22 Maintaining the Form 2 | 23
6.2.1 Updating Form 2 Firmware
Formlabs regularly releases updated firmware to fix bugs and improve function-
ality. Review the PreForm and firmware release notes to learn more about the
improvements that come with each version’s release.
To update the firmware:
1. Open PreForm.
2. Open the File menu and select Printers….
3. Select the serial name of the printer you would like to update.
4. Select Update Firmware.
5.
Follow the onscreen instructions to download the latest firmware and then up-
load the file to the printer. To upload firmware, the printer must be connected
to the computer via USB or the printer must be connected to the same local
area network as the computer.
6.
The printer may automatically recognize you have sent a firmware update.
Press Continue on the Form 2 touchscreen to finish the installation. If you
are not prompted to select Continue, open the Settings tab on the printer’s
touchscreen and select Firmware Update.
7.
After the firmware update installs, confirm the system restart on the touch-
screen or wait 30 seconds for an automatic restart.
To perform a manual firmware update:
1. Download and update to the latest version of PreForm.
2. Download the latest firmware from the Formlabs Software release notes, on
support.formlabs.com. Firmware files are in the .formware file format.
3. Launch PreForm.
4. In the menu bar, click File → Printers... to open the Printers list.
5.
In the Printers list, click on the printer’s serial name to reveal a drop-down menu.
6. Click Update Firmware to open the Firmware Update box.
7.
In the Firmware Update box, click Select File to open the Select Downloaded
Firmware dialog box.
8.
Select the downloaded firmware file from the download destination. Click
Open to begin uploading the firmware file onto the Form 2.
9.
Once the firmware upload is complete, follow the prompts on the Form 2
touchscreen to finish the installation and reboot the printer.
6.2.2 Maintenance for Resin Tanks
To replace a resin tank:
1. Remove the resin tank.
2. Transfer or dispose of the remaining resin.
c.
Pour the resin from the old tank to the new tank or another container.
Ifthere is debris or cured parts in the resin, filter the resin before transfer-
ring it to a new tank.
d. Pouring resin back into the original cartridge may risk contaminating the
cartridge with cured resin pieces or debris, which can cause print failures.
3. Cure excess resin in the tank.
e. Use a paper towel to wipe any remaining resin o the old tank.
f.
Place the old tank in sunlight (a window sill is fine) or UV light to cure excess
resin, and dispose of properly once cured.
g. Do not pour liquid resin down the drain. Follow instructions in the SDS.
6.2.3 Standard Resin Tank: Maintenance and Care
For detailed guidance and visual assistance, search on support.formlabs.com.
To inspect the standard Resin Tank interior:
1.
Use the scraper to inspect the resin and the elastic layer. Starting from the top
corner, gently scrape from top to bottom across the elastic layer.
2. Check for the following issues that may lead to print failures or any excessive
wear that requires replacing the tank:
h. cured resin on the elastic layer
i. debris or failed prints in the resin
j. settled pigment on the elastic layer
k. punctures, cuts, or gouges in the elastic layer
l. excessive “clouding” or wear in the elastic layer
3. Follow cleaning instructions to remove cured resin, failed prints, debris,
and settled pigment. For moderate wear or scratches on the elastic layer,
use theLayout toolbar in PreForm to print outside the worn or scratched
area. In the case of excessive wear or scratches on the elastic layer, re-
place the tank.
To inspect the standard Resin Tank exterior:
1. Check the clear acrylic window on the underside of the tank for fingerprints,
dust, contamination, and scratches, which cause the laser light to diuse and
lead to print failures or inaccuracies.
2. Carefully lift the tank using an overhand grip on the tank grips. Tilt the tank—
only slightly to avoid spillage—until a reflective glare reveals any dust, finger-
prints, or scratches on the surface.
3. Use cleaning instructions to remove any fingerprints, dust, or contamination
on the tank window before printing.