The Form Cure L V1 has two heater modules that heat printed parts during post-curing. If either heater module is malfunctioning or broken, printed parts may not post-cure properly and may not reach their optimal mechanical properties.

Use this guide to remove and replace the Form Cure L V1 heater modules.

Estimated time: 30 minutes (additional time may be required to allow the heater to cool if the machine was recently in use)

Overview: Prepare the Form Cure L and a dust-free workspace for replacing the heater modules.

Step 1: Unplug the networking cables and Wi-Fi antenna

Disconnect the Ethernet and USB cables from the unit, if they are connected. Unscrew and remove the Wi-Fi antenna.

Step 2: Unplug the machine

Disconnect the power cable before continuing with maintenance. Do not perform maintenance on the machine while it is connected to power. Wait five minutes after disconnecting the machine from power before proceeding. If the machine was recently in use, the heater modules will be warm. Wait at least two hours for the heaters to cool.

Overview: Unscrew and remove the top shell from the Form Cure L to access the heater modules.

Step 1: Unscrew the top shell retention screws

The top shell is secured to the frame of the machine with six hex screws. When facing the front of the Form Cure L, two screws are located on the right side and four are located on the left. Use a 2.5 mm hex driver to unscrew and remove the screws.

Step 2: Remove the top shell

Slide the top shell towards the back of the machine to unhook it from the frame. Lift the top shell away from the machine and set it to the side.

Overview: Unscrew, unplug, and uninstall the heater module that is being replaced.

Step 2: Disconnect the heater module from the motherboard

Follow the wires from the bottom of the heater module to the motherboard on the right side of the machine. The heater modules are plugged into the motherboard at the bottom of the board. As noted, the front heater module is connected closer to the Form Cure L door.

Step 3: Disconnect the thermistor and fan cables

Unplug the 2-pin cable for the thermistor (blue) and the 3-pin cable for the heater module fan (red, white, and black). When disconnecting the cables, grip the connectors and separate them from one another. Do not pull on the wires themselves.

Overview: Mount and secure the new heater module.

Step 1: Mount and secure the replacement heater module

Position the replacement heater module on its mounting surface, aligning the tab at the bottom of the module with the slot in the mounting bracket. Lower the heater module into place.

Step 3: Reconnect the motherboard cable

Thread the remaining heater module cable back through the grommet underneath the motherboard and connect it to the appropriate heater module plug. The connectors will only plug into the motherboard properly in the correct orientation. Be careful not to bend the pins in the connector.

Step 4: Install the other replacement heater module (optional)

If you are replacing both heater modules, repeat steps 1–3 for the other heater module.

Overview: After performing any other maintenance procedures, reinstall and secure the top shell.

Step 1: Reinstall the top shell

Lower the top shell onto the Form Cure L. Make sure you do not pinch any wires between the shell and the frame of the machine. Slide the top shell towards the front of the machine to hook it into place. Check that the screw holes in the top shell line up with the corresponding screw holes in the frame of the machine.

Step 2: Secure the top shell

Thread one 2.5 mm hex screw into each of the six screw holes in the top shell. Using a 2.5 mm hex driver, tighten the screws until finger tight.

Overview: After reinstalling the top shell, power on the machine and perform final checks.

Step 1: Power on the machine

Connect the power cable to the Form Cure L and the power supply. Flip the breaker switch on the back of the unit to the ON position to turn on the machine.

Step 2: Test the repair

Start a post-cure cycle to test the replacement heater modules. Monitor the Form Cure L to ensure it heats up properly. Contact Formlabs Support or your authorized reseller to share the results of the procedure.