The Build Platform and Build Platform 2, which are compatible with Form 2 and Form 3 generation printers, have a plastic handle. This handle slides onto to build platform carriage in the printer, allowing the build platform to be locked in place during printing. If the handle is damaged or broken, the build platform cannot be used.

Use this guide to remove and replace the handle on a Build Platform or Build Platform 2.

Estimated time: 5–10 minutes

Overview: Prepare the build platform and a dust-free workspace for replacing the build platform handle.

Step 1: Prepare the workspace

Clear a workspace. Ensure that the workspace is well-ventilated and free of dust.

Step 2: Clean the build platform

Clean any resin on the build platform with paper towels. Dampen the paper towels with isopropyl alcohol if necessary to fully remove the resin. If you are repairing a Build Platform 2, remove the print surface from the build platform body and clean them separately.

Overview: Separate the original handle from the build platform.

Step 1: Remove the build platform handle retention screw

The build platform handle is secured to the build platform body using a single screw, located inside the handle. On a standard Build Platform, the handle is secured using a Phillips head screw. On a Build Platform 2, the handle is secured using a 2 mm hex screw. Using the appropriate driver for your build platform, loosen and remove the screw.

Step 2: Remove the build platform handle

Lift the handle upward, directly away from the build platform body. Discard both the handle and the retention screw.

Overview: Mount and secure the new build platform handle.

Step 1: Mount the build platform handle

Align the build platform handle with the flanges on the build platform body and press down firmly until the sides of the handle are touching the build platform body. Ensure that the screw hole in the build platform handle aligns with the corresponding hole in the build platform body.

Step 2: Secure the build platform handle

Thread the included build platform handle into the screw hole in the handle. If needed, use tweezers to help position the screw. Using the appropriate driver for your build platform, tighten until finger tight.

Overview: After installing the new build platform handle, insert it into a printer and ensure that it locks in place.

Step 1: Insert the build platform into a printer

Open the printer cover and lift the build platform carriage cam handle. Align the build platform with the build platform carriage and push it into place. Lock the cam handle down to secure the build platform. Check that the build platform stays locked in place. Contact Formlabs Support or your authorized reseller to share the results of the procedure.