PreForm is the Formlabs software included with your printer purchase. Offered for free, with no licenses, annual fees, or installation limits. PreForm’s automatic algorithms set up your print’s layout, orientation, and supports.

Features Include:

• Supports
• Add Textures
• Remote printing
• Automatic support generation
• Optimal orientation recommendations
• Real-time print estimates
• Print settings tuned and validated for Formlabs’ entire materials library
• Automatic detection for common issues (gaps, ensuring your models are print-ready)
• Customize all settings

Formlabs printers can operate entirely offline by using direct USB connections or local area networks (LAN) without internet access, meeting all your security requirements. Temporary connectivity is required for firmware updates and to activate Open Material Mode.

Formlabs has over 40 resins ranging from tough and durable, high temp and flame retardant, rigid and flexible, to silicone and ceramic. Connect with our team of application experts to discuss your material options and choose the right one.

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It depends on the material, but resin prints can be surprisingly strong. One key advantage is that they’re isotropic, so strength is consistent in every direction. Some of the strongest Formlabs resins are Rigid 10K, Rigid 4000, and Tough 1000.

If you need to print with biocompatible materials, the Form 4B or Form 4BL is the compatible system. Designed specifically for medical and dental applications, the Form 4B and 4BL supports Formlabs’ portfolio of validated biocompatible resins, making it the recommended choice for producing biocompatible parts.

To dispose of unused or expired resin, consider using the WRAP Pro to cure it into a solid form that can be safely discarded. Hazardous waste services can be cumbersome and expensive. The WRAP allows you to deal with this hassle seamlessly.

The primary difference between the two SLS systems is build volume. The Fuse X1 offers a build volume that is 7.5× larger than the Fuse 1+ 30W, making it ideal for larger parts and higher-throughput production.

Fuse X1 Build Volume: 13 × 13 × 22.25 in.
Fuse 1+ 30W Build Volume: 6.5 × 6.5 × 11.8 in.

The Fuse X1 is powered by a 120 W fiber laser, while the Fuse 1+ 30W features a 30 W fiber laser, enabling the X1 to process larger builds and maximize productivity for high-volume manufacturing.

The Fuse 1+ 30W remains an excellent choice for many applications. It delivers the same industrial SLS technology and material quality in a more compact, accessible system, making it ideal for functional prototyping, tooling, and end-use parts. If your parts fit within its build volume and you have low-to-mid throughput requirements, the Fuse 1+ 30W offers an efficient and cost-effective solution.

For larger parts or maximum production capacity, the Fuse X1 is the better fit.

The biggest difference between the Form 4L and the Form 4 is build volume. The Form 4L features a build volume that is 4.6× larger than the Form 4, making it ideal for printing larger parts, producing more parts in a single build, or increasing overall production throughput—all while maintaining the same print quality and material compatibility.

The Form 4 is an excellent choice for producing small to medium-sized parts with exceptional speed and accuracy.

Step 1: Cooling
SLS post-processing begins after the build has fully cooled to ensure parts maintain their shape and dimensional accuracy.

Step 2: Depowdering
Parts printed on the Fuse 1+ 30W are depowdered using the Fuse Sift, while parts printed on the Fuse X1 use the Fuse Sift X1. The Fuse Sift streamlines part extraction and powder recovery in a single enclosed system, reducing mess and hands-on processing time.

Step 3: Finishing
In both workflows, the parts are then finished in the Fuse Blast, which removes any remaining powder and produces a clean, smooth surface finish.

For applications that require an enhanced surface finish, the Fuse Blast Polishing System is a drop-in upgrade for the Fuse Blast that produces smooth, semi-gloss, scuff-resistant, and dye-ready parts in the same automated workflow—ideal for consumer-facing, end-use applications.

The Form 4, Form 4B, Form 4L, and Form 4BL post-processing workflow uses the appropriate Form Wash and Form Cure system for each printer size.

Step 1: Cleaning
After printing, parts are placed in the Form Wash or Form Wash L, which automatically cleans them with a solvent to remove uncured resin.

Step 2: Curing
Once cleaned, the parts are transferred to the Form Cure or Form Cure L, where they are post-cured to achieve their final mechanical properties and material performance.

Purple Platypus provides expert service and support for Formlabs SLS 3D printers, including troubleshooting, maintenance, and repairs. With hundreds of industrial 3D printer installations completed, our technicians bring extensive hands-on knowledge to every service call, helping maximize uptime and maintain reliable performance.

For Formlabs MSLA printers, customers have access to dedicated service and technical support directly through Formlabs.

To schedule service or request assistance, contact our team at [email protected].

Purple Platypus offers training for Formlabs MSLA and SLS 3D printers, with courses led by our experienced instructors. Training can be tailored to your team’s experience level, workflow, and application requirements to help you get the most from your Formlabs system.

In addition to Formlabs courses, Purple Platypus is the only Stratasys Authorized Training Center in the US. Our team has extensive experience across a wide range of additive manufacturing technologies, helping organizations build their knowledge and get more value from their 3D printers.

To learn more about training or to schedule a class, contact our team at [email protected].