Formlabs Announces New LFS Resin 3D Printers
Formlabs recently released two new LFS (Low Force Stereolithography) resin 3D printers: the Form 3+ and the Form 3B+.
Formlabs is a very well-respected name in the prosumer/commercial resin 3D printing space. They have made high-quality resin 3D printers for several years with a focus on quality, usability, and reliability. Many of their innovations trickle down to hobby resin printers in time, but they design their machines for professional use. Now they're releasing two new LFS (Low Force Stereolithography) resin 3D printers: the Form 3+ and the Form 3B+.
LFS is Formlabs' own take on laser stereolithography resin 3D printing. Most competitors' machines have rigid resin vats. When the build platform retracts, a lot of "peeling" force between the vat film and the part occurs. That peeling force can separate layers or even break small features or supports. To compensate for that, users turn to thick supports that leave behind a rough finish. Formlabs' LFS technology uses a flexible vat, which reduces peelings forces. That means you can get away with lighter supports that improve your part surface finish.
Both the Form 3+ and Form 3B+ feature LFS technology. They also have a number of other innovations, including a flexible build plate that makes it easy to remove parts and makes painful scraping a thing of the past. They also have wireless connectivity, so you can start prints remotely. The proprietary resin pump system automatically pushes the right amount of resin into the vat, meaning you can even start those prints from home when the printer is at the office.
Unlike most hobby resin printers, the Form 3+ and Form 3B+ use a UV laser to cure resin. That means that XY detail is not restricted by LCD pixel density and reduces light bleed. That laser is stronger than in the preceding Form 3 and Form 3B, resulting in 20-40% faster print speeds. An innovative mirror system also ensures that the laser is always perpendicular to the build platform, further eliminating light bleed and unintended artifacts.
Both the Form 3+ and Form 3B+ are now available for order. The former has a price tag of $3,499.00 and the latter $4,850.00.
