On Form 4 generation printers, the build platform mounts on the build platform dovetail assembly, which includes the build platform latch. Any issues with the dovetail assembly may cause alignment issues for the build platform and the LPU surface.
Use this guide to replace the build platform dovetail assembly.
Required Supplies:
Formlabs:
Third-party:
Estimated time: 20–30 minutes
Preparing the workspace
Overview: Prepare the Form 4 and a dust-free workspace for replacing the dovetail assembly.
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.
DANGER:
Performing maintenance on the printer while it is plugged in increases the risk of electric shock. Never remove the printer panels while the printer is plugged in. Never reconnect the printer to power while the panels are uninstalled.
Removing the build platform dovetail assembly
Overview: Remove the build platform dovetail assembly from the printer.
Step 1: Remove the binding barrel set screws
On the bottom of the build platform mount, there are two set screws used to secure the barrels to the build platform mount. Using a 1.5 mm hex driver, unscrew the set screws. You may need to use a secondary lighting source to locate the screws due to their size. Set the screws aside.
NOTICE:
Take care to not drop the set screws.
Step 2: Remove the binding barrel screws
Use a 4 mm hex driver to unscrew the two binding barrel screws. Set the screws aside.
Step 3: Remove the binding barrels
Using your fingernail or a thin piece of plastic, grip the binding barrels from the left side and slide them out of the build platform dovetail assembly.
Step 4: Remove the build platform dovetail assembly
Locate the build platform detection flag on the right side of the build platform mount. Using a screwdriver or spudger, press down the detection flag and raise the dovetail assembly at the same time to release it from the mount. Make sure the detection flag is pressed down during removal. Set the dovetail assembly aside for disposal.
Installing the replacement build platform dovetail assembly
Overview: Install the new build platform dovetail assembly and loosely install the binding barrels.
Step 1: Mount the build platform dovetail assembly
Press the build platform dovetail assembly against the build platform detection flag to allow it to lower onto the mount. You may need to use moderate force to place the assembly back on the mount. The build platform dovetail assembly is installed correctly when the screw holes properly align with those in the mount and it sits securely.
NOTICE:
Be sure to push the build platform detection flag in all the way to allow for smooth re-installation of the build platform dovetail assembly.
Step 2: Insert the binding barrels
Insert one binding barrel into each slot on the left side of the build platform dovetail assembly. Rotate the barrels so that the flat side of the end cap faces upwards. Ensure that they sit flush against the side of the dovetail assembly.
Step 3: Insert the binding barrel screws
Insert one binding barrel screw into each screw hole. Using a 4 mm hex driver, loosely screw in the binding barrel screws. Tighten until you can slide a build platform onto the dovetail assembly without interference.
Step 4: Replace the binding barrel set screws
Using a 1.5 mm hex driver, reinstall the small set screws in the binding barrels. You may need to use a secondary light source to locate the screw holes. Tighten the screws until snug.
Finalizing the repair
Overview: After installing the replacement build platform dovetail assembly, 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 will turn on and initialize.
Step 2: Run the align build platform calibration
On the touchscreen, tap Settings > Tools > Align build platform. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Step 3: Tighten the binding barrel set screws
Once build platform calibration is complete, fully tighten the binding barrel screws to secure the build platform dovetail assembly’s position.
Step 4: Run a test print
Insert any missing consumables and run a test print. Check that the print starts normally and the parts print successfully. Contact Formlabs Support or your authorized reseller to share the results of the procedure.
