Formlabs Form2 First Look: A Game-Changer for 3D Printing
Originally posted on January 28, 2024 @ 3:57 am
We are pleased to present our initial evaluation of the Formlabs Form2, an innovative 3D printer poised to transform the field. Boasting cutting-edge technology and superior printing capabilities, the Form2 is rapidly becoming the top pick for both industry professionals and hobbyists. In this piece, we will explore the main features, specifications, and advantages of this groundbreaking printer.
Key Takeaways:
- The Formlabs Form2 is a game-changer in the world of 3D printing.
- Its advanced Low Force Stereolithography (LFS)™ technology delivers exceptional print quality and reliability.
- With its user-friendly interface and integrated resin system, the Form2 offers a seamless and efficient printing experience.
- The Form2 boasts impressive features such as a larger build volume, touch screen interface, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
- It supports various resin types, allowing for versatile and high-quality prints.
Key Features of the Formlabs Form2
The Formlabs Form2 3D printer is packed with a range of impressive features that set it apart in the world of 3D printing. From its advanced Stereolithography (SLA) technology to its user-friendly interface, the Form2 offers a seamless and efficient printing experience. Let’s explore some of its key features:
- Superior Printing Quality: The Form2 utilizes Stereolithography (SLA) technology to produce high-quality, detailed prints with a stunning surface finish. Its advanced optical system ensures precise and accurate printing, resulting in exquisite details and smooth surfaces. Whether you’re creating prototypes or artistic designs, the Form2 delivers exceptional print quality every time.
- Larger Build Volume: Compared to its predecessor, the Form 1+, the Form2 offers a larger build volume, allowing you to bring bigger and more complex designs to life. With a printing capacity of 145 x 145 x 175 mm, you have more room to unleash your creativity and explore new possibilities.
- Powerful Laser: The Form2 is equipped with a more powerful laser, enabling faster and more efficient printing. The laser provides precise control over the curing process, resulting in accurate and consistent prints. Whether you’re printing intricate models or functional parts, you can trust the Form2 to deliver exceptional results.
- Intuitive Touch Screen Interface: The Form2 features a user-friendly touch screen interface that makes navigating and controlling the printer a breeze. Easily select your print settings, monitor the progress of your prints, and access useful features with just a few taps. The intuitive interface ensures a seamless and hassle-free printing experience.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: With built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, the Form2 allows you to conveniently send print jobs wirelessly. No more hassle with cables or transferring files to a connected computer. Simply connect to your network and send your prints directly to the printer. Stay productive and enjoy the freedom of wireless printing.
- Automatic Resin-Feed System: The Form2 is equipped with an automatic resin-feed system, eliminating the need for manual intervention during printing. The printer intelligently monitors and replenishes the resin as needed, ensuring a continuous and uninterrupted printing process. Spend less time worrying about resin levels and more time creating.
- Revised Finishing System: The Form2 features a revised finishing system that streamlines the post-processing of prints. It includes a removable build platform, allowing for easy removal of prints and reducing the risk of damage. The finishing kit provided with the printer ensures a smooth and professional finish, saving you time and effort.
With these impressive features, the Formlabs Form2 is a powerful and versatile 3D printer that opens up endless possibilities for creators, designers, and engineers. Its advanced technology and user-friendly design make it an ideal choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Specifications of the Formlabs Form2
The Formlabs Form2 is equipped with impressive specifications that significantly contribute to its exceptional printing capabilities. Designed to deliver high-quality prints with precision and accuracy, the Form 2 enables users to bring their ideas to life with stunning detail and resolution.
Technical Specifications
Here are the technical specifications of the Formlabs Form2:
| XY Resolution | Laser Spot Size | Laser Wavelength | Laser Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 microns | 85 microns | 405 nm | 96 mW (maximum at the print plane) |
The Form 2’s XY resolution of 25 microns ensures that even the finest details of a design are accurately captured in the print. With an 85-micron laser spot size, the printer delivers precise and sharp prints, resulting in exceptional part accuracy and surface finish. The 405 nm wavelength laser ensures optimal compatibility with the Form 2’s resin system, enabling consistent and reliable printing.
Furthermore, the Formlabs Form2 is EN 60825-1:2007 certified for safety, providing peace of mind to users in terms of its compliance with international safety standards.
Resin Compatibility
The Form 2 is equipped with a revamped resin-feed system, allowing for seamless resin usage and compatibility with a variety of resin types. Users have the flexibility to choose from Standard, Tough, Castable, and Flexible resins, each offering unique material properties and capabilities.
