CREDIT: FORMLABS
3D printing company Formlabs announced the expansion of its ecosystem with new workflows, applications, and an improved user experience. Formlabs expanded its library of 45+ materials with two new materials and SLA and SLS post-processing tools that will enable new 3D printing applications and make it easier and more efficient to achieve final, consumer-ready parts.
New resin unlocks new applications for foundries
Formlabs added new Clear Cast Resin to expand investment casting applications. Clear Cast Resin features best-in-class thermal expansion that will enable foundries to cast designs in-house in record time to reduce costs, decrease turnaround times, and improve iterating flexibility. The material is versatile and accurate within 0.25mm, delivering reliable casting shells with minimal cracking.
“The whole [Formlabs] ecosystem and support system made sense to us. The fit and finish of the printers, the software, it seems better than everything else in the price point by a long shot,” says John Farr, VP of Technology at Diversified Metalsmiths. “The Clear Cast parts slotted straight into the workflow, [and] the amount of time saved with 3D printing where I push a button and go off to do something else, then skip the machining and hand-work after the cast, will make up for the cost of 3D printed patterns.”
New SLA and SLS post-processing tools
After delivering new, faster print speeds with the Form 4 3D printer, Formlabs has introduced new SLA and SLS post-processing solutions to optimize 3D printing workflows:
- Formlabs Resin Washing Solution: A non-flammable solution for cleaning resin off of 3D printed parts, Resin Washing Solution cleans while dissolving twice as much resin before becoming saturated compared to IPA. It’s safe for any workspace, and reduces the need for frequent top-offs, thereby lowering cost per washed part.
- Fuse Blast Polishing System: This drop-in upgrade for the Fuse Blast cleans and polishes parts straight from the Fuse Sift, enabling users to add a smooth, semi-gloss, scuff-resistant, and dye-ready surface finish to their SLS printed parts.
- Fuse Sift Glovebox Bundle: Fuse Sift Glovebox Panel and Fuse Parts Carrier are paired into an easily installed bundle for the Fuse Sift that streamlines part extraction and minimizes powder exposure, improving workplace and operator cleanliness for a faster, more comfortable, and ergonomic workflow.
New certified material and open material mode for Form 4 and Form 4B
Formlabs’ first third-party Certified Material, BEGO VarseoSmile TriniQ Resin, is a versatile ceramic-filled biocompatible material featuring excellent accuracy and an efficient workflow for permanent and provisional restorations and bridges. As the first 3D printing resin indicated for permanent bridges, this material will expand the applications for dental 3D printing with Form 4B printers. Formlabs has also released Open Material Mode for the Form 4 generation of printers. Originally introduced on the Form 3 generation of printers as a part of its Open Platform suite of solutions, Open Material Mode is a software add-on that enables a Formlabs SLA printer to print with any 405nm resin.