formlabs Form Cure L Installation And Usage Instructions
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formlabs Form Cure L Installation And Usage Instructions

Large-format desktop stereolithography post-cure chamber
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Form Cure L

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  • Page 1 Manual Form Cure L...
  • Page 3 Installation and Usage Instructions Form Cure L Large-format desktop stereolithography post-cure chamber Original English instructions Read this manual carefully and keep it for future reference. November 2021 REV 01 © Formlabs...

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Read and retain instructions .
  • Page 5 Inspection and maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Tasks between uses .
  • 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 Cure L is a large-format stereolithography (SLA) post-cure chamber. Post-curing printed parts in the Form Cure L strengthens them with heat and 375 nm and 405 nm light and brings them to their optimal mechanical properties. Post-curing is also a required step in workflows using Formlabs dental or medical resins to make biocompatible parts.
  • Page 9 AdjectiveAnimal.  Service providers of Formlabs products also provide support and service. To the extent that Formlabs or a certified service provider offers other or extended warranties, the terms of the separate offer may apply. For any support or service requests, including product information, technical assistance, or...

  • Page 10: Introduction

    Introduction Intended use The Form Cure L post-cures 3D printed parts with a combination of heat and light. 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

    Technical specifications Parameter Unit Unit Form Cure L Installation surface Benchtop unit Minimum dimensions for convenient 90 × 85 × 55 cm access 35.5 × 33.5 × 21.7 in (W × D × H) Product dimensions (W × D × H) 69 ×...

  • Page 12: Product Components

    User interface For detailed guidance and visual assistance, visit support.formlabs.com. The Form Cure L display is a touchscreen interface. The touchscreen displays post-cure information (time, temperature, and selected material), settings, and error messages. The touchscreen serves as the user interface for the machine.
  • Page 13 The following screens and options are accessible via the home screen on the Form Cure L display: Settings Connectivity Update Firmware Connect to Dashboard Onboarding Machine Sounds Turntable Spinning Reboot Select Preheat Time and Select a preheat time and temperature.

  • Page 14: Safety

    MANDATORY ACTION: Wear thermal-insulating silicone gloves when handling hot build chambers. Component and subsystem safety 3.1.1 General The Form Cure L is a professional appliance that includes electronic components. As with any such appliance: • Do not operate the device with a damaged cord or plug.
  • Page 15 Accumulation of cured material creates the possibility of malfunction. The Form Cure L uses heat as well as 375 nm and 405 nm light to post-cure 3D printed parts. The door includes an interlock system that is designed to automatically pause heating and extinguish the cure lights when the door is open.

  • Page 16: 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 Cure L can be achieved by using the following equipment: • Non-reactive nitrile gloves •...

  • Page 17: Specification Of Tools To Be Used

    • LED modules The Form Cure L uses three LED modules to expose printed parts to a mix of 375 nm and 405 nm light during post-curing. Refer to section 6.4.2 Maintaining the light diffusers for more information.
  • Page 18 1. Immediately disconnect the machine from its power source. 2. If the door of the Form Cure L is open, close its door if possible. If a part inside the Form Cure L is on fire, do not close its door. Place a fire blanket over °...

  • Page 19: Preparation And Setup

    Preparation and setup Location and environs Prepare a space to install and operate the Form Cure L and house the necessary accessories and consumables. To prepare the workspace: • Ensure that the workspace meets the following requirements: Dry, indoor location °...

  • Page 20: Accessing The 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 Cure L is located on the back of the unit in the format AdjectiveAnimal and is accessible via the touchscreen.

  • Page 21: Setting Up A Network Connection

    Ethernet. Visit support.apple.com for assistance with Bonjour. The USB connection can still be used while the device is connected to a LAN. When the device is connected to a LAN, its current status can be monitored with Dashboard: formlabs.com/dashboard. 4.6.1 Connecting with Wi-Fi The device has built-in Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n) that supports WPA/WPA2 security.

  • Page 22: Updating Firmware

    The Form Cure L is a heavy object. A two person lift is required to prevent injury and avoid damage to the machine. Always use the included cardboard slings when moving the device.
  • Page 23 NOTICE or present a safety hazard. Do not ship the Form Cure L with any loose items stored inside the machine. Loose items can shift during transit and damage sensitive components, which may result in additional fees or void the warranty.

