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formlabs Form 4B Manual

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Form 4B

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  • Page 1 Manual Form 4B...
  • Page 3 Installation and Usage Instructions Form 4B with Low Force Display (LFD)™ Print Engine Original English instructions Read this manual carefully and keep it for future reference. April 2024 REV 01 © Formlabs...

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Read and retain instructions .
  • Page 5 Finishing and post-processing a print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 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

    Formlabs Support or a certified service provider for product support. Instead of a serial number, Formlabs products have a serial name, which is a unique identifier to track the history of manufacturing, sales, and repair, and to distinguish usage when connected to a network.
  • 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/terms-of-service EU (EN) formlabs.com/eu/terms-of-service...

  • Page 10: Introduction

    (SLA), the Form 4B, and any specific designs or materials employed WARNING for the application and intended purpose before use. In no event shall Formlabs be liable for any loss, death, or bodily injury that you suffer, or that you cause to any third party, in connection with your use of Formlabs products.
  • Page 11 Minimum dimensions for 40.7 × 47.8 × 84.4 cm | 16.0 × 18.8 × 33.2 in convenient access (W × D × H) Printer dimensions (W × D × H) 39.8 × 36.7 × 55.4 cm | 15.7 × 14.5 × 21.9 in Printer weight 18.3 kg | 40.4 lb ×...

  • Page 12: Product Elements

    Product elements 2.3.1 Form 4B 1. Resin cartridge: A container that holds the resin before dispensing into the resin tank. Shake resin cartridges periodically to keep resin well mixed. 2. Build platform: The aluminum base provides a surface for prints to attach to. 3.
  • Page 13 4. Rinse bottle: Remove resin trapped in cavities and internal channels of prints. Use clean solvent. Formlabs recommends isopropyl alcohol. 5. Flush cutters: Snip to separate prints from their supports. Cut with the flat side on the prints’...

  • Page 14: Understanding The Display

    Refer to messages on the printer’s touchscreen to understand the meaning of the audio notifications. For detailed guidance and visual assistance, visit support.formlabs.com. • Tap the printer icon in the left sidebar to access the printer status screen. Information about the inserted consumables, such as resin types, resin cartridge levels, and resin tank temperature appear here.

  • Page 15: Safety

    Safety Read and understand this manual and its safety instructions before using the Form 4B. Failure to do so can result in serious injury or death. WARNING Supervise young or inexperienced users to ensure enjoyable and safe operation. The instructions contain warnings and safety information, as explained below: DANGER indicates a hazard with a high level of risk which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
  • Page 16 NOTICE any household chemical. Follow standard chemical safety procedures and Formlabs resin handling instructions. In general, Formlabs resin is not approved for use with food, drink, or medical applications on the human body. However, Formlabs resins for biocompatible applications are biologically safe for specific types and lengths of exposure to the human body.

  • Page 17: Personal Protective Equipment (Ppe)

    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: Specifications Of Tools To Be Used

    Specifications of tools to be used The Form 4B shall only be used with supplied accessories and additional tools recommended by Formlabs. Third-party accessories and materials may cause damage. Refer to sections 3.2 Personal protective equipment (PPE) and 6.1. Tools and supplies for more information.

  • Page 19: Emergency And Exceptional Situations

    6.5.5 Maintaining the Z-axis screw. 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 20: Preparation And Setup

    Unboxing the printer Prior to unboxing the printer, prepare a suitable workspace according to section 4.1 Location and environs. For detailed guidance and visual assistance, visit support.formlabs.com. 4.3.1 Form 4B package The standard Form 4B package ships with multiple boxes: the Form 4B printer, Form 4B Finish Kit, resin tank, resin cartridge, and build platform.
  • Page 21 The custom packaging the Form 4B arrives in is specially designed to protect the machine during shipping. During unboxing, inspect the product for any damage or missing items. In the case of damage or missing items, contact Formlabs Support or a certified service provider. To unbox the printer: 1.

  • Page 22: Serial Name

    While connected to the internet, the printer quickly and NOTICE securely registers a Formlabs biocompatible materials lifetime license. This is a one time configuration that is saved for the lifetime of your printer, even if you perform a factory reset on the machine.
  • Page 23 Ethernet. Visit support.apple.com for assistance with Bonjour. The USB connection can still be used while the Form 4B is connected to a LAN. When the Form 4B is connected to a LAN, its current status and print progress can be monitored with Dashboard: formlabs.com/dashboard. 4.6.1 Connecting with Wi-Fi The Form 4B’s built-in Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n) supports WPA/WPA2 security.

