formlabs Form 3BL Manual
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formlabs Form 3BL Manual

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Form 3BL

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  • Page 1 Manual Form 3BL...
  • Page 3 Installation and Usage Instructions Form 3BL Large-format Low Force Stereolithography (LFS)™ 3D printer Original English instructions Read this manual carefully and keep it for future reference. September 2020 REV 01 © Formlabs...

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Installing the Form 3BL Finish Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  • Page 5 Finishing and post-processing a print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Managing the printer .
  • Page 7 Neither Formlabs nor any of its affiliates or subsidiaries shall be responsible or liable for misuse of the information that is contained herein. Notify us if you have any suggestions for improvements or amendments or have found errors in this publication.

  • Page 8: Preface

    The Form 3BL shall only be used by persons who have fully read and understand the contents of this manual. Ensure that each person who uses the Form 3BL has read these warnings and instructions and follows them.
  • Page 9 Formlabs and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous communications, proposals, and agreements, whether electronic, oral, or written, between you and Formlabs. Read the warranty for more details on the Formlabs warranty for your region: formlabs.com/support/terms-of-service EU (EN) formlabs.com/eu/terms-of-service...

  • Page 10: Introduction

    Introduction Intended use The Form 3BL is a commercial, precision tool intended for use in the additive manufacture of end-user supplied designs from photopolymer resin. The final performance characteristics of cured photopolymer resin may vary according to your compliance with the instructions for use, application, operating conditions, material combined with, end use, or other factors.

  • Page 11: Technical Specifications

    2 Light Processing Units (LPUs) In each Light Processing Unit (LPU): 405 nm violet laser | Maximum 250 mW Radiation information The Form 3BL is a Class 1 laser product. Accessible radiation is within Class 1 limits. Connectivity Wi-Fi: 2.4, 5 GHz Ethernet: 1000 Mbit USB: 2.0...

  • Page 12: Product Elements

    Product elements 2.3.1 Form 3BL Resin cartridge: Two containers hold the resin before dispensing into the resin tank. Shake the resin cartridges periodically to keep resin well mixed. Cover: The printer lid, made of metal and a strong, orange-tinted material, blocks exposure to the lasers and protects the resin from curing due to ambient light.
  • Page 13 Fill the rinse bucket with solvent to the FILL TO HERE marking before washing prints. The rinse bucket includes a ground wire to prevent static discharge. Formlabs recommends isopropyl alcohol or tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether. Rinse basket: Place prints in the rinse basket, place the rinse basket into the rinse bucket, and agitate to clean.

  • Page 14: Understanding The Display

    Understanding the display The Form 3BL’s display includes a touchscreen and speaker for audio notifications. The touchscreen displays print information (job name, time remaining, layers printed), settings, and error messages. The touchscreen serves as the user interface for the printer. The audio notifications indicate the printer’s state.

  • Page 15: Safety

    Component and subsystem safety 3.1.1 General Lifting hazard: Due to its size and weight, do not move or reposition the Form 3BL alone. If the machine needs to be moved, at least two individuals should use the lifting straps provided with the CAUTION Form 3BL.
  • Page 16 Unauthorized maintenance: Class 1 laser product. Only remove the shells of the printer with authorization from Formlabs Support or a certified service provider. WARNING Disconnect the machine from its power source before removing the shells.
  • Page 17 Changes or modifications to this product not authorized by Formlabs could void the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and wireless compliance and negate your authority to operate the product.

  • Page 18: Personal Protective Equipment (Ppe)

    We also recommend that you wear protective gloves when working with tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether. Personal protective equipment (PPE) Safe operation of the Form 3BL can be achieved by implementing the following equipment: • Non-reactive nitrile gloves •...

  • Page 19: Sensitive Components

    These interchangeable assemblies each contain a laser and mirrors the control the path of the laser, ensuring a clean, crisp laser spot. The Form 3BL has two Light Processing Units , which are secured in the LPU housing. Refer to section 8 Disassembly and repair for more information.

  • Page 20: Emergency And Exceptional Situations

    Emergency and exceptional situations Formlabs has made every effort to provide updated safety data sheets (SDS) for every resin product, in accordance with the latest government guidelines. Always consult the safety data sheet (SDS) as the primary source of information to understand safety and handling of Formlabs materials and required accessories.

  • Page 21: Preparation And Setup

    ° Form 3BL: 90 × 96 × 104 cm (35.4 × 37.8 × 41 in) ° Form 3BL Finish Kit: 55 × 85 × 90 cm (21.7 × 33.5 × 35.4 in) ° Additional space for other post-processing tools (e.g., Form Wash L, Form Cure L, or Formlabs-approved third-party devices) •...

