Warning:
Use appropriate personal protective equipment when handling loose or unsintered powder. Refer to the support articles Safety with Fuse 1 generation printers and Safety with the Fuse Sift for more information.
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Powder cartridge maintenance and storage
Powder cartridge maintenance and storage
The powder cartridge is the container in which SLS powder is mixed and transported from the Fuse Sift to the printer’s hopper. For the best printing results, store and maintain powder cartridges according to Formlabs recommendations.
Cleaning the powder cartridge internal cavity
During regular use, powder accumulates within the walls of the powder cartridge. Clean the cartridge if you notice small amounts of powder leaking from the cartridge. Attach the vacuum’s crevice tool (included with the Fuse Sift) to reach the space between the knife valve and the body of the powder cartridge and remove the excess powder.
Notice:
The powder cartridge should be cleaned after processing approximately 50–100 prints, or if powder starts leaking, whichever comes first.
To clean the powder cartridge’s internal cavity:
- Open the cartridge valve.
- If there is powder in the cartridge, empty it into the printer’s hopper or the Fuse Sift.
- Attach the vacuum crevice tool to the vacuum hose in the Fuse Sift.
Vacuum the space between the knife valve and the body of the powder cartridge in four stages:
- Wedge the vacuum crevice tool under the valve knife, slightly left of the centerline of the cartridge.
- Turn on the vacuum by pushing the Vac button on the Fuse Sift’s control panel.
- Hold the vacuum crevice tool in place for approximately one minute.
- Move the vacuum crevice tool to the right of the centerline of the cartridge and hold in place for approximately one minute.
- Move the vacuum crevice tool to the far left of the valve knife and hold in place for approximately 30 seconds.
- Move the vacuum crevice tool to the far right of the valve knife and hold in place for approximately 30 seconds.
- Remove the vacuum crevice tool from underneath the valve knife and close the cartridge valve.
- Turn off the vacuum by pushing the Vac button on the Fuse Sift’s control panel.
Storage
Store powder cartridges according to Formlabs guidelines. Store cartridges upright in a low-humidity environment. Keep the cartridge valve closed to prevent fibers or other debris from contaminating the powder.
Regularly check the area where cartridges are stored for leaks and spills. Clean up spilled powder with a vacuum that is grounded and bonded (e.g., a Class II, Division 2 vacuum).
Disposal
Follow Formlabs guidelines to dispose of empty cartridges.