WHITE PAPER

Starting a print (SLS)

Before you begin

After purchasing your printer, select the necessary consumables that best suit your work environment and use case.

Step 1: Set up PreForm

After setting up the printer, download PreForm:

Step 2: Prepare a model in PreForm

Once the latest version of PreForm is installed on your computer:

Step 3: Transfer a file from PreForm to the printer

After setting up your model in PreForm, choose a printer to run the print job:

Select or manually add a printer in PreForm.
Send the print job from PreForm to the printer.

Step 4: Prepare the nitrogen system (Fuse 1+ 30W only)

The Fuse 1+ 30W has the option to use nitrogen as an inert gas atmosphere in the print chamber. The inert nitrogen atmosphere prevents the oxidation of plastic powder. See the support article Choosing the right powder for a list of which powders should be printed using nitrogen. If you are running your print with an inert gas atmosphere, prepare the nitrogen system and enable N₂ Mode on the printer.

Step 5: Start a print on the printer

After transferring the print job, confirm the print job on the printer’s touchscreen to start the print.

Note:

When starting a print with a new build chamber, the printer reads the build chamber as Unassigned. The build chamber automatically assigns itself to the powder type of the credits loaded onto the printer.

Step 6: Manage usage and data in Dashboard

After starting a print, log in to Dashboard and create a Formlabs account to:

Track your print progress.
View the order status and history for your Formlabs.com purchases.
Access and share print data.
Manage printers.
Manage material consumption.