  • Page 22: Serial Name

    The serial name is a unique identifier used to track the history of manufacturing, sales, and repair. The serial name for the Form 3BL is located on a sticker next to the A/C input on the back panel in the format AdjectiveAnimal. For a Form 3BL, the serial name is also available...

  • Page 23: Installing The Printer

    1. Tap the printer icon on the Home screen. The printer status screen appears. 2. The serial name is listed in the top-left corner. Installing the printer After selecting a location for the Form 3BL, connect the power supply and turn on the printer. Depending on your internet setup, you may need to connect the included Wi-Fi antenna to establish an internet connection on the printer.

  • Page 24: Leveling The Printer

    Ethernet. Visit support.apple.com for assistance with Bonjour. The USB connection can still be used while the Form 3BL is connected to a LAN. When the Form 3BL is connected to a LAN, its current status and print progress can be monitored with Dashboard: formlabs.com/dashboard.

  • Page 25: Inserting The Resin Tank And Mixer

    It is important that the printer sits level so resin does not overflow from the resin tank during printing. All four leveling feet must rest on a solid surface to ensure optimal NOTICE print accuracy. To level the printer: 1. Connect the printer to power. If necessary, the printer’s touchscreen prompts use of the leveling disc.

  • Page 26: Inserting The Build Platform

    4.8.1 Inserting the resin tank To insert the resin tank: 1. Open the printer cover. 2. Open the lid of the tank case. 3. Remove packaging materials from the resin tank. 4. Lift the resin tank with one hand on each side. Avoid contaminating the resin tank’s underside with fingerprints or liquid resin.

  • Page 27: Inserting The Resin Cartridges

    3. Remove the orange protective valve cover from the bottom of each resin cartridge. Formlabs recommends saving the valve covers to protect the bite valves when storing the resin cartridges.

  • Page 28: Installing The Form 3Bl Finish Kit

    4.11 Installing the Form 3BL Finish Kit The Form 3BL comes with a finishing kit that includes a variety of post-processing tools. After printing, use the tools to remove prints from the build platform, wash prints in solvent, and remove supports.

  • Page 29: Transporting The Printer

    4. Store the resin cartridges with the vent caps pressed closed and the valve covers installed. When shipping a printer to Formlabs or a certified service provider for replacement or repair, the build platform, resin tank, resin cartridges, power and USB cables, NOTICE and other accessories should not be shipped and will not be returned after service.
  • Page 30 8. Use the provided handles on the lifting straps to lift the printer into its carrier tray. Lifting hazard: The Form 3BL is a heavy object. A two person lift is required to prevent injury and avoid damage to the machine.

  • Page 31: Printing

    Printing Operational environment The operating temperature for the Form 3BL is 18–28 °C (64–82 °F), with low ambient humidity. For optimal printing, do not exceed this range. Designing for SLA A successful 3D print starts with a well-designed model. Follow these best practices to optimize designs and reduce print failures.
  • Page 32 5.3.2 Preparing the file for printing Use PreForm software to process STL or OBJ files. Prepare, save, and upload FORM files to the printer. 5.3.2.1 Adding a model Import multiple part files into PreForm to print multiple parts on a single build platform. To add a model: 1.

  • Page 33: Preparing The Printer For Printing

    Print window closes, the upload is complete. Preparing the printer for printing Before a print job can begin, the Form 3BL must be set up to match the correct material settings. Insert the resin tank, build platform, and resin cartridge(s). Confirm the print job on the printer’s touchscreen and wait for the print chamber inside the Form 3BL to preheat.

  • Page 34: Finishing And Post-Processing A Print

    3. Use both hands to grip the handles and remove the build platform from the printer. 4. Close the printer cover. 5. Wash the print in the Form Wash, Form Wash L, Form 3BL Finish Kit, or a Formlabs-approved third-party large-format ultrasonic cleaner. Formlabs products, such as the Form Wash L, can be used with either isopropyl alcohol or tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether as a washing solvent.
  • Page 35 5.6.6 Turning off the printer The Form 3BL is designed to be left powered on when not in use. Depending on your printer’s firmware version, there is an option, accessible through the printer’s touchscreen, that places the printer into sleep mode immediately or after a set period of inactivity.

  • Page 36: Maintenance

    Tools and supplies Only use tools, chemicals, or procedures to maintain the Form 3BL that are outlined in this manual, by prompts on the printer’s touchscreen, and support.formlabs.com. Do not use any unapproved tools, chemicals, or procedures with the Form 3BL unless otherwise instructed to do so by Formlabs Support or a certified service provider.

