3D printer manufacturerFormlabshas released the latest iteration of its stereolithography (SLA)-based desktop system, the large-format Form 3L.
The company announced its newest machine last year, and since then, it has worked with a range of key clients to optimize its printer for applications in the footwear, industrial and medical sectors. As a result, the Form 3L may still be designed as an affordable and accessible printer, but it now features an upgraded build volume, and the future 3BL edition will include bio-resin compatibility.
Formlabs EMEA董事总经理Stefan Hollaender表示，Form 3L的扩大印刷平台是由大众需求引入的。
“Large-format SLA is something that everybody has been thinking about, but so far, you don’t see a lot of products out there,” said Hollaender. “Most of our customers have always questioned, why do I have to send it outsource it to an office or service bureau, and send files to get printed materials back?”
“After the Form 3, the next step for us was not only to achieve the highest part quality, but to increase the print size, so now the build volume is five times bigger than it was before,” he added.
“We are looking forward to seeing how this new technology will be used in industries like automotive and aerospace, that need the large build platform to best utilize 3D printing.”
Formlabs’ existing product portfolio
Founded in 2011, Formlabs is known as a manufacturer of 3D printing systems and resins, and launched the first edition in its ‘Form’ range in 2012. This was promptly followed by the Forms one plus, two and the release of its most recent printer, the Form 3 last year. In total, the company now has over 200 global sales partners, allowing it to ship more than 70,000 systems to customers worldwide.
自从获得“独角兽”地位in August 2018, with the company’s valuation exceeding $1 billion, Formlabs’ desktop machines have been deployed in a variety of applications. Working with shaving brandGillettefor instance, the company introduced a pilot project which enabled themass customization of shaving bladesusing 3D printing.
Elsewhere, students from theUniversity of Rhode Island（URI）使用表格2系统演示海上3D打印的可能性. More recently, Formlabs has targeted the medical and dental markets by launching its生物相容性树脂的第一范围，a专用牙科业务部门.
The company alsopartnered with GE Healthcare到3D打印解剖模型和德国公司BEGO, which to make itsdental materials become compatible带有formlabs的机器。现在，随着其新表格3L系统的启动，FormLabs通过实现特定于患者的最终用途产品的生产来继续针对有利可图的医疗和牙科3D打印市场。
新的FormLabs 3L 3D打印机
Formlabs’ latest 3L system is based on the same Low Force Stereolithography (LFS) 3D printing technology featured in last year’s Form 3. The company’s proprietary additive manufacturing technique reduces peak forces within layers, which reportedly leads to faster production times and yields parts with a higher level of accuracy than conventional SLA.
Although Formlabs didn’t release the full specifications of the Form 3L, it did reveal that the printer’s build volume would be expanded to 33 x 20 x 30cm. Leveraging the 3L’s bigger 14.5 x 14.5 x 18.5cm print capacity, customers will now be able to print larger-scale SLA parts, or a higher number of small components within a single build.
在与之合作时long-term sportswear partner New Balance, Formlabs found that the Form 3L’s larger print bed had a considerable impact on its ability to produce end-use insoles.
Hollaender解释说：“这是我们与合作伙伴之一New Balance的最大讨论之一。”“我们正在一起打印中底，但是我们必须停在38号鞋子上，他们真的不太喜欢。现在，我们最多打印了46或七个，这有很大帮助。”
“After a thorough investigation, we found that this print size was the ideal spot to allow us to capture at least the 90 percent of the demand in the market.”
除了扩大3L的能力外，FormLabs还致力于提高系统的可靠性和易用性。通过将表格3中的光处理单元（LPU）与其前辈的开放激光系统相结合，该公司已设法使用升级的双LPU设置将3L拟合。据报道，3L改进的镜头和镜子系统使客户可以在小批量生产运行中提供更准确和可重复的打印。
就可用性而言，该公司的目标是达到“行业中仍未达到的易用性”水平。FormLabs的简化打印准备和基于云的软件旨在简化制造工作流程，并使部分制造尽可能容易。尤其是3L机器具有自动化树脂分配系统，据报道，该系统可实现不停地吞吐量以进行更可扩展的生产。
Hollaender补充说：“我们一直与客户讨论的核心内容之一就是使我们的系统易于使用。”“例如，您需要快速前进，例如，您可以在其中建造印刷农场。这就是为什么我们进行云监控，即使从远处也可以易于维护，因此您可以远程开始打印并签入，以查看是否需要完成某件事。”
The Form 3BL’s dental and medical applications
In addition to the launch of its 3L system, Formlabs has also announced that it plans to release a Form 3BL machine later this year. The 3BL will reportedly feature similar specifications to that of the 3L, but the system’s enhanced software package will enable it to process an enhanced range of biomaterials.
To support its upcoming machine, Formlabs is currently seeking approval from theU.S. Food and Drug Administration(FDA) for a new series of biocompatible resins. Following the addition of the new materials, plus two more that are specifically being certified for use within the E.U, the firm will offer a total of 27 different resin variants.
该3BL非常针对FormLabs的传统客户群，并且该公司的牙科团队对其进行了优化，以满足对准器生产的确切准确性要求。Hollaender说：“每个应用程序都有非常具体的需求，并且不能脆弱，它必须是超级耐用和生物相容性的。”“至于假牙，临时冠和桥梁，我们将发射永久的皇冠和桥梁以及手术指南。”雷竞技官网登录
该公司反映了FormLabs与3BL的医学指导方法，其开发与许多医院和医疗保健实践密切合作。在一种情况下，当地医院能够使用更像寿命般的材料来打印全尺寸的股骨，并且比Formlabs的以前机器更大的尺寸。
Hollaender得出的结论是，这两种FormLabs新机器的增强印刷能力都必须满足公司日益广泛的客户的需求。Hollaender说：“这是我们现在与之合作的大型生态系统。”
“从工程和车内制造，到牙科实验室以及通过印刷鼻拭子帮助完成Covid-19危机的医疗公司。因此，这确实是一个很大的种类，对我们来说，处理和应对所有这些客户非常有趣。”他补充说。
[更新16/09/20：FormLabs已发布了表格3和表格3BL的技术规格]
技术规格和定价
Below are the technical specifications for the Form 3L and Form 3BL 3D printers.The Form 3L is now available via the Formlabs website for €16,000, and all pre-ordered 3L printers are now being shipped. Formlabs’ upcoming Form 3BL machine is open for pre-orders, and is expected to ship in 2021.
| 表格3L | Form 3BL | |
| Technology | LFS SLA | LFS SLA |
| XY分辨率 | 25 microns | 25 microns |
| 激光点大小 | 85 microns | 85 microns |
| Laser Power | Two 250 mW lasers | Two 250 mW lasers |
| 构建音量（w x d x h） | 14.5 x 14.5 x 18.5 cm | 14.5 x 14.5 x 18.5 cm |
| 层厚度 | 25-300 microns | 25-300 microns |
| 生物相容性材料 | 否（3BL上可用） | 是的 |
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Featured image shows Formlabs’ new 3L system, and upcoming 3BL 3D printer. Image via Formlabs.
