Over time, the black build chamber external frame gasket on the top of the build chamber may degrade. If the gasket exhibits cracks or tears, it should be replaced. Debris from the gasket could lead to powder contamination and failed prints, or a worn gasket could allow powder to reach the build chamber’s internals and cause a malfunction.

Use this guide to replace the build chamber’s build chamber external frame gasket.

Estimated time: 10–15 minutes

Overview: Prepare the build chamber and a dust-free workspace for replacing the build chamber external frame gasket.

Step 1: Empty the build chamber

If the build chamber has recently been used for a print and contains a powder cake, empty the build chamber using a Fuse Sift.

Step 2: Vacuum the build chamber

Use the vacuum attached to the Fuse Sift to clean the build chamber. If the build chamber is inserted into the Fuse Sift, push the Vac button on the control panel or tap the vacuum hose icon on the touchscreen to turn the vacuum on. Vacuum the print bed and the top of the build chamber to remove any loose powder and prevent contamination of the lead screw grease or your workspace. If the build chamber is not currently inserted into the Fuse Sift, remove the vacuum hose from the port on the side of the Fuse Sift so that it can reach the build chamber, then turn on the vacuum.

Step 3: Prepare the workspace

Clear a workspace around your build chamber. Ensure that the workspace is well-ventilated and free of dust.

Overview: Remove the build chamber’s top cover to access and remove the build chamber external frame gasket.

Step 1: Remove the top cover screws

Using a 2 mm hex driver, loosen and remove the 10 M3 × 5 mm screws securing the build chamber’s top cover to the build chamber’s body. Set the screws aside.

Overview: Install the replacement build chamber external frame gasket and reinstall the top cover.

Step 1: Orient the top cover and external frame gasket

Place the top cover face-up, so that the hot surface hazard symbol is visible and facing you. The build chamber external frame gasket has two flanges that sandwich the inner lip of the top cover; position the gasket with the wider flange on the bottom. Orient the new build chamber external frame gasket with the notch facing the back of the top cover (i.e., away from the hot surface hazard symbol).

Overview: After reinstalling the build chamber’s top cover, perform final checks.

Step 1: Test the build chamber

Insert the build chamber into the printer and start a print. Monitor the build chamber to ensure that the print bed moves smoothly and that the printer dispenses powder into the build chamber normally. Contact Formlabs Support or your certified service provider to share the results of the procedure.