  • Page 37: Inspecting And Maintaining The Printer

    Tasks between uses Perform the following maintenance tasks between each print. For detailed guidance and visual assistance, visit support.formlabs.com. Skin irritant: Resin and solvent may cause skin irritation or an allergic skin reaction. Wear gloves when handling liquid resin, resin-coated surfaces, or solvent. Wash skin with plenty of soap and water.

  • Page 38: Monthly Maintenance

    6.7.1 Inspecting the resin tank. Monthly maintenance Perform the following maintenance tasks on a monthly basis. For detailed guidance and visual assistance, visit support.formlabs.com. 6.4.1 Inspecting the cartridge ID chips The ID (identification) chip is located on the bottom of each resin cartridge near the bite valve.

  • Page 39: Periodic Maintenance

    Periodic maintenance Perform the following maintenance tasks periodically or as needed. For detailed guidance and visual assistance, visit support.formlabs.com. 6.5.1 Inspecting the cover Visually inspect the cover for traces of resin, cracks, or other damage. Clean the cover with a non-abrasive microfiber cloth and soapy water or a general purpose cleaner, such as glass cleaner.

  • Page 40: Maintaining The X- And Z-Axis Screws

    LPU housing along their respective screws. For detailed guidance and visual assistance, visit support.formlabs.com. 3. As the LPU housing moves right and left, listen, look, and feel to check for areas that emit noise or where the tank carrier sticks or moves less smoothly.

  • Page 41: Planned Maintenance

    8. Wipe the screw with a microfiber cloth or low-fiber paper towel to remove excess lubricant. Planned maintenance Perform the following maintenance tasks at the frequency specified in the table below. For detailed guidance and visual assistance, visit support.formlabs.com. Maintenance tasks shall be done according to the following plan: Task...
  • Page 42 6.6.1 Updating the firmware Formlabs regularly releases updated firmware to fix bugs and improve functionality. Review the PreForm and firmware release notes to learn more about the improvements that come with each version’s release. For detailed guidance and visual assistance, visit support.formlabs.
  • Page 43 Unit (LPU) housing. During a print, laser light from the LPUs passes through the glass optical window and into the resin tank. A clean glass optical window preserves print quality. For detailed guidance and visual assistance, visit support.formlabs.com. Skin irritant: Resin and solvent may cause skin irritation or an allergic skin reaction.

  • Page 44: Maintaining The Resin Tank

    Be sure to handle and maintain the resin tank properly between each print. For detailed guidance and visual assistance, visit support.formlabs.com. Skin irritant: Resin and solvent may cause skin irritation or an allergic skin reaction.
  • Page 45 5. If necessary, follow cleaning instructions to remove cured resin, failed prints, debris, and settled pigment on the flexible film. ° For moderate wear or scratches on the flexible film interior, use the Layout tool in PreForm to move the model outside the worn or scratched area. °...
  • Page 46 3. Apply a small amount of clean isopropyl alcohol to a PEC*PAD. 4. Wipe the flexible film exterior to remove contamination or resin. To clean the tank frame: 1. Put on a new, clean pair of nitrile gloves. 2. Wipe the tank frame with a low-fiber paper towel to remove contamination or resin. 6.7.3 Replacing the resin tank Replace the resin tank to change materials between prints or when a resin tank is damaged...

  • Page 47: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting Collecting diagnostic logs The Form 3BL maintains diagnostic logs to provide detailed information about the machine that may expedite issue investigation. After experiencing any error or unusual behavior on the Form 3BL, include the diagnostic logs with other relevant observations and details when contacting Formlabs Support or a certified service provider.
  • Page 48 7.3.2 Removing cured resin manually The Form 3BL comes with a tank tool, which is a custom two-part scraper and tweezers. The tank tool is made of plastic and has rounded edges to protect the flexible film interior. Remove individual pieces of cured resin from the resin tank with the tank tool.

  • Page 49: Troubleshooting Errors Or Abnormal Activity

    4. Allow the tank tool to air dry after washing. Troubleshooting errors or abnormal activity In the case of errors, abnormal activity, or print failures with the Form 3BL, reference the following errors, causes, and proposed solutions. Complete the initial troubleshooting steps and carefully document all results.
  • Page 50 In order to introduce a known good variable to isolate any printing issues, run a Formlabs test print, for which the file is available on support. formlabs.com. Provide clear, focused photographs of the test print to help diagnose the issue.
  • Page 51 Error Cause Solution Delamination • Model orientation, layout, • Check the model in PreForm • Peeling or separation between and/or support issues • Check for pauses in printing printed layers • A print that has been paused • Check the resin tank for for a long time debris or damage •...

