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FormLabs Form 3

TLDR: The FormLabs Form 3 3D printer is a reliable and user-friendly machine that produces high-quality prints with fine details and smooth surfaces, making it ideal for designers, engineers, and architects, but its limited build volume may be a limiting factor for those who need to print larger objects.
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  • Lowest price: $79.99
  • Median price: $485.99
  • Highest price: $15000
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Expert consensus

The FormLabs Form 3 3D printer is a reliable and user-friendly machine that produces high-quality prints with fine details and smooth surfaces, making it ideal for designers, engineers, and architects, but its limited build volume may be a limiting factor for those who need to print larger objects.

The FormLabs Form 3 3D printer is a reliable and user-friendly machine suitable for a variety of applications. It is highly praised for its excellent print quality, producing fine details and smooth, organic curves and surfaces with barely detectable layers. The printer is capable of handling complex geometries and intricate details, making it ideal for designers, engineers, and architects.

The printer is easy to use and comes with user-friendly features such as automatic bed leveling, wireless connectivity, and Low Force Stereolithography (LFS) technology. It is suitable for creating extremely detailed, consistent, and smooth prints with minimal support. The printer is compatible with a resin system and works with Formlabs-brand resin cartridges, with more than 20 material options to choose from.

It is recommended for users who require high-quality prints with fine details and complex geometries, such as jewelry makers, prototypers, and dentists. However, the limited build volume may be a limiting factor for those who need to print larger objects.

Build volume

The FormLabs Form 3 3D printer is suitable for users who need to print smaller to medium-sized objects, but the limited build volume may be a limiting factor for larger prints.

The FormLabs Form 3 3D printer has a build volume of 145 x 145 x 185 mm (5.7 x 5.7 x 7.3 inches), which is suitable for the needs of more than 50% of the market users involved in 3D printing. However, if users need to print larger objects, the limited build volume may be a limiting factor.

The maximum size of the prints may also be impacted by the layer heights, which range from 0.1mm down to 0.025mm. Larger objects will require more layers and may take longer to print.

What is the build volume of the FormLabs Form 3 3D printer?

The FormLabs Form 3 has a build volume of 145 x 145 x 185 mm (5.7 x 5.7 x 7.3 in), according to Pick3DPrinter, Gadget Review, Tom's Guide, and SlashGear.
Based on 4 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the build volume of the FormLabs Form 3 3D printer?

The FormLabs Form 3 has a build volume of 145 x 145 x 185 mm (5.7 x 5.7 x 7.3 inches), according to sources such as Pick3DPrinter, Gadget Review, and SlashGear.
Based on 4 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

What are the features and capabilities of the FormLabs Form 3 that may impact its ability to print larger objects?

The FormLabs Form 3 has a decent build volume of 145mm x 145mm x 185mm, which should be enough to cater to the needs of more than 50% of the market users who are involved in 3D printing, according to Pick3DPrinter. However, if you need to print larger objects, the limited build volume may be a limiting factor. Additionally, the maximum size of the prints may be impacted by the layer heights, which range from 0.1mm down to 0.025mm, as reported by Tom's Guide. Larger objects will require more layers and may take longer to print.
Based on 4 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Ease of use

The FormLabs Form 3 3D printer is a user-friendly and easy-to-use plug-and-play printer that uses LFS technology for fine details and precision, making it ideal for jewelry, prototyping, dentistry, and more.

The FormLabs Form 3 3D printer is highly praised for its ease of use and user-friendly features. The printer comes well-packaged with clear instructions, making the setup process easy and hassle-free. The touch screen on the printer is excellent, allowing users to control the printer directly, but most users will turn to the PreForm software and the online printing dashboard to operate the Form 3.

The software is described as easy to use, with the setup process being straightforward. The Form 3 is a plug-and-play 3D printer that uses Low Force Stereolithography (LFS)™ Technology, making it ideal for jewelry, prototyping, dentistry, and more, due to its extremely fine details and precision.

The printer has advanced sensors that monitor the printing process and help maintain ideal printing conditions, a sealed Light Processing Unit that protects the laser and optics from dust, and a self-filling resin system that reduces mess and simplifies the printing process. The Form 3 is a real plug-and-play 3D printer that just works, making it a great option for those who want a hassle-free printing experience.

What is the user interface like for FormLabs Form 3?

