The Formlabs Form 4L stands as a significant advancement in industrial 3D printing, designed for those needing large-scale resin prints with exceptional precision. This 3D printer features a build volume of 353 x 196 x 350 mm and is priced at $9,999, which includes essential components. While this price range may deter casual users, it highlights the capabilities available when investing in higher-end technology.
Specifications: Formlabs Form 4L
| Build Volume | 353 x 196 × 350 mm (13.9 x 7.7 x 13.8 inches) |
| Light Source | LED with plano-convex lens array |
| X/Y Axis Resolution | 46 µm |
| Interface | 7-inch color touchscreen |
| Connectivity | USB, Wi-Fi, LAN |
| Machine Footprint | 664 x 528 x 794 mm (26.1 x 20.8 x 31.3 inches) |
| Machine Weight | 58.5 KG (129 lbs) |
Included in the Box
The Form 4L comes as a bundle, complete with a vat and a manual cleaning kit featuring a large metal container, a basket, and various hand tools. Additional components include an automated wash station, a curing station, gloves, funnels, pliers, scrapers, and wipes, ensuring a comprehensive setup for users.
Assembling the Formlabs Form 4L
The printer is shipped fully assembled, requiring only the installation of the vat and wiper. Due to its substantial weight, assistance is recommended for positioning it accurately. Lift straps are included to facilitate the move.
Safety Precautions
When operating the Form 4L, users must adhere to proper safety protocols, including wearing gloves and safety glasses when handling uncured resin. Ensuring good ventilation in the workspace is crucial to avoid inhalation of fumes. Rapid cleaning of any spilled resin with isopropyl alcohol is advised.
Calibration and Setup
The Form 4L’s build plate comes factory-leveled, but it includes an internal sensor to ensure optimal leveling during operation. Initial setup involves leveling the printer’s legs using a supplied tool, guided by the machine’s instructions.
Design Features
The Form 4L boasts a design that prioritizes user accessibility, featuring a cabinet-style hinged door and oversized vats. The vats are designed for dual cartridge loading, streamlining the resin dispensing process. Additionally, RFID technology is integrated to track resin levels and vat utilization.
Software Compatibility
The Printer relies on PreForm software, which simplifies the slicing process. With automated settings tuned for optimal performance, users can focus on layer sizes and model configurations, enabling efficient printing without extensive technical adjustments.
Print Quality and Performance
The Form 4L excels in producing high-quality prints with intricate details. During testing, various models were printed using Formlabs’ proprietary resins, including Grey V5 and Tough 2000 Resin, demonstrating clear details and robust physical properties. Notably, prints were consistently produced with sharp precision, rivaling competitors.
Post-Processing: Washing and Curing
After printing, models require washing to remove excess resin, typically using alcohol-based solutions or Formlabs’ own cleaning products. Curing is efficiently handled via a dedicated station or by exposure to UV light.
Conclusion
The Formlabs Form 4L is an exceptional choice for businesses that require rapid prototyping of large models without the need for constant supervision. Its extensive capabilities make it suitable for educational institutions and professional settings alike. For those considering a premium resin printer with high-quality output and a robust ecosystem, alternatives like the Form 4 may offer a smaller scale at a reduced price. Conversely, the Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S presents an option for those seeking a lower-cost printer with significant print size.