See the SLA 3D Printing Process in Action
The Form 4 from Formlabs is a desktop-size printer with a build volume of 20 × 12.5 × 21 cm, which is larger than its predecessor, the Form 3. With a rectangular build platform, the Form 4 allows for bigger parts to be printed due to its longer axis.
In this final installment of a three-part series, Cole Durbin, technical program manager at Formlabs, shows Machine Design and its audience a demonstration of the latest SLA 3D printer, which uses fast model resin for rapid prototyping with a resin tank that mixes resin and detects debris for safe and consistent printing.
The build platform is designed for easy part release and can be monitored remotely with a camera feature. The printing process involves heating the resin to a consistent temperature before starting the job, which takes approximately 37 min. The Form 4 uses Formlabs PreForm software for slicing and printing, supporting STL and OBJ file formats for 3D models.
Watch additional parts of this interview series with Cole Durbin:
Part 1: Advancements in Stereolithography
Part 2: How Does the Latest SLA 3D Printer Compete with Injection Molding?
About the Author
Sharon Spielman
Technical Editor, Machine Design
As Machine Design’s technical editor, Sharon Spielman produces content for the brand’s focus audience—design and multidisciplinary engineers. Her beat includes 3D printing/CAD; mechanical and motion systems, with an emphasis on pneumatics and linear motion; automation; robotics; and CNC machining.
Spielman has more than three decades of experience as a writer and editor for a range of B2B brands, including those that cover machine design; electrical design and manufacturing; interconnection technology; food and beverage manufacturing; process heating and cooling; finishing; and package converting.
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