The Form 3 has an excellent touch screen, according to Tom's Guide, that allows you to control the printer directly, accessing all of the features and stopping or starting prints. However, most users will turn to the PreForm software and the online printing dashboard to operate the Form 3. The touchscreen display on the front of the Form 3 is also very responsive, as noted by SlashGear.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the setup process like for the FormLabs Form 3 3D printer?

According to various sources in ReviewFinder's database, including Pick3DPrinter, develop3d.com, Tom's Guide, and SlashGear, setting up the FormLabs Form 3 3D printer is easy and straightforward. The printer comes well-packaged, and clear instructions are provided to help users through the setup process. Once the machine is unpacked, set up with power, connected to your network, and your build platform is in place, you’ll need to add in some key components. The Form 3 is a real plug-and-play 3D printer, and the whole process is clean and hassle-free.
Based on 12 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

What software is required to operate the FormLabs Form 3, and how user-friendly is it?

The FormLabs Form 3 can be operated using the PreForm software and the online printing dashboard. According to Tom's Guide, the touch screen on the printer allows you to control it directly, but most users will turn to the PreForm software and the online printing dashboard to operate the Form 3. The software is quite user-friendly, with the setup process being described as easy and the printing process being described as hassle-free. The PreForm software is a pre-processing software that allows you to arrange your part correctly and get it ready for printing. Overall, the software required to operate the Form 3 is user-friendly and easy to use.
Based on 11 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

What are the key features and specifications of the FormLabs Form 3 3D printer?

The FormLabs Form 3 is a plug-and-play 3D printer that uses Low Force Stereolithography (LFS)™ Technology. It has a build volume of 145 x 145 x 185 mm. Other key features include: - Advanced sensors that monitor the printing process and help maintain ideal printing conditions - A sealed Light Processing Unit that protects the laser and optics from dust - A self-filling resin system that reduces mess and simplifies the printing process - A UV-blocking orange plastic hood that allows you to see what's going on during printing without interfering with the process - Fine details and smooth, organic curves and surfaces, even when using the fastest print settings According to 3d Sourced, the FormLabs Form 3 is ideal for jewelry, prototyping, dentistry, and more, due to its extremely fine details and precision. However, it may not be as well-suited for larger models such as architectural mockups due to its smaller build area.
Based on 17 quotes from 7 sources [show quotes and sources]

What additional features or tools does the FormLabs Form 3 offer that make it easier to use compared to other 3D printers?

According to various sources, the FormLabs Form 3 is a plug-n-play 3D printer that is very easy to use. It has advanced features that make it easier to set up compared to other printers. The Form 3 comes with a touch screen that allows you to control the printer directly, accessing all of the features and stopping or starting prints. Most users will turn to the PreForm software and the online printing dashboard to operate the Form 3, though. The Form 3 is a real plug-and-play 3D printer. You don't have to do any tweaking or fiddling around to get printing — you just plug in the Form 3, load it up and start printing. The whole process is clean and generally hassle-free, which is a lot different from typical SLA printers that require a lot of tweaking, calibration, and other fiddling to get good results. The Form 3 just works.
Based on 12 quotes from 6 sources [show quotes and sources]

Features

The FormLabs Form 3 is a user-friendly 3D printer with automatic bed leveling, wireless connectivity, and Low Force Stereolithography technology for creating high-quality, detailed prints with minimal support.

The FormLabs Form 3 is a 3D printer that features automatic bed leveling, wireless connectivity, and Low Force Stereolithography (LFS) technology. It does not have dual extruders but uses a single laser to cure resin layer by layer. The printer's integrated sensors constantly monitor the printing process and help maintain ideal conditions for better print performance.

The touch screen allows for direct control of the printer and access to all of its features. The UV-blocking orange plastic hood allows users to see the printing process without outside lights interfering with it. The LFS technology allows for smoother, more consistent prints with minimal support. The Form 3 is a plug-n-play printer that is easy to use and ideal for users who want hassle-free, high-quality printing.

It is suitable for creating extremely detailed, consistent, and smooth prints with minimal support.

Does the FormLabs Form 3 have automatic bed leveling capabilities?

