Formlabs launches $10K Form 4L large-scale SLA 3D printer | VoxelMatters - The heart of additive manufacturing

Formlabs has expanded its 3D printing portfolio with the launch of the new Form 4L, a large-format SLA 3D printer with a build volume nearly five times larger than its Form 4 machine. The company is additionally introducing a biocompatible version of the large-format system, the Form 4BL, as well as new materials and accessories for its other platforms solutions.

Marketed as the “fastest large-format SLA 3D printer”, the new Form 4L from Formlabs is launching today for $9,999. The new platform offers a substantially larger build capacity than its predecessor, the Form 4, and is thus suitable for printing large parts or larger volumes of small components. Notably, the new system also delivers on speed, enabling users to print at up to 80 mm/hour (to put that into perspective, Formlabs says large parts can be printed in as little as six hours).

The speed and volume of the new machine are owed in part to Formlabs’ Low Force Display (LFD) print engine, which promotes greater reliability and is also available on the more compact Form 4 system, launched earlier this year. The LFD print engine introduces several new systems and features, including a backlight unit, light processing unit, release texture and integrated camera.

The new platform is compatible with over 23 materials and integrated a new cartridge system designed to both reduce plastic waste and dispense resins faster. The large-format SLA system is also complemented with a host of new accessories from Formlabs, such as the Resin Mixer, Resin Tank, Build Platform, Resin Pumping System and Finish Kit and Form Wash L for post-processing.

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

The new Form 4L has already been used by Formlabs customers, such as Microsoft’s Architect team, which is leveraging the printer to create full-size functional prototypes for Xboxes, Surface tablets, headsets and more; and Radio Flyer, a company that makes riding toys that is using the 3D printer for functional prototyping. “One of the first things we printed on the 4L as soon as we got it was a seat for the Stingray Ride-On, and we used that exact 3D print in a vendor meeting,” said Agostino LoBello, Product Design Engineer at Radio Flyer. “The speed and dimensional accuracy have made a big difference in our shop.”

In addition to launching the Form 4L, Formlabs has also introduced two new SLS powders for the Fuse platform: Nylon 12 White Powder and Nylon 12 Tough Powder. Nylon 12 White Powder is a white-colored biocompatible material with good dimensional accuracy capable of printing parts with a high level of detail. Nylon 12 Tough Powder, for its part, offers excellent ductility and minimal warping, as well as among the best refresh rates of Formlabs’ Nylon powders.

The 3D printing company has also opened up its platform to give its users greater control and flexibility over 3D printing processes. Through the newly launched Developer Platform, Formlabs is offering new software and material pricing, such as Open Material Mode (OMM), Print Settings Editor (PSE) and API & Integrations. In terms of material pricing, the company is introducing general purpose materials for $79, and bulk pricing for production ($35 per liter of SLA resin, and $45 per kg of SLS powders).

“Formlabs started with a clear mission to make professional 3D printing more accessible, and opening our platform is the beginning of a new chapter for Formlabs, where we enable users to help make 3D printing better for everybody,” commented Formlabs co-founder and CEO Max Lobovsky. “Developer Platform represents a transformation for our entire platform that will unlock the benefits of user control and unique properties of third-party SLS and SLA materials. This shift will break down barriers, welcoming innovators at every level to explore endless new possibilities and bring their ideas to life.”

Finally, Formlabs is also launching the new PreForm software program, which integrates a number of 3D model and print job preparation. PreForm functions include model hollowing, drain holes, part texturing, part labeling and part cages. The software also makes it easier to share print settings to facilitate collaboration amongst users.