I’m tired of researching workarounds, jigs, and modifications just to improve the powder handling process. There have been plenty of user complaints and discussions—it’s time for action.
About three months ago, a forum user requested a demonstration from Formlabs showing how to fill the Sift using the 10 kg powder bag. This is a very simple request that should only require a short video, and it would go a long way toward proving that the bags are actually usable in real-world workflows.
Given all the frustration, time, and effort put in by Fuse users, the absolute least Formlabs could do is make this video and show us that the bags are actually usable. I’d love to be proven wrong and learn how to effectively transfer powder from the bags without introducing contamination or losing material.
Agree… the new Trash bags of powder took the process “downhill” and I want to add a requirement to this demonstration video…
Video demonstration must be two parts
Part 1 must show topping off the fresh hopper in the Sift with the initial “half” of the 10kg bag
Then show rolling/storing that other half bag of powder before
Then using the rest of that partial remaining half bag into the Sift Fresh hopper
The problem is not even the initial pain of using the bag, it is my fear of introducing micro hair and dust onto the remaining bag/powder before using it to fill the Sift, yet again…a second time
It would be a smart move for Formlabs to listen to their customers. They tried switching to bags, but it just doesn’t work. Unfortunately, there’s no workaround for this.
Smaller bags could be tolerable if they were not pleated and you could just snip a corner and pour right into the opening. Trying to close up a bag after dumping half out makes such a mess.
Can a Formlabs employee confirm that this video is in the works/queue? The demonstration was requested 3 months ago, and this forum has been very actively discussing this topic. It would be incredibly helpful for all Fuse users.
@jmasterson, we are starting to shoot Fuse videos as we speak. I’ve asked where this topic falls on the list. As soon as I hear back from the team, I’ll post an update here to inform everyone of the expected delivery date for the video. Thank you for everyone’s patience on this subject.
@jmasterson, @scmetz, @Edouardh, @LEADNAV, @SSI2022, @Mario_Martinez. I don’t have an exact date, but the video is on the list. Our team has been made aware that there is a huge request for this video. We have made some updates to our Support Site regarding filling using the bags. I’ll be sure to share the video here once we have it. Again, thank you for keeping this at the forefront and your patience while we get this over to you. (I fixed the link)
@Edouardh, currently, there is no plan to bring the jugs back. As a company, we continually seek ways to minimize waste. I can certainly submit a feedback request about switching to smaller bags. I know that those are reviewed, and we have made changes in response to those feedback requests. As an example, one project I was extensively involved in was adding the ability to label models in PreForm. That took almost 2 years to come to fruition.
-Powder bag content doesn’t fit the fresh hopper
-Unused powder is sensitive to ambient since bags come perforated…
-Powder can be easily contaminated during pouring operation
-The process for pouring powder generates dust and can easily be spilled.
Honestly the updated section is not useful to address this concerns, the “tip” is clearly signaling spills potential using bags.
@Mario_Martinez, I understand the concerns about the new bag system. I did place a product feedback pointing out each of the bullets you pointed out. It won’t be a fast response, but there is a lot of talk about this situation. I’m glad that each of you has posted to keep this conversation open.