Here’s a breakdown of the compatible resin types:
- Standard Resin: Available in clear, white, gray, and black, this resin provides versatility for general-purpose prints.
- Tough Resin: Ideal for functional prototypes and mechanical parts that require resistance to bending and impacts.
- Castable Resin: Specifically formulated for investment casting, this resin produces high-precision, direct casting patterns.
- Flexible Resin: Designed to create bendable and resilient parts with a smooth surface finish, this resin is perfect for applications that require flexibility and elasticity.
With the Formlabs Form2, users have the freedom to choose the resin that best suits their project requirements, ensuring optimal results every time.
| Attribute | Precision Level |
|---|---|
| XY Resolution | 25 microns |
| Laser Spot Size | 85 microns |
| Maximum Laser Power at Print Plane | 96 mW |
Design and Build of the Formlabs Form2
The Formlabs Form2 presents a sleek and compact design, measuring 20.5 by 13.5 by 13 inches and weighing 28 pounds. Its elegant aesthetics make it a visually appealing addition to any workspace. The printer features a translucent orange cover, acting as a UV filter, which prevents accidental resin curing and offers added safety during the printing process.
The build area of the Form 2 is 6.9 by 5.7 by 5.7 inches, providing a decent-sized printing volume that allows for the creation of a variety of objects. Whether you’re printing small-scale prototypes or intricate models, the Form 2’s build area offers enough space to bring your designs to life with precision and detail.
The Form 2 utilizes a convenient resin-feed system with cartridges, making it effortless to switch between different resin types. The cartridges are ready to use and eliminate the need for messy resin handling. With a simple insertion, you can quickly begin printing with your desired resin, streamlining the printing process and saving valuable time.
“The Form 2’s sleek design, convenient resin-feed system, and decent-sized build area make it a desirable option for professionals seeking a 3D printer that combines style with functionality.”
Additionally, the Form 2 comes with a finishing kit that simplifies the post-processing of prints. This kit includes tools such as sanding screens, disposable gloves, and finishing trays. The finishing kit ensures that your prints are ready to be showcased or used in various applications without the need for additional tools or materials.
To enhance your understanding of the Form 2’s unique design and build features, have a look at the image below:
| Software | Connectivity |
|---|---|
| PreForm software | USB 2.0 |
| Ethernet | |
| Wi-Fi |
Resin Options for the Formlabs Form2
The Formlabs Form2 offers a wide range of resin options, providing users with the flexibility to achieve different material properties and finishes. Whether you’re looking for standard resins or specialty options, the Form2 has you covered.
Standard Resin
The Form2 offers standard resin in various shades, including clear, white, gray, and black. These resins provide excellent print quality and are suitable for a wide range of applications. With their smooth surface finish and high level of detail, standard resins are perfect for prototyping, product development, and artistic creations.
Specialty Resins
For specific applications, the Form2 offers specialty resins that cater to various needs. These resins are formulated to provide specific characteristics and properties, allowing users to create prints with unique functionality and aesthetics. The specialty resin options include:
- Tough Resin: With its high impact strength and durability, tough resin is perfect for functional prototypes, jigs and fixtures, and engineering applications.
- Castable Resin: Castable resin is designed for creating high-resolution jewelry models. It allows for intricate designs and smooth surfaces, making it an ideal choice for investment casting.
- Flexible Resin: Flexible resin offers a rubber-like feel and properties, enabling the creation of bendable and elastic parts. It is well-suited for applications that require flexibility or shock absorption.
These specialty resins open up a world of possibilities, allowing users to explore new applications and push the boundaries of 3D printing.
Third-Party Resins
In addition to the resins offered by Formlabs, the Form2 is also compatible with third-party resins. This compatibility gives users even more options to choose from, expanding the range of materials and finishes that can be achieved with the printer.
The table below provides a summary of the available resin options for the Formlabs Form2:
| Resin Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Standard Resin | Clear, white, gray, and black shades for versatile printing |
| Tough Resin | Durable and impact-resistant for functional prototypes and engineering applications |
| Castable Resin | Ideal for high-resolution jewelry models and investment casting |
| Flexible Resin | Rubber-like properties for creating flexible and elastic parts |
| Third-Party Resins | Compatible with a wide range of third-party resins for added versatility |
The Formlabs Form2 provides an extensive selection of resin options, making it possible to achieve stunning prints with different material properties and finishes. Whether you’re working on functional prototypes, intricate jewelry models, or flexible parts, there’s a resin that suits your needs. With the ability to easily swap out cartridges and experiment with third-party resins, the Form2 offers unparalleled versatility in 3D printing.
