Introduction to Formlabs Form 3 SLA 3D Printers

Our digital fabrication lab is equipped with Formlabs Form 3 SLA 3D printers, renowned for their precision and high-quality output. These advanced printers utilize Low Force Stereolithography (LFS) technology to produce detailed and smooth surface finishes, making them ideal for a variety of applications including prototyping, manufacturing, sculpture, and jewelry.

Available Resins

We keep the following standard resins in stock:

• White

• Grey

• Clear

Pricing and Services

• Printing Cost: $0.20 per mL, payable at the school store with a receipt from our lab.

• Post-Processing: Our staff will handle washing and curing of prints. Students interested in a more hands-on approach can schedule time to work with us to process their parts.

Visit our lab to explore the capabilities of our Form 3 printers and bring your digital designs to life with professional-quality 3D prints.

Design Limitations of Formlabs Form 3 SLA 3D Printing

While Formlabs Form 3 SLA printers offer high precision and quality, there are specific design considerations and limitations to keep in mind:

Solid Objects vs. Hollow Objects

Solid Objects:

• Advantages: Solid objects are generally easier to print because they do not require internal supports or drainage holes. They are also structurally stronger.
• Disadvantages: Solid objects use more resin, increasing the cost and print time. They can also lead to excessive shrinkage and warping due to the large volume of resin curing.

Hollow Objects:

• Advantages: Hollow objects use less resin, reducing costs and print time. They are lighter and can be structurally adequate for many applications.

• Disadvantages: Hollow objects need careful design to avoid issues such as cupping and suction forces during printing.

Cupping and Suction Forces

Cupping:

• Occurs when a hollow or concave feature in the design traps resin, causing suction forces during layer separation.
• This can lead to failed prints, excessive force on the print, and potential damage to the model and printer.

Weep Holes:

• To prevent cupping, incorporate weep holes in your design. These small holes allow resin to drain out of hollow sections and reduce suction forces.
• Placement and size of weep holes are crucial. They should be positioned at the lowest points of the hollow areas to facilitate complete drainage.

Additional Design Considerations:

Minimum Feature Size:

• The Form 3 can achieve high detail, but very fine features below the printer's resolution (85 microns for the laser spot size) may not print accurately.

Overhangs and Supports:

• Overhanging features require supports to print successfully. Design with minimal overhangs or ensure supports can be easily removed without damaging the model.
• PreForm software can automatically generate supports, but manual adjustments may be needed for optimal results.

Thin Walls and Features:

• Very thin walls (below 0.4 mm) may not print reliably and can be fragile. Ensure walls and features are robust enough to withstand handling and post-processing.

Orientation and Layer Adhesion:

• The orientation of the model affects print quality, support requirements, and surface finish. Experiment with different orientations to find the best balance for your design.
• Layers should be oriented to maximize adhesion and strength, especially for functional parts.