Form 3B+ - LFS 3D printer

Form 3B+ is a resin 3D printer using enhanced SLA technology. Formlabs has reinvented its SLA technology to deliver flawless prints for all fabrications. Form 3B+ is optimised for biocompatible materials. The performance of this printer empowers the medical and dental industry by enabling the manufacture of all types of final parts with consistent and fast workflows.

Image 1: Form 3B+. Source: Formlabs

The print volume of 145 x 145 x 185 mm allows 2 - 3 times more parts to be produced than conventional resin 3D printers, reducing working time and cost by 55%. This translates into a clear increase in profits and a high improvement in the service provided to the customer. In addition to this large print volume, Form 3B+ offers surface quality and geometric accuracy thanks to the 25 μm resolution in the XY axis.

Image 2: High-resolution printing. Source: Formlabs

The new LFS (Low Force Stereolithography) printing technology uses linear illumination and a flexible tank to convert liquid resin into solid parts. The illumination part is the LPU (Light Processing Unit), a single module containing all the parts (lenses, mirrors and lasers) needed to solidify the resin during the manufacture of a part with a laser power of 250 mW and an XY plane accuracy of 25 μm. This system offers sharp and clean features because the high-power laser passes through a filter and ensures a concentrated laser spot. The parabolic mirror ensures that the laser projection on the manufacturing plane is always perpendicular, which ensures the highest print quality and exact reproduction of the design to be produced.

But this is not the end of the LPU's advantages: a new high-frequency galvanometer offers precise control over the laser and high speed, reducing printing times. The operation of this module can be clearly seen in the following video.

Video 1: LFS module. Source: Formlabs

Form 3B+ also adds improvements to this system, allowing the LPU to move more smoothly, resulting in better layer-by-layer alignment and exceptional quality of parts 3D printed with this equipment.

Formlabs has also improved the alignment between the build platform print surface and the LPU housing of the Form 3B+. This improvement results in a reduction of the exposure time required for the prints to adhere to the build platform. This speeds up printing times, saving approximately 5 to 15 minutes.

Continuing with more technological advances, the Form 3B+ has a host of built-in sensors that constantly monitor the prints. These sensors also help to keep all prints stable and inform the user of the printer's status via alerts. Inside the LPU module are optical sensors that constantly correct amplitude, power and even detect the presence of dust, which is fatal to laser operation. A new resin level sensor quickly and reliably detects all materials, which speeds up resin changeover. 

To achieve optimum results, the resin temperature must be correct. In previous versions, temperature readings could be affected by the ambient temperature. Form 3B+ features a redesigned heating system that senses the temperature of the resin itself and maintains it evenly to promote curing. This accurate temperature sensing allows the printing process to start more quickly and smoothly in a wider range of environmental conditions.

On all Formlabs 3D printer models, it is very easy to change the resin tank and build platform. In addition, with the Form 3B+, FormLabs has designed in a large number of user-replaceable items, such as the LPU module, rollers and optical window, which substantially reduces repair time.

In addition to its features, Form 3B+ has a sleep mode whereby the 3D printer enters a low power state when not in operation. This reduces power consumption and provides the user with security and peace of mind.

Image 3: LPU module. Source: Formlabs

With the Form 3B+ resin 3D printer, models can be created quickly and easily. The user simply enters the CAD file in STL or OBJ format into the PreForm lamination software. This software automatically prepares the supports and allows the prints to be sent to the Form 3B+ via WiFi with ease. Once printing is complete, the substrates are removed and the parts are transferred to the Form Wash and then to the Form Cure centre. After these simple steps, the parts are ready for use. In addition, PreForm has a print management section, where the user can plan and manage the print queue for all his Form 3B+.

FormLabs is constantly updating its laminating software to offer users improvements that make the printing process easier and faster. Currently, PreForm has new printing configurations that allow printing times to be reduced by 20 to 40%.

In addition, FormLabs has redesigned the structures of the supports, modifying the contact points with the parts so that they do not damage the part when they are removed.

Image 4: Print management with PreForm. Source: Formlabs

Formlabs has a Dental Service Plan (DSP), where a dedicated dental team can assist Form 3B+ users at any time and in any situation. This plan includes specialised customised training, quick printer changeover, 6 months preventive remote maintenance and instant telephone or email support.

Image 5: Dental service plan. Source: Formlabs

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

In summary, we can say that the Form 3B+ is a perfect resin 3D printer for the medical and dental sector as it allows to obtain all the necessary parts with quality in a fast, simple and economical way.

Video 2: Form 3B+ for the dental sector. 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 3B+ printer for a period of 1 year, 2 years or 3 years.