Caution:
Do not use compressed air or an air gun to clean the print enclosure, build chamber, or any other component. Mobilizing loose particles increases the risk of unintentional inhalation or ingestion.
WHITE PAPER
Cleaning the Fuse 1 generation build chamber felt seal
Cleaning the Fuse 1 generation build chamber felt seal
On Fuse 1 generation build chambers, the felt seal around the print bed prevents powder from leaking from the build chamber during and after printing. Over time, the felt can become occluded with powder, which can prevent the print bed from moving properly. Clean the build chamber felt seal after 500 hours of printing to prevent layer registration issues and Z-axis jamming.
Required supplies
Estimated time: 10 minutes
Supplies:
- 2.5 mm hex driver (flat-end)
- Putty knife
- Vacuum that is approved for dust collection that are grounded, such as a Class II, Division 2 vacuum, with crevice attachment
- Any additional PPE specified in the safety data sheet for the powder in use
Cleaning the felt seal
Step 1: Empty the build chamber
If the build chamber has recently been used for a print and contains a powder cake, empty the build chamber using a Fuse Sift.
Step 2: Remove the print bed
- Using a 2.5 mm hex driver, remove the four 12 mm M4 button head screws securing the print bed.
- Carefully wedge a putty knife into the gap between bottom of the print bed and the white felt seal. Gently lift the edge of the print bed upwards.
- Rotate the entire build chamber 90°.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 on each side of the print bed until the print bed can be lifted off the build chamber.
Step 3: Vacuum the felt seal
Using a vacuum cleaner with a crevice attachment, vacuum as much powder from the felt seal as possible. You may need to use a scrubbing motion to break apart clumps of powder.
Note:
If there is obvious damage to the felt, such as a tear or melted material that is impossible to remove, replace the print bed assembly. The print bed assembly is available from the Formlabs Store. Follow the guide Replacing the Fuse 1 generation build chamber print bed [EN] [DE] [ES] [FR] [IT] [JA] [ZH] to replace the component.
Step 4: Replace the print bed
- Place the new print bed on the build chamber piston top. Take care to orient the print bed correctly. The only offset screw hole should be located in the front-left corner of the build chamber.
- Firmly press the print bed into the build chamber by pushing down on each corner one at a time.
- Thread the four 12 mm M4 button head screws into their screw holes in the print bed. Using a 2.5 mm hex driver, firmly tighten the screws.
