Maintain and clean each resin tank using Formlabs instructions to maximize tank performance and to ensure consistent, high-quality prints over a tank’s lifetime. Only use approved materials and processes to clean the resin tank and film.

For the best results, inspect resin tanks regularly and, if necessary, clean them. Dirty optical surfaces and damage to the flexible film may cause print failures.

Inspecting the resin tank interior

To inspect the resin tank interior:

1. Put on a clean pair of nitrile gloves.
2. Use the tank tool to inspect the resin and the film for any print failures. Check for the following issues that may lead to print failures or any excessive wear that requires replacing the tank:
   • Cured resin on the film
   • Debris or failed prints in the resin
   • Punctures, cuts, or gouges in the film
   • Resin caught between film layers
3. If necessary, follow cleaning instructions to remove cured resin, failed prints, debris, and settled pigment.
• Print a cleaning mesh to remove cured resin from the tank
• For moderate wear or scratches on the film, click Layout in PreForm to move models away from the worn or scratched area for future prints.
• If excessive wear or scratches on the film are affecting print quality, replace the tank.
4. Check that the mixer and float are properly installed in the tank.

Inspecting the resin tank exterior

To inspect the resin tank exterior:

1. Put on a new, clean pair of nitrile gloves.
2. Visually inspect the resin tank exterior for fingerprints, dust, contamination, and scratches, which cause the laser light to diffuse and lead to print failures or inaccuracies.
3. If necessary, use the cleaning instructions to remove any fingerprints, dust, or contamination on the flexible film.
   • For moderate wear or scratches on the flexible film exterior, use the Layout tool in PreForm to move the model outside the worn or scratched area.
   • In the case of excessive wear or scratches on the flexible film exterior, switch to a new resin tank.

Inspecting the tank frame

To inspect the tank frame:

1. Put on a new, clean pair of nitrile gloves.
2. Visually inspect the tank frame for contamination or resin. Resin on the tank frame may result in print failures and/or damage to the roller holder. If the roller holder is contaminated, refer to the support article Cleaning the roller holder (Form 3L/Form 3BL).

Keep the resin tank—especially the top and underside surfaces of the flexible film—clean and free of cured resin and other debris to ensure print quality and extend the lifetime of the printer.

Required resources

Cleaning the resin tank interior

To clean the resin tank interior:

• Print failures:
  • Refer to the support article Cleaning after a failed print (Form 3L/Form 3BL).
• Debris or contamination in the resin:
  • Refer to the support article Resin filtration.
  • Clean, debris-free resin helps avoid print failures, which may damage the resin tank.
• Settled pigment in the resin:
  • Resin pigment can settle onto the flexible film interior. To supplement the mixer’s function, slide the tank tool against the flexible film to remove settled pigment.

Cleaning the resin tank exterior

To clean the resin tank exterior:

1. Put on a new, clean pair of nitrile gloves.
2. Empty the liquid resin from the resin tank into an opaque container.
3. Apply a small amount of clean isopropyl alcohol to a PEC*PAD.
4. Wipe the flexible film exterior to remove contamination or resin.

Cleaning the tank frame

To clean the tank frame:

1. Put on a new, clean pair of nitrile gloves.
2. Wipe the tank frame with a low-fiber paper towel to remove contamination or resin.