Conclusion
The Formlabs Form2 is a game-changer in the world of 3D printing. With its advanced technology and user-friendly features, this printer offers exceptional print quality and reliability, making it a top choice for both professionals and enthusiasts. Whether you’re creating prototypes, functional parts, or intricate designs, the Form 2 delivers stunning results that bring your ideas to life.
One of the standout features of the Form 2 is its precise optics, which ensure accurate and detailed prints. Combined with its low force stereolithography process, this printer offers unparalleled precision and uniformity. Every print produced by the Form 2 is of the highest quality, with a smooth surface finish that truly showcases the intricacies of your designs.
Not only does the Form 2 excel in performance, but it also provides a seamless user experience. Its user-friendly interface and PreForm software make it easy to prepare and send print jobs. With multiple connectivity options, including USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi, you have the flexibility to manage and monitor your prints from wherever you are.
Furthermore, the Form 2 offers a wide range of resin options to suit your specific needs. From Standard resins in various colors, to specialty resins like Tough, Castable, and Flexible, you have the freedom to choose the perfect material for your project. The Form 2’s integrated resin system and cartridge design make resin handling and switching effortless.
In summary, the Formlabs Form2 is a cutting-edge 3D printer that combines advanced technology, precision, and ease of use. Whether you’re a professional looking to enhance your workflow or an enthusiast exploring the limitless possibilities of 3D printing, the Form 2 is the ideal choice. Take your 3D printing to the next level with the Formlabs Form2.
FAQ
What makes the Formlabs Form2 a game-changer in 3D printing?
The Formlabs Form2 utilizes advanced Low Force Stereolithography (LFS)™ technology, offering exceptional print quality and reliability at an affordable price. Its range of impressive features, user-friendly interface, and cross-compatibility with other Formlabs printers make it stand out in the market.
What are the key features of the Formlabs Form2?
The Formlabs Form2 features Stereolithography (SLA) technology for high-quality prints with a superior surface finish. It has a larger build volume, more powerful laser, touch screen interface, Wi-Fi connectivity, automatic resin-feed system, and a revised finishing system.
What are the specifications of the Formlabs Form2?
The Form 2 has an XY resolution of 25 microns, a laser spot size of 85 microns, and uses a 405 nm wavelength laser. It is EN 60825-1:2007 certified for safety and has a maximum laser power of 96 mW at the print plane. It supports various resin types, including Standard, Tough, Castable, and Flexible resins.
How does the Formlabs Form2 ensure precision and reliability?
The Form 2 uses advanced optics and galvanometer technology to deliver accurate and consistent prints. Its Light Processing Unit (LPU) contains lenses and mirrors that produce precise laser spots, ensuring excellent part accuracy. The LPU is designed for stability and can be easily replaced if needed.
What is the design and build of the Formlabs Form2 like?
The Form 2 has a sleek and compact design, measuring 20.5 by 13.5 by 13 inches and weighing 28 pounds. It features a translucent orange cover that acts as a UV filter. The build area is 6.9 by 5.7 by 5.7 inches, and it utilizes a resin-feed system with cartridges for easy switching between different resin types. The printer also comes with a finishing kit to simplify post-processing.
What software and connectivity options are available for the Formlabs Form2?
The Form 2 comes with the PreForm software, which offers a user-friendly interface for preparing and sending print jobs. It can be connected to a computer via USB 2.0, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi. Additionally, the printer can be remotely monitored and managed through the Formlabs Dashboard.
What are the resin options for the Formlabs Form2?
The Form 2 supports a range of resin options, including Standard resin in clear, white, gray, and black shades. Specialty resins like Tough, Castable, and Flexible offer specific characteristics for diverse applications. The resins are stored in cartridges and can be easily swapped out for different colors or types. Third-party resins are also compatible with the Form 2.
Why should I consider the Formlabs Form2 for my 3D printing needs?
The Formlabs Form2 sets the standard for affordable, professional 3D printing. It offers exceptional print quality, reliability, and a seamless user experience. With its wide range of resin options, the Form 2 allows for endless creativity and the ability to bring ideas to life.