  • Page 24: Leveling The Printer

    Leveling the printer The Form 4B must be completely level before printing can begin. If prompted, use the leveling disc to raise or lower each foot of the printer. It is important that the printer sits level so resin does not overflow from the resin tank during printing.

  • Page 25: Inserting The Build Platform

    4.8.1 Inserting the resin tank To insert the resin tank: 1. Open the printer cover. 2. Remove all packaging from the resin tank before inserting it into the printer. 3. Remove the resin tank lid and set it aside. 4. Lift the resin tank with one hand on each side. Avoid contaminating the resin tank’s underside with fingerprints or liquid resin.

  • Page 26: Installing The Form 4B Finish Kit

    Ensure that you have sufficient solvent (isopropyl alcohol or tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether) to wash your prints. For more information about solvent handling, visit support.formlabs.com. 4.11.2 Installing the build platform jig The build platform jig is designed to stabilize the build platform for the secure removal of prints.
  • Page 27 4. Store the resin cartridge with the vent cap pressed closed and the valve cover installed. When shipping a printer to Formlabs or a certified service provider for replacement or repair, the build platform, resin tank, resin cartridge, power and USB cables, and other accessories should not be shipped and will not be returned after service.
  • Page 28 5. Place the upright printer into the lower box. The bottom foam inserts are shaped to match the contours of the printer. Ensure that the printer sits snugly in the foam inserts. 6. Place the upper foam on top of the printer. The foam should fit exactly around the top of the printer’s cover.

  • Page 29: Printing

    Form 4 generation printers. Setting up a print Form 4B print jobs can be set up using PreForm, Formlabs’ print preparation software. To start, open OBJ, STL, or 3MF files in PreForm, orient and layout multiple models into a complete build, then upload the print job to the printer.
  • Page 30 rotating a model. Position a model to prevent suction cups and reduce minima. To move a model to a different location: 1. Select the model in PreForm. Manipulators are overlaid on the model. 2. To move: ° Click-and-drag the Move manipulator to a new location on the build platform. °...

  • Page 31: Preparing The Printer For Printing

    Insert the resin tank, build platform, and resin cartridge. Confirm the print job on the printer’s touchscreen and wait for the print chamber inside the Form 4B to preheat. For detailed guidance and visual assistance, visit support.formlabs.com. 5.4.1 Automatic consumables checks The Form 4B checks the following before each print:...

  • Page 32: Finishing And Post-Processing A Print

    7. Dry your prints. Ensure all prints are fully dry and free of excess solvent, resin, and other liquids before post-curing. 8. Post-cure your print with the Form Cure, Form Cure L, or a Formlabs-approved third-party large-format SLA post-curing unit to achieve a part’s full mechanical properties.

  • Page 33: Managing The Printer

    Managing the printer During and between prints, you can track your printer’s usage, manage print jobs, and prepare for future print jobs. For detailed guidance and visual assistance, visit support.formlabs.com. 5.6.1 Connecting the printer to Dashboard Dashboard (formlabs.com/dashboard) allows individuals and teams to remotely monitor Formlabs printers, track material usage, and explore past and future Formlabs purchases.

  • Page 34: Maintenance

    • Do not open the machine and/or investigate internal components unless under the guidance of Formlabs or a certified service provider. Contact Formlabs Support or a certified service provider for any additional guidance. • Unauthorized disassembly or repair procedures may damage the machine and void the warranty.

  • Page 35: 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 WARNING with plenty of soap and water.

  • Page 36: Tasks Before Switching Resin Types

    Refer to section 6.7.1 Inspecting the resin tank. Tasks before switching resin types Perform the following maintenance tasks whenever you switch resin types. For detailed guidance and visual assistance, visit support.formlabs.com. 6.4.1 Cleaning the mixer The mixer improves print consistency by clearing the build area and circulating the resin.
  • Page 37 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. In the case of a crack that allows light to pass through the cover, install a new cover. Refer to section 8 Disassembly and repair for more information.