Yes, the FormLabs Form 3 has an automatic bed leveling system, which ensures that the print bed is perfectly level before each print. This helps to ensure better print quality and consistency. According to manufactur3dmag.com, the Form 3 constantly monitors the printing and helps maintain the ideal conditions through integrated sensors for a better print performance.
Based on 5 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the FormLabs Form 3 have dual extruders?

No, the FormLabs Form 3 does not have dual extruders. It uses a single laser to cure resin layer by layer.

Does the FormLabs Form 3 have wireless connectivity?

Yes, the FormLabs Form 3 has wireless connectivity. It can be connected to WiFi, which allows for easy and speedy sending of print jobs from a computer to the printer. According to SlashGear, the process of sending print jobs from a computer to the printer was simple and speedy once the device was connected to WiFi.
Based on 3 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

What unique features does the FormLabs Form 3 have compared to other 3D printers?

The FormLabs Form 3 3D printer features Low Force Stereolithography (LFS) technology, which allows it to create extremely detailed, consistent, and smooth prints with minimal support. It also has a flexible plastic on the bottom layer that enables the machine to use less force in pulling the hardened layers up, making printing more reliable. Additionally, the Form 3 constantly monitors printing and helps maintain ideal conditions through integrated sensors, resulting in better print performance. The Form 3 is a plug-n-play printer which is bereft of hassles of setting up a printer, making it extremely easy to use.
Based on 15 quotes from 6 sources [show quotes and sources]

What are the additional features of the FormLabs Form 3 printer and how do they affect the overall printing experience?

The FormLabs Form 3 printer has several additional features that contribute to its overall printing experience. One such feature is the integrated sensors that constantly monitor the printing process and help maintain ideal conditions for better print performance, as mentioned in manufactur3dmag.com. Additionally, the printer's touch screen allows for direct control of the printer and access to all of its features, as stated in Tom's Guide. The printer also has a UV-blocking orange plastic hood that allows users to see the printing process without outside lights interfering with it. This hood folds back to reveal the resin tank and print platform, which are both slightly larger than those found on previous Form printers, according to Tom's Guide. The Form 3's LFS (Low Force Stereolithography) technology also allows for smoother, more consistent prints with minimal support, as reported by manufactur3dmag.com and SlashGear. Overall, these features contribute to a more user-friendly, hassle-free, and high-quality printing experience.
Based on 14 quotes from 6 sources [show quotes and sources]

Reliability

The FormLabs Form 3 3D printer is a reliable and low-maintenance machine with integrated sensors for better print performance, suitable for a variety of applications.

According to expert reviews, the FormLabs Form 3 3D printer is a reliable and hassle-free machine that requires little maintenance or tweaking. The printer constantly monitors printing through integrated sensors, which helps to maintain ideal conditions for better print performance, making it less likely to encounter issues.

However, it is recommended to perform regular maintenance such as cleaning the optical components and replacing the resin tank and build platform as needed. The printer has a smaller build area, making it less suitable for larger models such as architectural mockups.

What is the typical lifespan of the FormLabs Form 3 3D printer?

Unfortunately, we don't have information on the typical lifespan of the FormLabs Form 3 3D printer. However, like most 3D printers, the lifespan of the FormLabs Form 3 3D printer will depend on various factors such as usage, maintenance, and care. With proper care and maintenance, it should last for several years.

What is the recommended maintenance schedule and type of maintenance required for the FormLabs Form 3 3D printer?

The FormLabs Form 3 3D printer requires regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. According to the manufacturer's guidelines, you should perform a cleaning of the printer's optical components, such as the mirrors and galvanometers, every three months. Additionally, you should replace the resin tank after every two liters of resin used or if it becomes damaged. It's also recommended to replace the build platform after every 50 prints or as needed. In terms of maintenance type, the printer requires cleaning and replacement of certain components as mentioned above. Additionally, it's recommended that you store the printer's print tank in an airtight container to prevent the resin from hardening if you're not using the printer for a few days.
Based on 1 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

What are the common issues or problems that users have reported with the FormLabs Form 3 printer?

Based on our database, we don't have access to specific common issues or problems reported by users of the FormLabs Form 3 printer. However, according to the review from 3d Sourced, the FormLabs Form 3 printer has a smaller build area, making it less suitable for larger models such as architectural mockups. We suggest checking customer reviews and forums for more information on any potential issues or problems.

What are the common issues that arise with FormLabs Form 3 and how easy are they to troubleshoot and fix?

