Formlabs, known for its laser-powered resin printers, has unveiled its latest Form 4 printers, which use mSLA rather than SLA. By abandoning lasers for LCD screens, the company claims a remarkable two to fivefold increase in printing velocity over its predecessor, the Form 3 Plus. This shift to LCD screens, coupled with a high-intensity backlight, enables the curing of entire resin layers simultaneously. Although this method is not novel in the realm of prosumer resin printers, Formlabs claims that it has achieved unprecedented print quality.
Despite an increase in horizontal pixel size to 50 microns from the previous 25 microns, the Form 4 delivers impressive vertical speeds of up to 100mm per hour. The implementation of a “Low Force Display” light engine and faster-curing resins further bolsters printing efficiency. The Form 4’s enhanced capabilities facilitate the production of larger and more intricate parts, boasting 30 percent more build volume and 19 percent more build area compared to its predecessor. Additionally, features such as an integrated 5-megapixel camera, a larger touchscreen, and upgraded connectivity options enhance user experience.
Addressing concerns about consumable resin costs, Formlabs introduces more affordable resin options starting at $99 per liter, along with cost-effective resin tanks. Despite a higher electricity consumption of 480W compared to 220W, the company emphasizes the relative affordability of electricity. Moreover, Formlabs offers a specialized Form 4B version tailored for medical and dental applications, priced at $6,299.
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