  • Page 38: Planned Maintenance

    For detailed guidance and visual assistance, visit support.formlabs.com. 3. As the build platform mount moves up and down, listen, look, and feel to check for areas that emit noise or where the build platform mount sticks or moves less smoothly.
  • Page 39 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 40 The rear mesh filter is located at the back of the printer. It magnetically attaches to the printer and covers the LPU air intake. A clean dust filter ensures that the LPU and resin do not overheat. For detailed guidance and visual assistance, visit support.formlabs.com. Required supplies...

  • Page 41: 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 42 Required supplies Non-reactive nitrile gloves Plastic tank scraper To inspect the resin tank interior: 1. Put on a new, clean pair of nitrile gloves. 2. Use the plastic tank scraper to inspect the resin and the resin tank interior. Refer to section 7.3 Cleaning after a failed print, steps 1–3.
  • Page 43 Required supplies Resin tank interior Resin tank exterior Tank frame • Cleaning sheet • Isopropyl alcohol • Low-fiber paper towels • Non-reactive nitrile gloves • Non-reactive nitrile gloves • Non-reactive nitrile gloves • Plastic tank scraper • PEC*PADs • Isopropyl alcohol •...

  • Page 44: Troubleshooting

    7.3.1 Removing cured resin with the cleaning sheet Formlabs Low Force Display (LFD)™ printers can print a cleaning sheet, which is a thin, flat printed part that binds loose debris together. The cleaning sheet adheres to the resin tank for removal using the plastic tank scraper.
  • Page 45 Required supplies Non-reactive nitrile gloves Paper towels Plastic tank scraper To remove cured resin with the cleaning sheet: 1. Put on a new, clean pair of nitrile gloves. 2. Tap the wrench icon on the Home screen. The Maintenance menu appears. 3.

  • Page 46: Troubleshooting Errors Or Abnormal Activity

    In the case of errors, abnormal activity, or print failures with the Form 4B, reference the following errors, causes, and proposed solutions. Complete the initial troubleshooting steps and carefully document all results. For detailed guidance and visual assistance, visit support.formlabs.com. 7.4.1...
  • Page 47 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 48 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 49 Error Cause Solution Undeveloped feature • Debris/damage in resin tank • Check the resin tank for A void of missing material forms • Model orientation, layout, debris or damage within a print and widens as the and/or support issue • Check the model in PreForm print builds away from the build •...

  • Page 50: Disassembly And Repair

    Formlabs WARNING Support or a 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. Task...

  • Page 51: 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 52: 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 53: Disposal Of Packaging Waste

    Disposal of packaging waste The packaging is made of cardboard and plastic-based materials. Dispose of packaging through waste and recycling facilities. By disposing of the packaging waste in the proper manner, you help avoid possible hazards for the environment and public health. Save the Form 4B’s packaging including any inserts for transporting the machine.

  • Page 54: Index

    Index operation 4, 11, 13 parallelism 8, 44 Backlight Unit 45, 46, 51 parallelism shims 8 backlight 11, 37, 38, 45, 46, 52 power 7, 9, 11, 16, 17, 18, 20, 23, 29, 30, 33, 34, bite valve 27, 32, 43, 51 36, 52 build platform 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, PreForm 7, 18, 19, 25, 26, 34, 35, 38, 40, 43, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 44, 45...

  • Page 55: Glossary

    Build platform latch A lever that is part of the locking mechanism that secures the build platform. Contact Formlabs Support or a certified service provider before adjusting the platform lock, as improper adjustment can damage the machine.
  • Page 56 Term Meaning Fans Cooling fans pull warm air away from electronic components: the backlight, the LCD, and the power supply Flush cutters Snip to separate prints from their supports. Cut with the flat side on the prints’ surface for minimal support marks. Heater The resin in the resin tank is heated by resistive heaters located below the resin tank.
  • Page 57 Rinse bottle Remove resin trapped in cavities and internal channels of prints. Use clean solvent. Formlabs recommends isopropyl alcohol. Rinse bucket Fill the rinse bucket with solvent before washing prints. The rinse bucket includes a ground wire to prevent static discharge.

  • Page 58: Product Compliance

    Term Meaning USB port The Form 4B can connect to a computer via USB. The port is connected to the motherboard and can be accessed from the back of the machine. Vent cap The lid at the top of the cartridge allows for air interchange, enabling proper resin dispensing.

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