Quarterly

10 min

Perform these maintenance actions every three months:

Put on CLEAN GLOVES before proceeding.

Prepare Printer for Servicing

Power Printer Down
Open Service Door
Shut Off Air Supply

Power Printer Down

Press power switch to the off position

Open Service Door

Locate the access lock hole on the left side of the printer
Insert an 8 mm allen wrench into the hole and turn an 1/4 of a turn clockwise
- DO NOT turn counter-clockwise
The door will release open

Shut Off Air Supply

The printer's air supply must be shut off to depressurize the system for servicing related sub-systems.

Engage the quick disconnect fitting and pull off the air hose.

If you used the minimum clearance printer position, you might need to move your printer forward to reach the air hose. In this case, review the Position and Level Printer section of M3/M3 Max Printer Startup to lift the leveling feet for repositioning, replace the printer in position, and re-level the feet after servicing.

Pneumatic Inlet Moisture Check

Compressed air is essential to the printer's operation to clamp down the cassette and platform as well as operating the tracks that lift the platform up and down.

The pneumatic inlet filter captures moisture from the air compressor. Portable air compressors in particular may capture enough moisture to require emptying the filter's compartment.

Locate the Pneumatic Inlet Filter

The filter is located on the left-hand printer frame, about one third down between the deck and floor.

Serviceable parts are denoted with an orange sticker.

https://player.vimeo.com/video/654738205

1. Place a cup below the inlet cylinder 2. Check the moisture level - Inlet cylinder contains water 3. Open drain valve - Twist valve clockwise to open 4. Fully drain cylinder of water 5. Close drain valve - Twist valve counter-clockwise to close 6. Make sure inlet valve is tightly closed - Twist valve closed with a blue towel to catch drips and secure tightly

Troubleshooting Pneumatic Air Inlet Filter

If air hissing is heard and / or there are any alerts displayed on the printer screen related to pneumatic system pressure, check that the drain valve was fully closed.

Replace Intake Filter

The intake filter must be replaced every 3 months for the printer to operate efficiently. A MERV 8 rated filter is required (14 x 18 x 1 inch).

Locate the intake filter

The intake filter is at the bottom of the frame of the printer. Serviceable parts are denoted with an orange sticker.

Remove the metal cover

Unscrew the bolts with an 8 mm hex wrench.

Remove the old filter

Remove metal cover and set aside with the screws.
Pull out old filter.
Discard the dirty filter in the regular waste bin.

3. Remove old filter

Insert new filter

Note date replaced for reference with a sharpie.
Ensure arrow on filter is facing in upward direction.

Replace metal cover

Replace the metal cover and use the screws to secure it. Tighten the screws to slightly more than hand tight.
- Ensure the cover's flanges face inwards (otherwise the service door won't close.)

The printer does not have intake filter detection. The light engine in the printer will fail sooner if a filter is not installed.

Return Printer to Operation

Close service door

Power printer back on

Restore system power

Re-connect air supply

Close service door

Press door shut firmly, as you would a car door, until the latch clicks; insufficient force can result in a partial latch.

Power printer back on

Press power switch to the on position.

Restore system power

Press Restore system power on the touchscreen to power on all hardware sub-systems for operation

Re-connect air supply

Engage the quick disconnect fitting and push on the air hose.