
Failure to complete the leveling calibration after replacing the motor and temperature controller board will result in erroneous pre-print warnings that the printer is out of level.
Step 4: Test the repair
Start a print. Monitor the printer to ensure that the print proceeds normally. Contact Formlabs Support or your certified service provider to share the results of the procedure.
