Low Force Stereolithography: A first look at

Formlabs' new 3D printers

https://www.tctmagazine.com/3d-printing-news/formlabs-low-force-stereolithography-3d-
printers/

Article Summary:

Allison Cox

Stereolithography is defined as a form of 3D printing technology used for creating models, prototypes,
patterns, and production parts in a layer by layer fashion using photochemical processes by which light causes
chemical monomers to link together to form polymers. The article discusses Formlabs’ new 3D printers,
created by a combination of a flexible tank and a scalable light processing unit, which creates a low force
stereolithography. This allows the printing to be light-pressured and controlled. There are two types: Form 3
and Form 3L. Form 3 can handle high volume and print quality, whereas, Form 3L can hold two material
cartridges and can produce larger prototypes in one build. I personally think these new 3D printers are product
that will only keep improving.

Lorena Zamora Matos:

The article presents two big innovations in the realm of 3D printing. Firstly, the low-force variation of
stereolithography means that the supports holding a piece being printed in place can be much thinner than
before, saving considerable time in the finishing step of completed parts. Secondly, a new type of resin allows
for much faster prototyping, enabling one company to print experimental golf club heads in just two hours
rather than six to eight. Formlabs’s new machines which support these technologies are also capable of
building larger parts than earlier models, enabling companies to reduce time spent in assembly as well. At this
rate of evolution, I am sure that 3D printing will be the solution for more complex and costly manufacturing
processes. I am looking forward to seeing what they can produce next.

Jamarius Willis:

This article is very intriguing because it discusses to next gen for stereolithography. I have never seen
anything of this nature before so it really caught my attention. Low force stereolithography is very efficient
because it uses a flexible tank to reduce the pressure in parts when printing. The LPU helps maintain the
accuracy by keeping high density laser spot. The ability to make prototypes more efficiently and effectively is
a major step towards innovation for engineering. This printer is very useful for engineers but also the everyday
people that may have a great concept or idea they are able to bring it to life and take things to next level. As a
business professional often times it is difficult to get concepts across to other engineers and I find tools like
this to be very useful to allow others to visual a super accurate prototype vice versa.

Lindsey Cabanas:
 The new process, Low Force Stereolithography, is extremely exciting for processing precise parts
consistently. If the suspected new Draft Resin is able to print four times faster, this would allow for 3D printer
use to be considered differently. One of the downsides to current iterations of 3D printers is the speed of
printing, with larger parts taking days to print. To be able to print consistent precise parts quickly would be an
advantage in many manufacturing facilities worldwide. It would also be such an advantage to be able to print
parts in one build. The variety of use for the new 3D printers would also be heavily dependent upon the
specific strength specifications of the new Draft Resin. The development of these machines is very exciting as
it could be a very large step for manufacturing and developing working prototypes quickly.

Brian Evans:

Being a billion dollar printing company with the likes of former GE CEO as a board member, Formlabs
definitely seems to be a major player in the world of 3D printing. The introduction of the Form 3
products should be a valuable tool for the existing engineering, manufacturing, and dental customers that
use this product. This new Low Force Stereolithography (LFS) technology which allows “consistent
flawless parts” and bigger prototypes sounds very attractive. It will be interesting to see how the $3500
Form 3 and $9999 Form 3L price tag go over with customers who use these printers.

Anthony Randazzo:

Since the Dimension-breaking creation of the 3D printer in 1983, this method of prototyping has
grown rapidly. A labor pool once generously stocked with machinist is on the verge of extinction. As a result,
the demand for the latest AM technology is at an all time high for several industries. Stereolithography uses a
photochemical processes by which light causes chemical monomers to link together to form polymers then
placing resin in the desider location. The creators of this methodology Formlabs, have recently announced a
new printer to increase printing speed, quality, size, and material. The Form 3 and 3L implement Low Force
Stereolithography (LFS) and Light Processing Unit (LPU) to minimize print times and design imperfections.
One might ask, is there truly a need for 300-micron layer accuracy at ludicrous speeds? There most definitely
is for the medical field. In the previous version the Form 2, uses biocompatible resin to produce an array of
tools for dental application as well as education. Backed by over $1 Billion worth of investors, Formlabs is on
the path to creating life saving machines. From a project management perspective, 3D printers are essential
tool to utilizes since it answers questions affordably, efficiently, and quickly. Regardless if the printer is
extruding PLA, metal, or biocompatible resin, they can only be recycled. To prevent a large quantity of
prototypes from overpowering landfill, the sustainable and green project focus for Formlabs to tackle is a
biodegradable filament.

William Smith:

Formlab is looking to help their clients prototype and create end user products at a higher quality with
less headaches. Formlab has introduced its Form 3 and Form 3L 3D printers which are aimed at allowing
companies to print larger products. A specific example is with a wheelchair company that notoriously uses
Formlab products, in the past they would have to print several parts and piece them together but now they will
be able to print one time and have all the parts included. In the eyes of a project manager, if I could purchase
these products for $3,500 or $9,999 (respectively) and increase my production levels while decreasing my
errors and needs to redo designs this would be the ultimate win win for my company.