Formlabs Form 3 - Printing Operations; Preparing and Starting Prints; Post-Print Finishing

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5. Print with the Form 3
5.1 Operational Environment
The operating temperature for Formlabs printers is 64–82 °F (18–28 °C). For optimal printing,
do not exceed this range.
5.2 Printing
5.2.1 Download or Update PreForm
Visit the PreForm product webpage to download the latest version: formlabs.com/tools/preform
Learn to use PreForm from the tutorials available in the software menu.
For detailed guidance and visual assistance, search on support.formlabs.com.
5.2.2 Power the Printer On
Connect the power cable. The printer initiates automatically. To turn o the printer, see 5.4.6
Powering O the Form 3.
5.2.3 Prepare File for Print
Use PreForm software to process STL or OBJ files.
Prepare, save, and upload FORM files to the printer.
5.2.4 Pre-Print Checks
The printer checks the following before each print job:
• Accessories - Sensors check for the proper installation of the resin tank, build platform,
and resin cartridge.
• Temperature - The print chamber and resin heat to around 35 °C. A heating fan blows air
across the heater into the resin tank to heat the resin.
•
Resin - Resin flows from the cartridge into the tank when the cartridge dispense arm squeezes
the valve open. The Form 3 regulates the volume of resin in the tank through a sensor called
the LevelSense board, which is located behind the resin tank. The printer begins to fill the
resin tank once a print starts and maintains the level of resin in the tank during the print.
Printing begins automatically when LevelSense detects the proper amount of resin.
5.2.5 Start or Stop a Print
To start a print, select the job on the touchscreen, and follow the prompts.
To stop a print in progress, select pause, then abort the print.
Moving parts. Do not open the printer cover until the touchscreen indicates the print
is complete.
5.3 Finishing
Part finishing includes all steps after printing. Follow these steps to bring a 3D model from a
digital file to a functional, printed part:
1. Print: Prepare the FORM file in PreForm, upload and start the print, and then monitor the
print progress on Dashboard.
2.
Wash: Use Form Wash or the Finish Kit to rinse the remaining liquid resin from printed
parts’ surfaces.
3. Dry: Allow at least 30 minutes for isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to fully evaporate after washing.
CAUTION