Formlabs Form 3
The Form 3 uses Low Force Stereolithography to produce parts with surface finish and dimensional accuracy that FDM simply cannot match. At 25 μm laser resolution, it's the right tool when fit and finish matter: tight tolerances, smooth surfaces, and fine geometric detail.
About the Machine
Stereolithography (SLA) works by curing liquid photopolymer resin with a focused UV laser. The Form 3 uses Formlabs' LFS (Low Force Stereolithography) technology: a flexible build platform and low-force peel process that reduces stress on parts during printing, enabling thin walls and fine features without delamination.
After printing, parts go through a two-step post-process: an IPA wash in the Form Wash removes uncured resin, then a UV cure in the Form Cure brings the part to final mechanical properties. Students learn this complete workflow as part of the SLA process.
Specifications
- Model Formlabs Form 3
- Process Low Force Stereolithography (LFS™)
- Build Volume 14.5 × 14.5 × 18.5 cm (5.7 × 5.7 × 7.3 in)
- Layer Height 25–300 μm (0.025–0.3 mm)
- XY Resolution 25 μm laser spot size
- Materials Formlabs Standard Resin, Tough Resin, Flexible Resin
What Students Learn
- SLA process: how UV laser cures liquid resin layer by layer
- Resin selection: standard, tough, flexible, and specialty resins
- Support generation and placement strategies
- Post-cure process: IPA wash (Form Wash) and UV curing (Form Cure)
- Designing for SLA: wall thickness minimums, supported overhangs
- Part finishing: sanding, priming, and painting cured resin
- Comparing SLA accuracy vs. FDM for precision applications
Robotics Applications
- → High-detail sensor housings with precise mounting geometry
- → Custom cable management clips and routing guides
- → Fine-feature gear prototypes and mechanism mockups
- → Camera mounts requiring tight angular tolerances
- → Smooth-surface decorative parts and team branding elements
Want to Use This Equipment?
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