The Formlabs Form 4 is making waves in the professional 3D printing world, promising a significant leap forward in speed, reliability, and material versatility. This resin-based printer aims to streamline workflows for businesses of all sizes, offering a seamless experience from design to final product. We’ve put the Formlabs Form 4 through its paces, testing its capabilities across a range of applications to determine if it truly lives up to the hype. Our comprehensive review delves into its key features, print quality, software integration, and overall value proposition, giving you a detailed look at whether the Formlabs Form 4 is the right choice for your organization.
Unboxing and Setup
The Formlabs Form 4 arrives well-packaged, ensuring the delicate components are protected during shipping. The setup process is remarkably straightforward, guided by clear and concise instructions. The printer’s intuitive touchscreen interface walks you through each step, from resin cartridge installation to bed leveling. Within minutes, you’ll be ready to start your first print.
Key Features and Specifications
Print Speed and Throughput
One of the standout features of the Formlabs Form 4 is its impressive print speed. Utilizing Low Force Display™ (LFD) technology, this printer significantly reduces print times compared to its predecessors. This translates to faster prototyping cycles and increased production throughput, a crucial advantage for businesses with demanding timelines. The printer boasts a build volume that accommodates a wide range of part sizes, making it suitable for diverse applications.
Material Compatibility
Formlabs offers a wide array of resins specifically formulated for the Form 4, catering to various engineering, manufacturing, and dental needs. From durable and flexible materials to biocompatible options, the material library provides extensive choices for diverse applications. This broad compatibility allows businesses to create functional prototypes, end-use parts, and tooling with optimal material properties.
- Draft Resin: Ideal for rapid prototyping
- Tough Resin: High impact resistance for functional parts
- Flexible Resin: For parts requiring flexibility and elongation
- Dental Resins: Biocompatible materials for dental applications
Print Quality and Accuracy
The Formlabs Form 4 consistently delivers exceptional print quality, with fine details and smooth surfaces. The LFD technology ensures uniform resin curing, resulting in accurate and dimensionally stable parts. We observed minimal warping or distortion, even with complex geometries. The printer’s high resolution allows for intricate designs to be accurately reproduced, making it suitable for applications requiring tight tolerances.
Software and Workflow
Formlabs PreForm software seamlessly integrates with the Form 4, streamlining the print preparation process. The software allows for easy model orientation, support generation, and print settings customization. The intuitive interface and automated features make it accessible to both novice and experienced users. Remote print monitoring and control are also available, enabling users to manage their prints from anywhere.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional print speed | Higher initial investment compared to some competitors |
| Wide range of material compatibility | Resin replacement can be messy without proper technique |
| User-friendly software | Software updates sometimes require printer recalibration |
| High print quality and accuracy |
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