Form 3 Not Printing: Error Due to Build Platform

Support & Troubleshooting Form 3/3+
1

When uploading stl file(s) to the Form 3 for printing, the file successfully uploads then hangs on the “preparing to print” screen. The wheel goes round and round until the unit errors out.

When starting up Form 3:

  • Unit always indicates the platform is dirty (I have cleaned it multiple times)

Firmware Load:

  • 2.5.1-2345

Error Message:

  • Failed to start print
  • Returns to home screen but requests to confirm platform contents (Is your build platform ready for print?)

Note:

  • Tried updating to new firmware: printer hangs on screen 2/3
  • Tried reverting to old firmware: printer hangs on screen 2/3
  • Tried resetting unit: no resetting screen appears
  • Power cycling does not help

Overall question: how can I get this printer to print?
Troubleshooting questions: How can I reset the unit? How can I update the firmware successfully? How can I ensure the build platform is recognized as “clean” or “ready”?

Other Background:

  • Unit was not used for at least 3 months
  • Using Tough Resin 1500 (V1)
  • Unit is offline, all communication is via USB
2

Update: Submitted a ticket to Formlabs and they got back to me within a day (~14 hours). Recommended the following:

  1. Delete the printer storage on the printer
  2. If #1 doesn’t work, reset the printer.

When I performed #1 - printer would not delete. Continued to step 2 (I previously was not performing the reset correctly), the printer storage was wiped.

I am now able to print!

2 Likes
3

Hi, hade same issue. And the machine reset worked like a charm.

Thanks for sharing.