Formlabs started as a project by three MIT graduates to create an affordable high-quality 3D printer in 2011. Their early innovation, the Form 1, set the stage for their ongoing commitment to producing powerful and easy-to-use technology. Over the years, Formlabs has become a leader in professional stereolithography (SLA) and selective laser sintering (SLS) printing. Large format resin 3D printers have transformed how professionals approach manufacturing and design. These printers enable users to create bigger models in a single print, which is especially beneficial for industries requiring high-quality prototypes or functional parts. With the ability to scale up without losing accuracy, these machines have become indispensable for those tackling larger projects efficiently. In this Formlabs Form 3L review, we will cover its features, capabilities, and what sets it apart.

Design and Build Quality

The Formlabs Form 3L strikes a balance between industrial capability and user-friendly design. It’s suitable for both office environments and factory floors. Its dimensions 775 × 520 × 735 mm houses a massive build volume of 335 × 200 × 300 mm, perfect for handling larger projects without outsourcing or assembly.

The Form 3L weighs 48 kg, emphasizing its durable solid construction. Its design incorporates a 5.5-inch touchscreen interface which is ideal as an intuitive control for tasks like sending prints over WiFi and managing print queues. With features like automatic resin dispensing and a closed-loop calibration system, the printer simplifies the workflow for better consistency across projects. The layout ensures maintenance is just as smooth. User-replaceable components like the Light Processing Units and optics window reduce downtime. The integrated sensors monitor conditions to maintain optimal performance. It’s a design made for efficiency and reliability.

Key Features and Specifications

The Formlabs Form 3L is engineered to handle large-scale projects while maintaining ease of use and professional-grade performance. Its automated resin dispensing system keeps the printer running efficiently during lengthy print sessions, reducing the need for constant supervision. The dual Light Processing Units (LPUs) deliver exceptional results, ensuring smooth surfaces and clean features for all prints. Using Low Force Stereolithography (LFS) technology, it minimizes strain during the printing process, improving consistency across the entire build platform.

The durable construction of the Form 3L supports industrial applications, with its enclosed design protecting prints from external factors while allowing clear monitoring of progress via the touchscreen interface. The optical sensors within the printer provide continuous calibration, ensuring reliable results over time. Components like the LPUs, rollers, and optics window are user-replaceable, minimizing downtime and simplifying maintenance.

Preparing models is straightforward with the intuitive PreForm software, offering features like adaptive layer thickness and automatic support generation. Combined with cloud connectivity for remote management and enterprise-level account control, the Form 3L streamlines workflows for professional teams.

Comparisons

Form 3L vs Form 4L

The Form 3L and its successor, the Form 4L, are designed for professionals in large-scale 3D printing, but each serves different priorities based on technology and features.

• Build Volume: Both the Form 3L and Form 4L share the same build volume of 33.5 × 20 × 30 cm. This size is ideal for producing large parts in a single print, reducing the need for assembly or outsourcing.
• Print Technology: The Form 3L employs Low Force Stereolithography (LFS), which minimizes forces during printing to produce smooth surfaces and clean features. The Form 4L builds on this technology with enhancements for faster and even more consistent performance.
• Laser Configuration: The Form 3L features two staggered Light Processing Units (LPUs) for accurate prints. The Form 4L further refines this setup with improved laser path optimization, providing higher efficiency for complex parts.

Form 3L vs Peopoly Phenom XXL

The Formlabs Form 3L and the Peopoly Phenom XXL are both industrial resin 3D printers designed for large-scale projects. While they target similar applications, their features and approaches differ significantly.

• Build Volume: The Peopoly Phenom XXL has a larger build volume of 527 × 296 × 550 mm, which is well-suited for extremely large parts. In contrast, the Form 3L features a build volume of 33.5 × 20 × 30 cm, which, while smaller, is still generous for most professional applications and fits better in office spaces.
• Print Technology: The Form 3L employs Low Force Stereolithography (LFS), which reduces the forces during printing to achieve high-quality results with a smooth finish. The Peopoly Phenom XXL uses MSLA technology. This relies on a UV LCD screen to cure resin. While both technologies deliver great results, LFS is particularly known for reduced errors for a more consistent output over time.
• Ease of Maintenance: The Form 3L features user-replaceable components, such as Light Processing Units and optics windows. It also has integrated sensors for monitoring and maintaining optimal print conditions. The Phenom XXL requires more manual attention and setup, which may demand more time and expertise from users.

Real World Applications

The Form 3L has proven its versatility across various industries. It enables professionals to achieve remarkable results in large-scale 3D printing. Here are specific examples illustrating its technology:

• Manufacturing and Engineering: Red Oak Fabrication, a metal fabrication company, utilizes the Form 3L to produce welding jigs with complex geometries. By 3D printing these jigs, they have reduced production time and costs by up to 90%, streamlining their workflow and enhancing efficiency.
• Entertainment and Art: Dreamsmith Studio, a creative workshop specializing in props and makeup effects, employs the Form 3L to craft hyper-realistic silicone replicas for film and television. The large build volume and high resolution of the printer allow them to produce detailed molds and props. This significantly reduces production time and creators can make more complex designs.
• Product Design and Prototyping: Black Diamond Equipment, a manufacturer of climbing and skiing gear, integrates the Form 3L into their product development process to create full-size prototypes of equipment. This capability allows for rapid iteration and testing, ensuring that final products meet high-performance standards before mass production.
• Biotechnology: Volta Labs, a biotech startup, leveraged the Form 3L to prototype large components of their lab equipment. The printer’s ability to produce sizable parts with excellent surface quality enabled the team to iterate quickly and affordably, accelerating their development process.

Conclusion

The Formlabs Form 3L brings large-format resin 3D printing to professionals with impressive features and an easy-to-use design. Its Low Force Stereolithography (LFS) technology and dual Light Processing Units deliver smooth, consistent results on every print. With a build volume of 33.5 × 20 × 30 cm, it handles larger projects without the hassle of assembly or outsourcing.

From prototyping outdoor gear to creating film props or custom manufacturing tools, the Form 3L shows its strength across industries. Features like automatic resin dispensing, in-house replaceable components, and intuitive PreForm software streamline the workflow and save time. It’s not just about size—this printer balances efficiency with quality, making it an excellent tool for professionals ready to take on bigger challenges.

The Formlabs Form 3L proves that large-scale resin 3D printing doesn’t need to be complicated, and it continues to be a trusted choice for bringing big ideas to life.