Formlabs launches large format 4L series; opens up SLA & SLS 3D printers to third party materials.

Formlabs launches large format 4L series; opens up SLA & SLS 3D printers to third party materials.

Formlabs, a leader in 3D printing technology, has announced the launch of the Form 4L and Form 4BL, their latest large-format SLA 3D printers. These new models promise blazing fast speeds and exceptional print quality, catering to a wide range of applications from prototyping to production. Alongside these printers, Formlabs is also opening its SLA and SLS platforms to third-party materials, providing users with unprecedented flexibility and control.

 

Key Features of Form 4L

• Unmatched Speed: Capable of large-scale prints in under six hours, with printing speeds up to 80 mm/hour.
• Large Build Volume: Nearly five times larger than the Form 4, allowing for the production of bigger parts and higher volumes.
• High Efficiency: The new cartridge design reduces plastic waste by 63% and speeds up resin dispensing.
• Versatile Materials: Compatible with over 23 materials, including durable, rigid, biocompatible, and flame-retardant options.
• Comprehensive Ecosystem: Includes new accessories like the Resin Mixer, Resin Tank, Build Platform, Resin Pumping System, and Finish Kit and Form Wash L for post-processing.

 

Developer Platform and New Material Pricing

Formlabs is also introducing a Developer Platform to give users more control over their printing processes. This includes:

• Open Material Mode (OMM): Use any material with a license, without restrictions.
• Print Settings Editor (PSE): Adjust print settings for optimal performance.
• API & Integrations: Connect any software to streamline the printing process.
• Affordable Materials: Bulk pricing for SLA resin at $35 per liter and SLS powders at $45 per kilogram.

 

New SLS Materials

Formlabs has expanded its material offerings with two new SLS powders:

• Nylon 12 White Powder: Offers high contrast and customizable white parts with versatile, biocompatible properties.
• Nylon 12 Tough Powder: Features excellent ductility and dimensional accuracy, ideal for producing highly resistant parts with minimal warpage.

 

Enhanced PreForm Software

The latest PreForm software update includes highly-requested features for job and model preparation, such as:

• Shareable Print Settings: Enables collaboration by sharing fine-tuned print settings.
• Advanced Model Preparation: Includes options for model hollowing, drain holes, part texturing, labeling, and part cages.

 

Quotes from Industry Leaders

“We believe in driving innovation forward by providing the freedom and flexibility users need to bring their ideas to life. Form 4L will enable users to solve bigger problems and bring big ideas to life at lightning-fast speeds, regardless of scale or complexity,” said Formlabs CPO Dávid Lakatos.

Agostino LoBello, Product Design Engineer at Radio Flyer, added, “The speed and dimensional accuracy of the Form 4L have made a big difference in our shop.”

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