Form 3L - LFS 3D printer

Form 3L is a 3D resin printer that uses enhanced SLA technology. Formlabs, manufacturer more than known in the world of 3D printing, has reinvented its SLA technology to obtain impeccable prints in all the fabrications. The Form 3L is characterized by having a printing volume of 335x300x200 mm, five times more than the Fom 3, and by the manufacture of industrial quality final parts at a really affordable price.

The new LFS (Low Force Stereolithography) printing technology uses linear lighting and a flexible tank to convert liquid resin into solid parts. The part responsible for lighting is the LPUs (Light Processing Units), two identical modules that contain the same parts (lenses, mirrors and lasers) that are needed to solidify the resin during the manufacture of a piece with a laser power of 250 mW and a precision in an XY plane of 25 μm. This new system offers crisp, clean features thanks to each high-power laser passing through a filter and guaranteeing a concentrated laser point. The parabolic mirror ensures that the projection of the lasers on the manufacturing plane is always perpendicular, which ensures maximum print quality and the exact reproduction of the design to be manufactured. But here the advantages of the LPU do not end, a new high frequency galvanometer offers precise control over each laser at a high speed, reducing printing times. The operation of one half of this module can be clearly seen in the following video.

Video 1: LFS Module. Source: Formlabs

Continuing with more technological advances, the Form 3L has a large number of integrated sensors that constantly monitor the impressions. These sensors also help to keep all fabrications stable and inform the user of the status of the printer through alerts. Inside the LPU module there are optical sensors that constantly correct the amplitude, the power and even detect the presence of dust, something fateful for the operation of the lasers. A new resin level sensor quickly and reliably detects all materials, which speeds up the change of resin. Like the Form 2, the Form 3L has an automated heating system that maintains uniformly the temperature of the resin to promote its curing. Finally, a new sensor, located in the area of the manufacturing platform, ensures that printing starts smoothly.

Formlabs is always thinking about facilitating the work to its users. In models of previous 3D printers, for example the Form 2, it is very easy to change the resin tank and the build platform. For older people with the Form 3L, Formlabs has been overcome by designing a large number of elements that can be replaced by the user, such as the LPU module, the rollers and the optical window. Another advantage that favors users is that this 3D printer allows two resin cartridges to be connected, which avoids interruptions during high-volume fabrications. The set of all facilities drastically reduces waiting and repair times.

Image 1: LPUs module. Source: Formlabs

With the 3D resin printer Form 3L you can create models easily and quickly. Simply enter the CAD file in STL or OBJ format the PreForm lamination software. This software automatically prepares the supports and allows you to send the impressions to Form 3L over Wi-Fi with great ease. Once the printing is finished, the supports are removed and the pieces are transferred to the washing center and then to the curing center. At the end of these simple steps, the pieces would be ready for use.

Image 2: Speaker housing. Source: Formlabs

Formlabs has optimized Form 3B for all biocompatible resins and Form 3 / 3L for all other resins, which means that only Form 3B will be valid to use resins: Dental SG Resin, Dental LT Clear Resin, Surgical Guide Resin and future biocompatible resins.

As a summary of everything seen above we can say that the Form 3L is a 3D resin printer ready for use from the first minute and with everything necessary to obtain large and quality pieces quickly and easily.

Image 3: Parts manufactured with Form 3L. Source: Formlabs.

Pro Service Pack

This assistance package is designed to meet the needs of companies that require quick solutions to possible incidents.

This service includes priority technical support (by email and telephone), as well as a temporary replacement service for the 3D printer during the repair period.

The Pro Service Pack can be purchased together with the Form 3L printer for a period of 1 year, 2 years or 3 years.