Formlabs Form 3 SLA 3D Printer Review!

We spend two months testing the new Form 3 printer from Formlabs, which uses a new type of low force SLA resin printing for improved print quality and low impact print supports. Sean reviews the Form 3 and explains how the new laser module works, its caveats, print speeds, and how the new system compares with the Form 2 and other SLA printers!

Shot by Ryan Kiser and Norman Chan
Edited by Norman Chan

Tested is:

Intro bumper by Abe Dieckman

Thanks for watching!

[CDRaff]

The prints off that thing are absolutely amazing. To think how far this technology has come as quickly as it has is mindblowing.

[adamdecoder]

The only thing missing from this review was a limit test in terms of detail. Whenever technology like this is reconceptualized I want to see what it can't print, not just what it can. The squid is fine, but it's really not that crazy of a model. I'd love to see how it tackles something truly insane.

[Aegis]

Really wish Formlabs would not discontinue their previous models so quickly...

[davidcervantes]

There was a long lead time (3-6 months, ordered it June/July we got it end of October) when the design firm I work for finally got it, but have been told that the lead time now is waaaay shorter. I was elated at how easy it was to set up and use. I have used the Form 2 before and own a Photon S DSLA printer, and the Form3 was ready out of the box, minimal calibration (setting the printer on a level-ish surface), there are written and videos on setup of the printer, materials, and software tutorials. The software does have bugs, it does run slower than other SLA slicers, and does not give an estimated print time until it has ported over the print job to the printer, so right now its a guess as how long the print times are. we invested in the Form Wash and Cure stations and have made the post processing a breeze and give a much better finish results than doing it manually, especially with the clear resins. I hope Tested gives those peripherals a review as well, as it expedited my efficiency and allows me to do other industrial design tasks while the stations do their thing. It is a bummer that Ceramic resin and other resins aren't compatible with the Form 3, as we where hoping to fire some high temp/final product ceramic products. Customer Service was pleasant, Form Labs definitely did not anticipate the demand for the release, they did send out a mass email to customers who have ordered it, apologizing for missing or delaying a promised delivery date. all that being said, it is a PHENOMENAL printer, we use both FDM, DSLA and SLA printers for product development and it has delivered what it has promised. We are already thinking of upgrading to their From 3L which offers 5x the print volume. This printer is on the fringe of a hobbyist/professional divide. I use a Photon S for smaller, faster, "hobbyist" prints, whereas I use the Form 3 for bigger, precision driven prototyping and engineering.

[nilusk]

I'd love to see you guys do reviews on cheaper, consumer friendly 3D printers. Most of us can't drop several grand on one but would love to see thoughts on some that are under $500

[dirtymartinez]

This printer is amazing for castable resin . I use it for my dental business and it runs 24 /7 . The printer is a beast for production. It would be little pricey for hobby printer . I got a few hobby ones, mostly anycubic printers

[UncleJessy]

oh man... that is one nice nice nice resin 3D printer... hope to one day get my hands on one

[The_G-Hamer]

My highschool just got a form 3 and it's awesome

[korykirkegaard]

Awesome video - seriously. One of the best product reviews of any genre i've seen, thank you! Have you thought about doing one for the Sprintray Pro?

[MakeStuff]

Glad you had a good time with your Form 3!

[theothercasper]

A nice, thorough review that dives deeper than the marketing department’s feature list. But, of course, I have one quibble with it.

With a $3.5K-$5K price, anyone likely to buy this already knows about the health, safety and waste disposal aspects of SLA. But considering how much of the Tested audience consists of hobbyists who may be new to resin-based printing or 3D printing in general, I think the review should have devoted at least a few minutes to safety.

[nathanjaffrey]

Excited to see a review on this. I have seen so many ads on this, curious to see if it lives up to the hype.

Edit, also, first one here!

[motofotose]

What I want to know is if the accuracy is spot on, yes the details look very good, but is half inch cube exactly that when measured?

[ozjamin]

OUT-FUCKING-STANDING review. This is probably the best 3D printer review I’ve ever seen. Thanks guys. I Was considering buying one of these but based this comprehensive and brilliantly detailed review I’m gonna hold off for now until Form sort out some of those issues. Cheers from OZ. 🍻👍

[RCPhotosVideos]

Just received the Form 3 today, November 11. Waiting on the Form 3L, maybe sometime in 2020.

[oswurth]

Are you all planning on doing a follow up to this printer after Formlabs works all the problems out?

[MichaelZola]

This prints look absolutely fantastic.

[DThird]

Do we have solid data on how long the new resin tanks last for the Form 3?

[michaelknight]

How come there is no head to head comparison with cheaper resin printers? I am curious

[ColtFortyFour]

I'll have a look at the Form 3 again when they actually implement the light touch support. Basically the only reason I can see myself upgrading from the Form 2 at this point.