Next-generation 3D Printer Reinvents Stereolithography

Formlabs has introduced two professional 3D printers that introduce Low Force Stereolithography (LFS) to its hardware lineup: Form 3 and Form 3L.

Formlabs says LFS 3D printing is an advanced form of stereolithography (SLA), which uses a flexible tank and increased laser resolution to reduce the forces of the peel process.

Formlabs shipped its first desktop 3D printer in 2012, and has shipped more than 50,000 units. The company says more than 40 million parts have been printed with its products to date.  The new models extend the capabilities of the Form 2 with more detailed print quality and the ability to chain multiple printers for production printing.  

Benefits of the LFS process, according to Formlabs, include:

• improved detail and surface finish thanks to the flexible resin tank, which reduces forces on parts while printing;
• pinpoint precision from the Light Processing Unit (LPU) to maintain a uniform, high-density laser spot;
• easy clean-up and smoother parts with tear-away light-touch supports;
• nonstop printing thanks to integrated sensors tracking the process;
• constant uptime with upgradable, modular components and foolproof design; and
• remote print: 3D print from anywhere via the online Dashboard.

The LFS print process behind the Form 3 is built to scale: Form 3L uses two LPUs to offer five times the build volume and two times the laser power of the Form 3.

In addition to the new hardware, Formlabs also announced a new material, Draft Resin. Formlabs says it prints 300 microns layer lines and is three to four times faster than other standard resins, making it suited for rapid prototyping.

Watch a live demo webinar.

Learn more about the new Form 3 and the Form 3L.

Watch the Form 3L introductory video.

Read in greater detail about the innovative Low Force Stereolithography process.

Read how the Form 3 and Form 3L reinvest stereolithography for volume production with improved detail.

Read Digital Engineering’s report on the launch of Formlabs 3 and 3L printers.

See why DE’s Editors selected the Form 3 and Form 3L as their Pick of the Week.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.