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Replacing the Form 4 leveling feet

Form 4 generation printers have four adjustable feet that raise the printer off the work surface and allow it to be leveled before printing. If one or more of the leveling feet is damaged or missing, it may be difficult to keep the printer level.

Use this guide to replace the leveling feet.

Required Supplies

Provided by Formlabs

Leveling feet

Third party

Nitrile gloves

Estimated time: 5 minutes

Preparing the workspace

Overview: Prepare the printer and a dust-free workspace for replacing the leveling feet.

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. Prepare additional space for storing the back panel of the printer during maintenance.

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 paper towels. Dampen the paper towels 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.

Replacing the leveling feet

Overview: Rotate the printer so that it lies on its back, remove the leveling feet, and install the new leveling feet.

Step 1: Rotate printer

Rotate the printer so it lies flat on its back with the bottom facing you.

Step 2: Remove leveling feet

Remove the damaged leveling feet, if present, by rotating them counterclockwise until they come loose.

Step 3: Install leveling feet

Install the replacement leveling feet by threading them into the holes clockwise.

Finalizing the repair

Overview: After installing the replacement leveling feet, power on the printer and perform final checks.

Step 1: Power on the printer

Stand the printer upright 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: Level the printer

Follow the instructions in the support article Leveling Formlabs SLA printers to level the printer. Contact Formlabs Support or your authorized reseller to share the results of the procedure.