  • Page 52: Disassembly And Repair

    Disassembly and repair All steps that involve opening the machine and/or investigating internal components should be done by skilled persons under the guidance of Formlabs Support or a WARNING certified service provider. Contact Formlabs Support or a certified service provider to receive repair instructions and authorization, including how to disassemble or remove the shells.

  • Page 53: Recycling And Disposal

    Recycling and disposal Disposal of resin and accessories Skin irritant: Resin and solvent may cause skin irritation or an allergic skin reaction. Wear gloves when handling liquid resin, resin-coated surfaces, or solvent. Wash skin WARNING with plenty of soap and water. 9.1.1 Liquid resin To dispose of pure resin (resin that has not been cured or dissolved in solvent), add this waste...

  • Page 54: Disposal Of Solvent

    3. Inform your waste disposal service that your bottle contains solvent with small amounts of methacrylated monomers and oligomers (unpolymerized plastic resin) and trace amounts of photoinitiator. Have a copy of the Formlabs resin safety data sheet (SDS) on hand in case the disposal service attendant needs more information.

  • Page 55: Disposal Of Packaging Waste

    By disposing of the packaging waste in the proper manner, you help avoid possible hazards for the environment and public health. Save the Form 3BL’s packaging including any inserts for transporting the machine. Original packaging is required for warranty service and designed to be kept and NOTICE reused for transportation or shipping.

  • Page 56: Index

    delete 31 Index design 4, 27 feature 27, 47 guidelines 16, 27, 50 accessories 1, 12, 14, 16-17, 25, 29, 38, 42, 44-45, diagnostic logs 1, 19, 43 49-50 disassembly 1, 15, 32, 35, 48 third-party 14, 17, 20, 30 disassemble 48 adjustment 15, 47, 57 display 4, 10, 14, 32-33, 35, 48, 55, 57 adjust 21 display cable 55 adjusting 15, 57...

  • Page 57: Glossary | 53

    optical components 14-15, 32-33, 57 optical path 47, 58 internal component 15 orientation 24, 28, 47 authorization 12, 48 orient 12, 22, 27 interlock system 12 internet 19, 31 network 4, 10, 17, 19-20, 29, 55 packaging 1, 17-18, 22, 25, 50-51 connectivity 7, 10, 20, 58 package 17, 25 security 7, 20 personal protective equipment 4, 14, 32 insert 21-23, 25-26, 29, 31 PPE 4, 14, 32...
  • Page 58 rinse basket 9, 57 unresponsive 43 rinse bottle 9, 57 rinse bucket 9, 18, 24, 45, 57-58 unbox 18 upload 27-29 safety 3-4, 6, 11, 13-14, 16-17, 49-50, 56, 59 USB 7, 11, 19-20, 25, 29, 58 standards 6, 12, 49, 59 USB cable 11, 19-20 safety data sheet 13, 16, 49-50 USB port 20, 58 SDS 13, 16, 49-50 UV 50...
  • Page 59 Build platform sensor Each Form 3BL build platform has an RFID sticker. The printer senses the RFID sticker to detect when the build platform is properly installed. Cartridge dispense arm Plastic hooks press against the bite valve to dispense resin out of the resin cartridge into the resin tank.
  • Page 60 Short for “Light Amplification” via “Stimulated Emission of Radiation.” The lasers are the source of curing energy in the printer with a wavelength of 405 nm, and a maximum output of 250 mW per laser. The Form 3BL is a Class 1 laser product.
  • Page 61 It also mechanically locks and unlocks the build platform. Power supply The Form 3BL utilizes a 100–240 VAC power supply. The internal power supply converts line power to +24V DC. Removal tool Pry under the raft to remove prints from the build platform.
  • Page 62 The LCD capacitive touch user interface displays print information, settings, and error messages. USB port The Form 3BL can connect to a computer via USB. The port is connected to the motherboard and can be accessed from the back of the machine.

  • Page 63: Product Compliance

    Product compliance The Form 3BL complies with the following electrical and laser safety standards: Electrical • UL 62368-1 2nd Edition, 2014-12-01 • CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 62368-1-14, 2nd Edition, 2014-12-01 • IEC 62368-1:2014 • EN 62368-1:2014 + A11:2017 • IEC 62471:2006 Laser •...

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