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Required tools and supplies (Fuse 1 generation printers)

Required tools and supplies (Fuse 1 generation printers)

The Fuse 1 generation printer is a Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D printer that uses nylon powder as material. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended when interacting with the Fuse 1 generation printers, and regular maintenance is required to ensure that the printer continues to run in proper working order.

Tools for cleaning and maintenance

Notice:

Fuse 1 generation printers shall only be used with supplied accessories and additional tools recommended by Formlabs or a certified service provider. Third-party accessories and materials may cause damage.

The following tools and consumable supplies are necessary for cleaning and maintaining Fuse 1 generation printers. Non-abrasive microfiber cleaning cloths, polyester cloth swabs and a telescoping mirror are included with each Fuse 1 generation printer. Purchase additional cleaning cloths and swabs as needed to maintain your printer.

  • PEC*PADs or other similar non-abrasive microfiber cleaning cloths
    Disposable lint-free microfiber cloths used for cleaning optical components on the Fuse 1. Do NOT reuse a PEC*PAD, even when cleaning the windows on the optical cassette with the same cleaning agent; dispose after each use.
  • Polyester cloth swabs
    Disposable lint-free polyester swabs with blue plastic handles that are used for cleaning the printer's upper laser window, IR sensor and camera lens. Do NOT reuse a swab; dispose after each use.
  • Alconox
    The recommended cleaning agent for removing deposits of laurolactam and other off-gassing stains from the printer's optical components. It is the first cleaning agent to be used, followed promptly by distilled water and ethanol.
  • Distilled water
    The second agent used for cleaning the printer's optical components.
  • Ethanol
    The last recommended denaturing agent used for components.

Note:

If ethanol is unavailable, 99.9% isopropyl alcohol is an acceptable alternative cleaning agent. Isopropyl alcohol does not evaporate as quickly as ethanol and is more difficult to clean with.

  • Class II Division 2 vacuum
    These vacuums are certified for use with materials whose finite particles present an explosive risk when in the vicinity of potentially malfunctioning electrical equipment.
  • Telescoping mirror
    A tool used to visually inspect windows, lenses, and optical components located within the print enclosure.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) for regular handling

Notice:

Formlabs recommends always wearing PPE when interacting with Fuse 1 generation printers or handling parts printed on SLS printers.

Use the following equipment to ensure safe operation of the Fuse 1 generation printers.

  • Particulate filtering respiratory protection (N95 or better)
    The primary concern with respiratory protection is to avoid irritation, similar to other dusty environments. None is required with correct and proper use and under normal processing conditions. Avoid breathing dust. Avoid breathing processing fumes or vapors. Wear a properly fitted respirator approved by NIOSH if local exhaust does not keep the particulate concentration below ACGIH Threshold Limit Value or irritation occurs.
  • Non-reactive nitrile gloves
    In the case of prolonged or frequently repeated skin contact, wear impermeable gloves. Before using, check glove leak tightness/impermeability. In the case of wanting to reuse the gloves, clean the gloves before taking off and air them well.
  • Safety glasses
    Safety glasses or dust protection goggles are recommended to prevent particulate matter from entering eyes when handling product.
  • Suitable protective clothing
    Long-sleeved shirts and long pants when handling the product are recommended. Routinely wash work clothing and protective equipment to remove contaminants.