Evaluating diagnostic print results (Fuse 1 generation)

Formlabs has developed a variety of diagnostic test prints to help calibrate and troubleshoot your Fuse 1 generation printer. Starting with firmware version 1.24.1, you can review the results of these prints on the printer’s touchscreen.

Completed optics check print
Bed Temperature Tuning print in PreForm

Completed optics check print

Bed Temperature Tuning print in PreForm

Running a diagnostic print

  1. Update PreForm to the latest version.
  2. Update your printer’s firmware to the latest version. The on-screen diagnostic print review tool was introduced in firmware version 1.24.1. Prints run on earlier firmware versions will not be available for review, even if you subsequently update the printer.
  3. Check that your printer’s hopper has enough powder for the print you are running.
    • Optics check prints: The optics check is a one-layer print, so it does not require much powder.
    • Bed Temperature Tuning prints: Load the hopper with 3 kg of powder, filling it to the hopper to the 7 L mark.
  4. Download the appropriate FLZ file for your material from the links below.
Bed Temperature TuningOptics check (Fuse 1+ 30W only)
  1. Open PreForm and select Job Settings.
  2. In the Job Setup window, make sure the correct printer is selected.
  3. Select Upload Diagnostic Print.
  4. Upload the file from your computer and start the print.
Uploading a diagnostic print

Checking the results

After the print is complete, use the Diagnostic Prints tool to evaluate the results:

  1. Tap the gear icon. The Settings screen appears.
  2. Tap Tools > Diagnostic Prints. The Diagnostic Prints screen appears, showing a list of completed diagnostic test prints.
  3. Tap the name of the diagnostic print you previously ran. A results window appears.
Bed Temperature TuningOptics check
  1. The results screen shows whether the printer’s exhaust line or filter is dirty.
  2. If the Exhaust Status is Dirty, clean the exhaust filter, fan, and tube.
  3. Rerun the Bed Temperature Tuning test print. Do not evaluate your original set of plaques, as the state of the exhaust system would have affected the results.
  4. Evaluate the test print plaques and adjust the Bed Temperate Target as needed, following the instructions for your material:
  1. The results window shows a photo of the Optical Cleanliness Scan. Compare the photo to the examples in the article Checking the optics of your Fuse 1+ 30W printer to evaluate the cleanliness of your printer’s optics and determine what you should clean.
  2. Tap Next. A second screen appears showing the calculated Laser Power based off of the test print. If this laser power is under 80% after cleaning and repeating the test print, contact Formlabs Support for additional analysis.
  1. Tap Done to close the results window.