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Display and control panel issues (Fuse Sift)

Display and control panel issues (Fuse Sift)

The Fuse Sift control panel uses a controller board, display panel, capacitive digitizer, and a physical button panel to enable control over the device’s subsystems. In some cases, it is possible that a connector may come loose or a fault may develop with the controller board. As a result, a number of issues may develop with the control panel, causing the display to flicker or appear blank, or subsystems to turn on and off sporadically. The physical buttons may also become unresponsive.

Symptoms

  • Interface elements such as animations, buttons, or text are rendered with various rapidly-changing colors.
  • The backlight intermittently flickers or fades in and out of full brightness. In some cases it may not turn back on until after power-cycling the device, or remain off indefinitely.
  • The vacuum, vent, and sifter may sporadically turn off and on while extracting prints or filling a cartridge, despite not being commanded to via the touch screen or physical buttons.
  • The display is blank or dimly lit after repeatedly power-cycling, but the physical buttons and touch screen still respond to input.
  • Physical buttons do not respond to input.
  • Ring light around a physical button may stay on even though the respective subsystem does not respond.

Causes

  • Firmware glitch
  • Connection issue between the button panel and the display
  • Button panel or single button switch is damaged or defective
  • Display cable assembly is damaged or has a bad connection
  • Electrical grounding fault
  • Motherboard or System on Module fault

Troubleshooting steps

  1. Update your Fuse Sift’s firmware to the latest version.
  2. Power-cycle the machine using the breaker switch on the back of the machine. Check for signs of activity from the Fuse Sift (e.g., powder sensors whining, components operable using the physical controls on the display assembly, etc.).
    1. If there is no activity from the Fuse Sift, contact Formlabs Support or your certified service provider.
    2. If the Fuse Sift shows signs of activity, but the display issue persists, continue.
  3. These types of control panel issues can sometimes be caused by static electricity. Try wearing a static control wristband while using the Fuse Sift.
  4. Unplug and reconnect all cables on the back of the display assembly to ensure they are fully seated. Follow the guide for replacing the display assembly and cable harness to access the back of the display assembly.
  5. Replace the display and control panel assembly and its cable harness. Follow the guide linked above to replace the components.
  6. If the issue persists, contact Formlabs Support or your certified service provider.