Regular maintenance ensures your Form 4 3D Printer continues printing at its best regardless of how frequently you use it or which materials you print with.
The Form 4 3D Printer builds parts up to four times faster than previous models, taking around two hours for most jobs — but those rapid print speeds, as well as print quality and uptime, are dependent on your printer’s care.
Follow these best practices for Form 4 3D printer maintenance:
Essential care between print jobs
Your build platform requires inspection and cleaning after every print to remove any liquid resin or cured material which could affect adhesion or damage the inner tank film.
Isopropyl alcohol and paper towels effectively remove tacky residue from your build platform’s surface, while a scraper helps with stubborn cured resin.
A thorough check of your resin cartridge helps identify leaks around the skirt and rubber bite valve that could cause spills.
Check to ensure that your resin cartridge shelf life has not expired (24 months for most resins). The production date is printed on a sticker on the bottom of the cartridge
Check the condition of your resin tank to make sure that it is free from physical damage and contamination on the underside of the transparent tank film. Also, make sure that the inside is free from cured resin fragments or other debris – you can use the Cleaning Sheet utility and the plastic tank scraper included with the printer to carefully remove debris.
Safety during resin changes
Switching between different resin types demands thorough cleaning of components to prevent cross-contamination and ensure print quality remains high.
The Form 4 mixer needs special attention when changing resins. If you are reusing the same mixer with multiple resin types, it requires a complete clean with appropriate solvents like isopropyl alcohol when switching resins. Proper drying of your mixer after cleaning prevents unwanted reactions between residual cleaning agents and fresh resin.
Maintaining your rear mesh filter
Your Form 4 3D printer’s rear mesh filter needs regular cleaning to prevent the Light Processing Unit from overheating during printing operations.
Access the magnetic filter on the back panel of your printer near the power switch and remove it for cleaning. A thorough vacuuming of your mesh filter removes dust and debris that could restrict airflow to critical components.
Ongoing printer maintenance needs
Software updates are crucial for maintaining your printer’s performance and accessing new features for improved printing results.
PreForm software requires regular checks for updates through the Help menu to ensure compatibility with current firmware versions.
Firmware updates enhance your printer’s functionality and resolve potential issues affecting print quality or operational efficiency.
Print failure prevention steps
Print failures often stem from inadequate adhesion between your model and the build platform, requiring systematic investigation of potential causes.
Your Light Processing Unit needs regular inspection for dust or debris that could interfere with proper curing and adhesion. Ensure that the printer has reached the correct temperature before printing.
Tank and cartridge troubleshooting
Resin flow problems often indicate issues with your cartridge’s vent cap or bite valve that require immediate attention.
Proper positioning and secure latching are essential for the resin tank to prevent error messages and ensure smooth printing operations. Regular inspection of the tank’s film surface helps identify wear patterns or damage that could compromise print quality.
Component cleaning procedures
Light Processing Unit maintenance requires careful cleaning with appropriate materials to maintain optimal performance without damaging sensitive surfaces.
The z-axis lead screw benefits from regular inspection and cleaning to ensure smooth movement during printing operations.
Proper lubrication of mechanical components with appropriate materials extends their operational lifespan and maintains print precision.
Support documentation preparation
Maintaining detailed records of your printer’s performance helps identify patterns and resolve issues more efficiently when contacting support.
Document details about failed builds, such as printer hesitancy, poor bed adhesion, or layering issues, so you have everything needed to speak to an expert.
Your Form 4’s 3D Printer serial number on the back panel provides essential information for warranty and support services should you need them.
Related reading: Formlabs Form 4 Post Processing: Elevate Your Productivity