Formlabs, a leader in the 3D printing industry, has introduced its new Form 4L and Form 4BL large-format SLA printers, along with the launch of its SLS and SLA developer platforms. These advancements allow users to realize their ideas at any scale and complexity. The company has also announced new printer accessories, two additional SLS materials, five sought-after features for its PreForm software, and enhanced post-processing solutions to improve scalability, efficiency, affordability, performance, and control.
Form 4L: The Fastest Large-Format SLA Printer Available
With the Form 4L and its biocompatible variant, Form 4BL, Formlabs combines high speed with a larger format to deliver exceptional reliability and print quality for both prototyping and production needs. The Form 4L utilizes the innovative Low Force Display™ (LFD) print engine, boasting a 99% success rate for prints, surpassing competitors in the SLA 3D printing market.
With a build volume nearly five times larger than that of the Form 4, the Form 4L enables users to tackle larger projects and produce smaller parts efficiently. Key features include:
- Rapid Print Speeds: Complete large-scale prints in under six hours, with speeds reaching up to 80 mm/hour.
- Expanded Build Volume: Offers a build area nearly five times greater than that of the Form 4.
- High Output: Capable of producing thousands of small parts daily at a low cost.
- Reduced Waste: A new cartridge design cuts plastic waste by 63% while accelerating resin dispensing.
- Diverse Material Compatibility: Supports over 23 materials, offering various properties such as durability, rigidity, and biocompatibility.
- New Accessories: Includes a Resin Mixer, Resin Tank, Build Platform, Resin Pumping System, Finish Kit, and Form Wash L for improved post-processing.
Dávid Lakatos, CPO of Formlabs, stated, “Our aim is to propel innovation by giving users the flexibility they need to bring their concepts to fruition. The Form 4L empowers users to tackle larger challenges and turn ambitious ideas into reality at remarkable speeds.”
Agostino LoBello, a Product Design Engineer at Radio Flyer, noted, “One of our first prints with the Form 4L was a seat for the Stingray Ride-On, and we used that exact 3D print in a vendor meeting. The speed and precision have significantly improved our workflow.”
Opening the Formlabs Platform for Developers and High-Volume Users
Formlabs is expanding its platform to give users greater control and flexibility. This enhancement complements the company’s extensive material library and introduces new software, integration options, and material pricing to help users transform their creative processes. The Developer Platform provides users with the freedom to access any material they need with top-tier 3D printers for professionals.
Key features of the Developer Platform include:
- Open Material Mode (OMM): Allows users to utilize any licensed material without restrictions.
- Print Settings Editor (PSE): Enables users to optimize print settings for maximum performance, available free with every machine.
- API & Integrations: Provides connectivity options for users to link any software they prefer for initiating prints.
Max Lobovsky, co-founder and CEO of Formlabs, remarked, “Our mission has always been to make professional 3D printing accessible. By opening our platform, we embark on a new chapter where users can contribute to enhancing 3D printing for everyone. The Developer Platform signifies a shift that will allow users to explore new possibilities with third-party SLS and SLA materials.”
New SLS Materials
Formlabs has also launched advanced SLS materials, including Nylon 12 White Powder and Nylon 12 Tough Powder, designed to expand the range of end-use applications and assist Fuse users in tackling more challenging projects.
- Nylon 12 White Powder: This material offers versatile and biocompatible properties with a formulation that creates high-contrast, customizable white parts.
- Nylon 12 Tough Powder: Known for its superior refresh rate and excellent ductility, this material is ideal for producing highly durable parts with minimal warping.
Following the introduction of the Form 4 in April 2024, Formlabs has significantly increased printing speeds, marking a new era in additive manufacturing. The Form 4 has led to a doubling of resin usage, and the fast print speeds along with the larger build area of the Form 4L are expected to enhance production for current users while expanding 3D printing applications into new industries.
New PreForm Features
With the platform expansion, Formlabs is also releasing updated PreForm software with highly requested features for job and model preparation, such as:
- Shareable Print Settings: Facilitates collaboration by allowing users to share and apply customized print settings in FPS files.
- Job and Model Preparation Tools: Enhances prototyping speed and reliability, allowing users to create:
- Model hollowing
- Drain holes
- Part texturing
- Part labeling
- Part cages
Headquartered in Somerville, Massachusetts, with a global presence, Formlabs empowers engineers, designers, healthcare professionals, manufacturers, and decision-makers with the tools needed to bring their ideas to life. The company’s product lineup includes SLA and SLS 3D printers, post-processing solutions, top-tier software, and a diverse selection of over 45 materials for various applications. Formlabs was recognized in 2024 as one of the world’s Most Innovative Companies in Manufacturing by Fast Company.
