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Replacing the Form Cure L V1 display assembly

The Form Cure L has a touchscreen on its front shell. The touchscreen is the primary means of interacting with and controlling the machine, so a broken or malfunctioning touchscreen can prevent the Form Cure L from being used normally.

Use this guide to remove and replace the Form Cure L V1 display assembly.

Required Supplies:

Formlabs:

Replacement display assembly
Replacement ribbon cable

Third-party:

2.5 mm hex key
1.5 mm hex key
5.5 mm wrench
Nitrile gloves

Estimated time: 20 minutes

DANGER:

Read and follow all safety instructions and warnings in the operator manual. Replacement with incorrect parts can lead to burns, shock, fire, or explosion. Dispose of all parts in accordance with local regulations.

Preparing the workspace

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

Step 1: Unplug the networking cables

Disconnect the Ethernet and USB cables from the unit.

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.

DANGER:

Performing maintenance on the machine while it is plugged in increases the risk of electric shock. Never remove the panels of the machine while it is plugged in. Never reconnect the machine to power while the panels are uninstalled.

Removing the top shell

Overview: Remove the top shell of the machine.

NOTICE:

The Form Cure L contains sensitive electronic components. Ground yourself before touching any electronics in the machine by using a grounding strap or touching a grounded piece of metal.

Step 1: Unscrew the right top shell screws

Use a 2.5 mm hex key to unscrew the two screws on the right side of the top shell. Set the screws aside.

Step 2: Unscrew the left top shell screws

Use a 2.5 mm hex key to unscrew the four screws on the left side of the top shell. Set the screws aside.

Step 3: Remove the top shell

Push the cover towards the back of the Form Cure L to unlatch, then fully remove the cover by lifting it upwards. Set the cover aside.

Removing the display assembly

Overview: Remove the display assembly by disconnecting it from the ribbon cable.

NOTICE:

The Form Cure L contains sensitive electronic components. Ground yourself before touching any electronics in the machine by using a grounding strap or touching a grounded piece of metal.

Step 1: Unscrew the ribbon cable retention clip

Use a 1.5 mm hex key to unscrew the two screws securing the ribbon cable retention clip to the display assembly. Set the screws and the clip aside.

Step 2: Remove the ribbon cable

The display ribbon cable is secured to its connector with a latch. Lift the latch away from the display assembly to free the display ribbon cable. The latch is unlocked when it is perpendicular to the display assembly. Once the latch is in the vertical position, the latch is unlocked and the ribbon cable can be disconnected. Take note of the original orientation of the ribbon cable.

Step 3: Remove the display assembly hex nuts

Use a 5.5 mm wrench to remove the four hex nuts securing the display assembly to the Form Cure L. Set the hex nuts aside.

Step 4: Remove the display assembly

After removing the hex nuts, gently pull the display assembly out of the Form Cure L. Set the display assembly aside.

Replacing the ribbon cable (optional)

Overview: If instructed by Formlabs Support or if the ribbon cable is damaged, replace the ribbon cable.

Step 1: Unscrew the ribbon cable retention clip from the motherboard

Use a 1.5 m hex key to unscrew and remove the two 1.5 mm screws holding the ribbon cable retention clip to the Form Wash L motherboard. Set the screws and the clip aside.

Step 2: Remove the ribbon cable from the motherboard

Step 3: Connect the replacement ribbon cable to the motherboard

Insert the display ribbon cable back into the connector on the motherboard, orienting the exposed contacts on the ribbon cable as they were previously positioned. Ensure that the ribbon cable is not twisted or folded. Rotate the latch towards the display assembly to lock the display ribbon cable in place. The latch is locked when it is parallel to the motherboard.

Step 4: Install the ribbon cable retention clip

Align the display ribbon cable retention clip with its mounting points on the motherboard, ensuring that it holds the ribbon cable flat against the motherboard. Insert one 1.5 mm hex screw into each of the two screw holes in the retention clip. Use a 1.5 mm hex key to secure the screws holding the ribbon cable retention clip to the machine’s frame. Tighten both screws until snug.

Installing the new display assembly

Overview: Connect the new display assembly to the ribbon cable to install the new display assembly.

Step 1: Insert the display assembly

Insert the new display assembly into the Form Cure L by aligning the slots in the display assembly with the four screws inside the Form Cure L’s cavity.

Step 2: Secure the display assembly

Thread one 5.5 mm nut onto each of the screw posts. Tighten the nuts with a 5.5 mm wrench until snug.

Step 3: Connect the ribbon cable to the display assembly

Insert the display ribbon cable into the connector on the new display assembly, orienting the exposed contacts on the ribbon cable as they were on the old display assembly. Ensure that the ribbon cable is not twisted or folded.

Rotate the latch towards the display assembly to lock the display ribbon cable in place. The latch is locked when it is parallel to the display assembly.

Step 4: Install the ribbon cable retention clip

Align the display ribbon cable retention clip with its mounting points on the display assembly, ensuring that it holds the ribbon cable flat against the display assembly. Insert one 1.5 mm hex screw into each of the two screw holes in the retention clip. Tighten the screws with the 1.5 mm hex key until finger tight.

Reinstalling the top shell

Overview: After installing the replacement display assembly, reinstall 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.

Take care to align the two screw holes on the machine’s right side and the four screws on the machine’s left side in the top shell with the corresponding screw holes in the machine’s frame.

Step 2: Secure the right top shell screws

Use a 2.5 mm hex key to reinstall the two screws on the right side of the top shell. Tighten until snug.

Step 3: Secure the left top shell screws

Use a 2.5 mm hex key to reinstall the four screws on the left side of the top shell. Tighten until snug.

Finalizing the repair

Overview: After replacing the display assembly, power on the machine and perform final checks.

Step 1: Plug in the networking cables

Connect the Ethernet and USB cables to the unit.

Step 2: 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 3: Test the repair

Monitor the machine as it powers on and check that the display functions normally. Test a variety of inputs, such as changing settings or starting a post-cure cycle. Contact Formlabs Support or your authorized reseller to share the results of the procedure.