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Safety with the Form Wash L

Safety with the Form Wash L

The Form Wash L is an automated washing solution that requires respect and care to ensure safe operation. Follow all safety considerations listed here during operation.

Note:

For the complete safety instructions, please visit the support article Manuals and documentation to download the manual.

Throughout the manual and other documentation, safety notices are marked with standard words and symbols. Read the definitions below to understand these markings and how they relate to your safety.

SymbolMeaning
"Danger" indicates a hazard with a high level of risk which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
"Warning" indicates a hazard with a medium level of risk which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
"Caution" indicates a hazard with a low level of risk which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
"Notice" indicates information considered important, but not hazard-related. Not following this information could void the warranty or result in damage to the machine.  

Danger:

Isopropyl alcohol is a flammable chemical.

General usage

The Form Wash L automatically cleans uncured liquid resin from 3D printed parts’ surfaces. The final performance characteristics of cured photopolymer resin may vary according to your compliance with the instructions for use, application, operating conditions, material combined with, end use, or other factors.

Operate the device in a well-ventilated room (≥ 3 air exchanges per hour) with a temperature of 18–28 °C (64–82 °F). Due to flammable vapors, place the device at least 0.9 m (3 ft) from other electrical equipment.

Notice:

In some cases, the additive manufacturing process may inherently result in variable performance characteristics between manufacturing runs or within a specific part. Such variances may not be apparent and may result in unexpected defects in additively fabricated parts.

Warning:

  • General usage: You must independently verify the suitability of additive manufacturing, stereolithography, the Form Wash L, and any specific designs or materials employed for the application and intended purpose before use. In no event shall Formlabs be liable for any loss, death, or bodily injury that you suffer, or that you cause to any third party, in connection with your use of Formlabs products. To the fullest extent legally permitted Formlabs EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED OR EXPLICIT WARRANTY OF FITNESS for a particular usage, the particular nature and circumstances of said usage being unforeseen and unforeseeable to Formlabs.
  • Medical usage: Formlabs is not a manufacturer of medical devices. Formlabs provides tools and materials that may be used in many applications, but makes no claims as to the safety or effectiveness of any specific devices made using Formlabs products. Certain Formlabs products, such as those commonly known in the industry as “biocompatible” resins, have been engineered to comply with relevant industry standards. The specific standards and most relevant technical specifications may be identified within the technical data sheets and have been tested according to relevant testing protocols for those standards and specifications. Formlabs resins for biocompatible applications are a speciality product, developed for use by medical professionals, and should be used in accordance with their instructions for use.
  • Modification: Do not modify—The Form Wash L is intended for use as-is. Modifying the unit without explicit approval and directions from Formlabs will invalidate your warranty, and could potentially ruin the machine and cause you bodily harm. Never remove the bottom panel of the unit.
  • Lifting hazard: The Form Wash L is a heavy object. A two person lift is required to prevent injury and avoid damage to the machine. Always use the included cardboard slings when moving the device.
  • Manual: Read and understand the manual and its safety instructions before using the Form Wash L. Failure to do so can result in serious injury or death.

Caution:

Moving parts present crushing and tangling hazards.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Warning:

  • Skin irritant: 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.

Caution:

  • Risk of eye injury: Some methods of support removal may cause small pieces of supports to break away. Beware of flying debris and consider wearing eye protection and gloves to protect the skin and eyes.

Electronic components

The Form Wash L is a professional appliance that includes electronic components. As with any such appliance:

Warning:

 

  • Do not operate the Form Wash L with a damaged cord or plug. The Form Wash L requires reliable grounding. The power cable used with the device must be grounded. Do not use an inadequately-rated power cable with the Form Wash L.
  • Always disconnect power before cleaning.
  • Only use well-maintained equipment.
  • Operate on a clear and level surface.

Sharp tools

The Form Wash L comes with various part and support removal tools. These tools are sharp and present a cutting hazard if used improperly.

The accessories include sharp tools such as: a part removal tool, flush cutters, a scraper, and tweezers.

Caution:

  • Cutting hazard: Using the included tools (e.g., flush cutters, scrapers, etc.) on slippery surfaces (such as a resin-coated build platform) can result in sudden movement. Orient sharp tools away from yourself, especially when cutting or scraping.

Solvents

Observe the following precautions when using the Form Wash L:

  • Comply with local or organizational regulations, which may have specific requirements for: storage, ventilation, personal protective equipment, and disposal of solvents.
  • Use the included siphon pump to avoid overfilling or spilling solvent.
  • Operate the Form Wash L on a clear and level surface.
  • Always remove the wash bucket or empty solvent from the wash bucket before storing or transporting the Form Wash L.

Notice:

Formlabs does not manufacture solvents. Always consult the safety data sheet (SDS) from your solvent supplier as the primary source of information for storage and handling.

Isopropyl alcohol (IPA)

Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) di ssolves liquid resin, making it effective for washing parts printed on Formlabs SLA printers and for cleaning resin spills. Follow all relevant handling, storage, and disposal advisories when working with IPA.

Danger:

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

Caution:

  • Disposal: Refer to the safety data sheet (SDS) and local authorities for guidance on disposing of IPA.
  • Skin and respiratory irritant: Wear protective gloves and work in a well-ventilated area when handling IPA.

Tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether (TPM)

Tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether (TPM) dissolves liquid resin, making it effective for washing parts printed on Formlabs SLA printers. Follow all relevant handling, storage, and disposal advisories when working with TPM.

Resin

Always consult the safety data sheet (SDS) as the primary source of information to understand safety and handling of Formlabs materials.

Warning:

  • Poison hazard: Never ingest resin in liquid or solid form. If swallowed, immediately call a poison center or medical professional. Contact ChemTel with the information below for global 24-hour assistance interpreting the SDS.
    • North America: +1 800 255 3924
    • Worldwide Intl.: +01 813 248 0585
    • Reference Contract Number: MIS4707563
  • General safety: Always consult the SDS as the primary source of information to understand safety and handling of Formlabs materials. In an emergency involving resin, always refer to the SDS and/or seek help from a medical professional.
  • Skin irritant: 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.

Maintenance

The Form Wash L requires regular preventative maintenance and may require occasional repairs. Follow all relevant instructions and safety advisories when performing any maintenance on a Form Wash L.

Danger:

  • Electric shock hazard: Tampering with or disassembling the device prior to disconnecting the power cable and waiting at least five minutes can subject users to potential- ly fatal electrical hazards. When removing the exterior paneling, disconnect the machine from its power source before maintenance.

Warning:

  • Supervision: Formlabs provides instructions to advise skilled and non-skilled persons in installing, operating, and maintaining the Form Wash L. The Form Wash L shall only be maintained by a qualified and trained person.
  • Modification: Do not open the Form Wash L and/or investigate internal components unless under the guidance of Formlabs or an authorized reseller. Contact Formlabs Support or an authorized reseller for any additional guidance.
  • Unauthorized maintenance: Unauthorized disassembly or repair procedures may damage the Form Wash L and void the warranty.
  • Personal protective equipment: Wear personal protective equipment when performing maintenance tasks. Use tools only as described.

Radio interference

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to CFR Title 47, Part 15 of FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at their own expense.

Changes or modifications to this product not authorized by Formlabs could void the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and negate your authority to operate the product.

Caution:

Hazardous radiation: Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.