Required Supplies:
Formlabs:
- LevelSense board
- 2.5 mm hex driver (included in the Form 4 tool caddy)
Third-party:
- Nitrile gloves
- Small plastic card (e.g., identification card)
WHITE PAPER
Replacing the Form 4 LevelSense board
Replacing the Form 4 LevelSense board
The LevelSense Board senses the amount of resin in the resin tank. The LevelSense Board sits at the left side of the tower in the printer. A malfunctioning LevelSense Board may prevent the printer from printing properly.
Use this guide to replace the LevelSense board.
Estimated time: 30 minutes
Preparing the workspace
Overview: Prepare the Form 4 and workspace for replacing the LevelSense board.
Step 1: Remove the build platform
Remove the build platform first to avoid dripping resin onto the Light Processing Unit (LPU).
Step 2: Remove the resin cartridge
Remove the resin cartridge and close the vent cap to prevent resin from dripping off of the bite valve and into the printer.
Step 3: Remove and store the resin tank and mixer
Unlatch the mixer and resin tank. Remove the resin tank and cover it with its lid. Set the tank aside on a clean, flat surface.
NOTICE:
Wear gloves and hold the resin tank by the tank grips on either side to avoid contamination or damage to the underside of the tank.
Step 4: Prepare the workspace
Clear a workspace around your printer. Ensure that the workspace is well-ventilated and free of dust.
Step 5: Clean the printer
WARNING:
Resin may cause skin irritation or an allergic skin reaction. Wear gloves when handling liquid resin or resin-coated surfaces. Wash skin with plenty of soap and water.
Open the printer cover and clean any resin pooled on and around the LPU with non-abrasive wipes. Dampen the wipes with isopropyl alcohol if necessary to fully remove the resin.
DANGER:
Fire hazard. IPA is flammable. Keep containers closed, and keep out of the reach of children.
Step 6: Unplug the printer
Disconnect the power cable before continuing with maintenance. Do not perform maintenance on the printer while it is connected to power. Wait five minutes after disconnecting the printer from power before proceeding.
Removing the back panel
Overview: Remove the back panel to access the LevelSense board.
Step 1: Remove the back panel screws
Use a 2.5 mm hex driver to remove the eight screws securing the back panel to the printer. Set the screws aside.
Step 2: Remove the back panel
Remove the back panel by sliding it down and away from the back of the printer. Set the back panel aside.
Removing the LevelSense board
Overview: After preparing the printer and workspace, remove the LevelSense board.
Step 1: Remove the LevelSense board mounting screws
Use a 2.5 mm hex driver to remove the three screws securing the LevelSense board to the metal bracket. Set the screws aside.
Step 2: Disconnect the LevelSense board cable
Press the plastic tab on the connector to release the cable that connects to the LevelSense board. Once the plastic tab is pressed, the cable will easily slide from the connector. Do not pull on the wires. Remove the LevelSense board and set it aside for disposal with electronic waste.
Installing the replacement LevelSense board
Overview: Connect and install the replacement LevelSense board.
Step 1: Connect the cable
Reconnect the cable that connects the LevelSense board. The connector makes an audible and tactile click when secured.
Step 2: Install the mounting screws
Position the LevelSense board so that the screw holes align with the holes in the bracket. Use a 2.5 mm hex driver to tighten the three screws that secure the LevelSense board to the printer tower. Tighten until snug.
Reinstalling the back panel
Overview: After replacing the LevelSense board, reinstall and secure the back panel.
Step 1: Mount the back panel
Slide the top edge of the back panel under the cover bracket. Ensure that the eight screw holes in the back panel align with the corresponding holes in the printer and the back panel sits flush with the sides of the cover.
Step 2: Secure the back panel
Thread one back panel screw into each of the eight screw holes in the back panel. Use a 2.5 mm hex driver to tighten until snug.
Finalizing the repair
Overview: After installing the replacement LevelSense board, power on the printer and perform final checks.
Step 1: Power on the printer
Close the printer cover and connect the power cable to the printer and the power supply. Turn on the switch at the back of the printer. The printer turns on and initializes.
Step 2: Calibrate the LevelSense board
On the printer touchscreen, tap Settings > Tools > Calibration > Resin Level Sensor. The Calibrate resin level sensor screen appears. Tap Start and follow the on-screen instructions to calibrate the LevelSense board. You will need a small plastic card with no embossing, such as an identification card.