Links and video below. If you have a Formlabs Form 2 SLA 3D Printer, then you have probably had some problems with the cartridges of resin not being read by the printer. This is most likely due to the small metal contact spring fingers not making proper contact with the small chip that is located on the bottom of the resin cartridges. The spring fingers can become damaged over time by resin residue accumulating, or being bent back so as they no longer reach far enough to make contact with the resin cartridge contacts. This can be very frustrating as the whole printer will no longer function as it should. If the Form 2 does not read your cartridge of resin, (Or the tank either) the Form 2 will not let you go ahead with your print. This is understandable in that it can save you from resin pouring into your Form 2’s innards. However, if the contacts are simply not functioning as they should, the only way to bypass the issue is to print in the Form 2’s Open Mode. Open mode can be accessed through the settings menu, however it does “turn off” certain features that make the Form 2 great, such as: Auto Resin Refilling, Resin Heating, etc. This is unfortunate as these are key features that can help with a successful print.
After a lot of digging and unsuccessful support calls with Formlabs, I found a way to repair/replace the damaged contacts in the Form 2. Below you will find a fantastic video I found that goes through the disassembly and reassembly of a Form 2. I would recommend reviewing the video several times to make sure you are comfortable disassembling your Form 2 as it requires an advanced level of DIY and soldering skills. This will also most certainly void your warranty. However, I do believe that Formlabs is discontinuing service of these machines, so it may not be an issue anyway. Below you will also find a link to the the part that I found on Digikey. It comes in a pack of 10, so you will have some spares.
The video will show you how to disassemble the cartridge bay. Once disassembled, you will see the small PCB and spring finger assembly. At this point you may just be able to thoroughly clean the assembly to restore functionality, if not you may need to replace it. If that is the case, it is just a matter or de-soldering and removing the broken/malfunctioning spring finger mechanism. You can then follow the video to reassemble your Form 2, and with any luck, it should be in proper working order.
Here is the link to the replacement part on Digikey:
https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/70AAJ-2-M0/70AAJ-2-M0-ND/1232563
Here is the disassembly video:
The link provided is for a 2 position spring connector and the part is actually a 3 position spring connector, Part number 70AAJ-3-M0G. Or so I think…haven’t actually taken it apart yet and confirmed the digikey part fits.
Thanks for posting this….I was trying to buy a broken unit on ebay and steal the tank tray but this will be much cheaper.
Honestly I would not recommend buying any Formlab products.
I asked Formlab if I could purchase a replacement tank tray from them and this was their response “the Form 2 has since been sunsetted, in place of the Form 3. As such, the factory calibration is no longer provided, and we do not provide replacement tank carriers either.”
What a genius company. To “sunset” their products and offer 0 help or service on them. Probably because they were overloaded with people needing to repair them….so they decided to do the blanket “your unit is a $3500 boat anchor” clause.
https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/bourns-inc/70AAJ-3-M0G/2537921?s=N4IgTCBcDaIOwAYCCSBSBaAzOgsgg4gMIAq6AcgCKBwBAARWIobZ762EDyZZNAygAoAlAJJl8NHOwrikAGQCiNTH3Y9eOCiAC6AXyA
Thank you for the heads up. It had a been a minute since I had made the repair to when I mad ethe post. I just remember combing through a bunch of parts and finding the closest match as Formlabs would not disclose which exact one they used.