Glossary | 37
Resin Tank The resin tank is the primary container for holding resin after it is
dispensed from the cartridge. Resin is cured onto the build platform
when the laser passes through the tank’s bottom window. Only use
approved materials and processes to clean the resin tank and film.
Resin Tank ID chip The resin tank’s ID chip uses Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-
Only Memory (EEPROM). The tank spring fingers read the chip to detect
the unique tank ID and current resin type.
Roller holder Segmented metal rods (rollers) act as bearings for smooth movement of
the LPU housing across the film in the resin tank. The rollers surround the
optical window. Clean rollers protect the film and preserve print quality.
Shell Five protective external casings protect the printer’s
internal components:
(1) Rear shell: a plastic casing for the back of the printer.
(2) Side shells: metal casings for the left and right sides.
(1) Top shell: a plastic casing to protect the area surrounding the resin
tank, under the cover.
(1) Front shell: the glass display assembly is attached to a plastic panel,
which encases the front of the printer below the cover.
Tank carrier The assembly holds the resin tank and tensions the film. The tank carrier
is covered by the top shell and houses the film tensioner, LevelSense,
resin tank spring fingers, tank catch flexures, and interlock sensors.
Tank carrier rails The resin tank side walls connect to linear slots on each side of the tank
carrier. While printing, the rails pull the tank walls and the film into tension.
Tank case Each resin tank includes a lidded container for storing the resin tank
when not in use.
Tank handles Plastic handles on each side of the resin tank allow for easy insertion,
removal, and carrying of the tank. Avoid touching the bottom of the resin
tank, as fingerprints can leave smudges that obstruct the optical path.
Tank spout This spout at the back of the resin tank sits underneath the cartridge
dispense hole and receives resin from the cartridge.
Tank spring fingers These electrical contacts, at the back of the resin tank carrier, read
the resin tank’s EEPROM ID chip to sense the tank’s presence and to
communicate the resin type to PreForm.
Tank tool Inspecting and cleaning the interior of the resin tank requires a special
two-part spatula. This is the only tool to clean the interior film surface.
Touchscreen The LCD capacitive touch user interface displays print information,
settings, and error messages.
USB port The Form 3 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. Push the vent cap open prior to printing.
Wi-Fi antenna The Wi-Fi antenna enables the Form 3’s wireless connectivity. The
antenna pokes through a hole on the printer’s motherboard.
Z-tower This vertical tower at the back of the printer provides support for many
parts of the Form 3. The build platform is raised and lowered along the
Z-axis, inside the tower. The Z-tower also encloses the resin cartridge,
the heater, and the mechanisms for dispensing the resin into the tank.
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