Required Supplies:
Formlabs:
- Resin cartridge RFID board
- 2.5 mm hex driver (included in the Form 4 tool caddy)
Third-party:
- 1.5 mm hex driver
- Adhesive tape
- Nitrile gloves
Replacing the Form 4 resin cartridge RFID board
On Form 4 generation printers, the resin cartridge RFID board reads resin type and volume information from the resin cartridge. A malfunctioning resin cartridge RFID board may prevent the printer from printing properly.
Use this guide to replace the resin cartridge RFID board.
Estimated time: 20–30 minutes
Preparing the workspace
Overview: Prepare the printer and a dust-free workspace for replacing the resin cartridge RFID board.
Step 1: Remove the build platform
Remove the build platform first to avoid dripping resin onto the Light Processing Unit (LPU).
Step 2: Remove the resin cartridge
Remove the resin cartridge and close the vent cap to prevent resin from dripping off of the bite valve and into the printer.
Step 3: Remove and store the resin tank and mixer
Unlatch the mixer and resin tank. Remove the resin tank and cover it with its lid. Set the tank aside on a clean, flat surface.
NOTICE:
Wear gloves and hold the resin tank by the tank grips on either side to avoid contamination or damage to the underside of the tank.
Step 4: Prepare the workspace
Clear a workspace around your printer. Ensure that the workspace is well-ventilated and free of dust. Prepare additional space for storing the back panel of the printer during maintenance.
Step 5: Clean the printer
WARNING:
Resin may cause skin irritation or an allergic skin reaction. Wear gloves when handling liquid resin or resin-coated surfaces. Wash skin with plenty of soap and water.
Open the printer cover and clean any resin pooled on and around the LPU with paper towels. Dampen the paper towels with isopropyl alcohol if necessary to fully remove the resin.
DANGER:
Fire hazard. IPA is flammable. Keep containers closed, and keep out of the reach of children.
Step 6: Unplug the printer
Disconnect the power cable before continuing with maintenance. Do not perform maintenance on the printer while it is connected to power. Wait five minutes after disconnecting the printer from power before proceeding.
DANGER:
Performing maintenance on the printer while it is plugged in increases the risk of electric shock. Never remove the back panel of the printer while the printer is plugged in. Never reconnect the printer to power while the back panel is uninstalled.
Removing the back panel
Overview: Remove the back panel to access the resin cartridge RFID board.
NOTICE:
Formlabs printers contain sensitive electronic components. Ground yourself before touching any electronics in the printer by using a grounding strap or touching a grounded piece of metal.
Step 1: Remove the back panel screws
Use a 2.5 mm hex driver to remove the eight screws securing the back panel to the printer. Set the screws aside.
Step 2: Remove the back panel
Remove the back panel by sliding it down and away from the back of the printer. Set the back panel aside.
Removing the resin cartridge RFID board
Overview: After preparing the printer and workspace, remove the resin cartridge RFID board.
Step 1: Expose the resin cartridge RFID board
Locate the black sticker on the cartridge side of the Form 4 Z-tower. Use a fingernail to peel the sticker to the edge of the tower. Do not completely remove the sticker.
Step 2: Remove the resin cartridge RFID board retention screws
Use a 1.5 mm hex driver to loosen and remove the two screws that secure the resin cartridge RFID board to the printer. Set the screws aside.
Step 3: Disconnect the resin cartridge RFID cable
Squeeze the plastic retaining clip and unplug the resin cartridge RFID cable from the board. Do not pull on the wires.
Step 4: Remove the resin cartridge RFID board
Once the cable is unplugged, the resin cartridge RFID board is separated from the printer. Set the RFID board aside for disposal with electronics waste.
Installing the replacement resin cartridge RFID board
Overview: Mount and secure the replacement resin cartridge RFID board.
Step 1: Connect the resin cartridge RFID cable
Connect the resin cartridge RFID cable to the replacement board. The connector makes an audible and tactile click when secured.
Step 2: Mount and secure the resin cartridge RFID board
Insert the resin cartridge RFID board into the cavity in the Z-tower. Make sure that the board sits behind the tab on the Z-tower and that the screw holes in the board align with those in the tab. Press on the far side of the RFID board with a finger to pivot the threaded side of the board against the screw holes.
Thread the resin cartridge RFID board retention screws into the screw holes. Use a 1.5 mm hex driver to tighten the two screws until finger tight.
Step 3: Reposition the sticker
Fold the sticker back over the resin cartridge RFID board and press into place. If necessary, use a piece of adhesive tape to secure the sticker.
Reinstalling the back panel
Overview: After replacing the resin cartridge RFID board, reinstall and secure the back panel.
Step 1: Close the printer cover
Close the printer cover before reinstalling the back panel.
Step 2: Mount the back panel
Slide the top edge of the back panel under the cover bracket. Ensure that the eight screw holes in the back panel align with the corresponding holes in the printer and the back panel sits flush with the sides of the cover.
Step 3: Secure the back panel
Thread one back panel screw into each of the eight screw holes in the back panel. Use a 2.5 mm hex driver to tighten until snug.
Finalizing the repair
Overview: After installing the new resin cartridge RFID board, power on the printer and perform final checks.
Step 1: Power on the printer
Connect the power cable to the printer and the power supply. The printer initializes.
Step 2: Test the resin cartridge RFID board
Insert a resin cartridge and check that the printer recognizes it properly. Repeat with other resin cartridges if any are available. Contact Formlabs Support or your authorized reseller to share the results of the procedure.