According to our sources, the FormLabs Form 3 is a "plug-and-play" 3D printer that requires little maintenance or tweaking, making it hassle-free to use. The printer constantly monitors printing through integrated sensors, which helps to maintain ideal conditions for better print performance, so you're less likely to encounter issues. However, if you do encounter any problems, the company has made it easier to fix by allowing easy replacement of parts such as the resin cartridge, build plate, and more. This can be done at home by the user themselves, without having to send the machine to the service center. So, if any issues arise, it should be fairly easy to troubleshoot and fix.
Based on 5 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Compatibility

The FormLabs Form 3 3D printer is compatible with Formlabs-brand resin cartridges and can handle flexible materials, but it is recommended to use the High Temp V1 resin for high-temperature applications and not to use third-party materials to maintain print quality and warranty.

The FormLabs Form 3 3D printer is compatible with a resin system and works with Formlabs-brand resin cartridges, with more than 20 material options to choose from. The printer can handle flexible materials and can print with a variety of materials, but it is recommended to use the High Temp V1 resin for high-temperature applications.

It is not recommended to use third-party materials with this printer, as it may affect the quality of the prints and void the warranty. No additional accessories or modifications are required to use the materials recommended by Formlabs with the Form 3 printer. Overall, the FormLabs Form 3 is a reliable and easy-to-use printer for those within the Formlabs ecosystem who require high-quality prints with a variety of material options.

What types of materials are compatible with the FormLabs Form 3 3D printer?

The FormLabs Form 3 3D printer works with a resin system and is compatible with Formlabs-brand resin cartridges. According to Pick3DPrinter, there are more than 20 material options to choose from. The cartridges are auto-detected by the printer and the software can tell the printer to print according to the selected material. However, it's worth noting that, as mentioned in a review on SlashGear, it's not recommended to use 3rd-party materials with this printer.
Based on 10 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

What types of filaments are compatible with the FormLabs Form 3 3D printer?

The FormLabs Form 3 3D printer does not use filaments. Instead, it uses a resin system. According to Pick3DPrinter, the Form 3 works with Formlabs resin cartridges with more than 20 material options to choose from. Each material cartridge is auto-detected by the printer, and the software automatically adjusts the print settings accordingly. It is worth noting that using third-party resins with the Form 3 will void the warranty, according to Gadget Review.
Based on 4 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Can the FormLabs Form 3 handle flexible or high-temperature materials?

Yes, the FormLabs Form 3 can handle flexible materials. According to Tom's Guide, "the flexible plastic on the bottom of the layer" allows for the printer to use less force and make printing more reliable. With regards to high-temperature materials, the Form 3 can print with a variety of materials, but it is recommended to use the High Temp V1 resin for high-temperature applications.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

Are there any specific brands or types of filaments that are recommended for use with FormLabs Form 3?

FormLabs Form 3 works with a resin system that is designed to be used with Formlabs-brand resin cartridges and tanks. Third-party materials may not work as well as Formlabs' own materials, and using them may void the warranty, according to Tom's Guide. However, it is possible to use third-party resin with the Form 3 by filling one of the printer's cartridges with another supplier's, as mentioned by Tom's Guide. It is worth noting that using third-party materials may affect the quality of the prints.
Based on 6 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

Are there any additional accessories or modifications required to use certain materials with the FormLabs Form 3 printer?

No, there are no additional accessories or modifications required to use the materials recommended by Formlabs with the Form 3 printer. According to a review by SlashGear, the auto-detecting cartridge system and the software's ability to tell the printer to print according to the material make it easy to use each material. However, it's worth noting that the Form 3 works with a resin system that keeps you within the Formlabs ecosystem. This means that you'll need to use Formlabs-brand resin cartridges and tanks, and it may not be worth attempting to bypass this system with third-party materials.
Based on 2 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

Expert Reviews

There are people on the Internet whose job is to review products. Below are their opinions.

ReviewFinder database has 8 expert reviews of FormLabs Form 3.

Expert reviews [8]

88
Total expert reviews: 8
  • with a score: 4
  • without a score: 4
Highest score by Tom's Guide
90
Average score based on 8 reviews
88
Lowest score by Pick3DPrinter
83

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20

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FormLabs Form 3 did not receive any endorsements this month.

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