  • Page 24: Usage

    5.2.2 Setting the time and temperature The Form Cure L has presets for each resin type that you can select through the touchscreen. When Formlabs releases new resins, new resin formulations, or new layer thicknesses, update the firmware on your Form Cure L for the new presets.
  • Page 25 15. Adjust the time or temperature on the touchscreen. 16. Tap Start. The printed part must be in the Form Cure L while it preheats. If the part is not placed inside the device until preheating is complete, the part may crack.

  • Page 26: Considerations For Specific Geometries

    Form Cure L heating functionality. When post-curing thick geometries, warm the part before post-curing and allow extra time for the Form Cure L to preheat to the target temperature before starting the post-cure lights and timer.

  • Page 27: Time And Temperature Settings

    5.5.2 Turning off The Form Cure L is designed to remain powered on when not in use. Flip the breaker switch on the back of the unit to the OFF position to turn off the machine completely and conserve power. When moving or storing the machine, unplug the unit from its power source in addition...

  • Page 28: Maintenance

    • Unauthorized disassembly or repair procedures may damage the machine and void the warranty. Tools and supplies Only use tools, chemicals, or procedures to maintain the Form Cure L that are outlined in this manual, by prompts on the touchscreen, and on support.formlabs.com.

  • Page 29: Inspection And Maintenance

    6.4.4 Tasks between uses Over time, debris or contaminants may collect in the Form Cure L or on its internal surfaces, particularly if printed parts are not fully dried before post-curing. In order to preserve the reliability of the Form Cure L, it is important to regularly inspect and clean its various components and assemblies.

  • Page 30: Intermittent Maintenance

    6.4.2 Maintaining the light diffusers The primary 375 nm and 405 nm LEDs and secondary white LEDs in the Form Cure L are covered by frosted light diffusing panels. These light diffusers spread the light from the LEDs and ensure that parts post-cure evenly. If the light diffusers are damaged or covered, parts may not post-cure properly.

  • Page 31: Troubleshooting

    Formlabs Support or a certified service provider to assist with troubleshooting. Troubleshooting errors or abnormal activity In the case of errors or abnormal activity with the Form Cure L, reference the following errors, causes, and proposed solutions. Complete the initial troubleshooting steps and carefully document all results. Contact...
  • Page 32 The reply to the DBus Firmware error Disconnect and reconnect the power. was invalid. The fan control failed. Firmware error Disconnect and reconnect the power. The timer has expired. The Form Cure L is not Disconnect and reconnect the power. receiving temperature data.
  • Page 33 The device failed to reach The Form Cure L did not Disconnect the power. Remove the Form Cure L top shell and check that the required temperature. reach its target temperature within 30 minutes. the thermistor and heater module wiring is secure.

  • Page 34: 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. Any damage resulting from attempting disassembly and/ or repair without prior authorization from Formlabs Support or a certified service provider is not covered by warranty.

  • Page 35: Recycling And Disposal

    Recycling and disposal For detailed guidance and visual assistance, visit support.formlabs.com. Disposal of resin 9.1.1 Liquid resin Resin and solvents may cause skin irritation or an allergic skin reaction. Wear gloves when handling liquid resin, liquid solvent, or resin-coated surfaces. Wash WARNING skin with plenty of soap and water.

  • Page 36: Recycling 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 37: Index

    Index clean 13, 16, 20, 27, 28, 35 solvent 5, 13, 14, 21, 22, 26, 30, 33, 34, 35 cleaning 13, 16, 20, 27, 28, 35 specifications 4, 8, 9, 35 comply 8, 13, 35 compliance 8, 13, 35 technical data 8, 35 temperature 4, 9, 10, 11, 17, 22, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, display 10, 11, 26, 29, 30, 35, 36 31, 35, 36 disposal 5, 33, 34, 35...

  • Page 38: Glossary

    Fans There are seven fans in the Form Cure L. Two fans blow hot air from the heater modules into the post-cure chamber. One fan exhausts air from the post-cure chamber. Four fans bring in outside air to cool the LEDs and other electronics.

  • Page 39: Product Compliance

    Product compliance The Form Cure L complies with the following electronics and safety standards: UL 61010-1:2012 Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1-12:2012 Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU UL 61010-2-010:2019 RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU CSA C22.2 No. 61010-2-010:2019 EMC Directive 2014/30/EU Other...
  • Page 40 Original English instructions November 2021 © Formlabs...

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