Formlabs new 3D printer, the Form 3B, is an advanced stereolithography (SLA) desktop 3D printer optimized for biocompatible (thus, the ‘B’ in Form 3B) materials (resins) and validated workflows.
Form 3B vs Form 3: Which one should I use?
If you are an early adopter and you have already purchased a Form 3 before November 12th of 2019, then you can print all compatible resins on your Form 3 (or Form 2). If you purchase a Formlabs 3D printer AFTER November 12th of 2019, then you have two options.
Form 3B: Exclusively prints ONLY biocompatible resins (surgical guides, hearing devices, etc.)
Form 3: Prints only non-biocompatible resins (anatomical models, device prototypes, etc.)
Form 3B Price
The Form 3B is a little more expensive than the Form 3 – The Form 3 Basic Package starts at $3,499, whereas the Form 3B Basic Package starts at $4,999.
The Form 3B Basic Package includes the 3D printer, Finish Kit, Build, and Tank.
New Surgical Guide Resin
The newest surgical guide resin is an autoclavable, biocompatible resin for 3D printing surgical guides for implant placement. This next generation 3D printing material is for premium-quality surgical implant guides.
This resin is only available for the Form 2, Form 3B, and early 2019 Form 3 printers.
When speaking to beta testers, we found they enjoyed the print clarity, superior mechanical properties, and improved accuracy of the Surgical Guide Resin.
The Surgical Guide Resin is sold at $249.00 per liter and is ideal for:
- Surgical guides
- Drilling templates
- Pilot drill guides
- Device sizing templates
Available for the Form 3 (Early 2019), Form 3B, and the Form 2. It is not available with the Form 3 (non-biocompatible, purchased after Nov 12).
What does this look like in PreForm software?
Formlabs 3D printing software, PreForm, will update with the PreForm 3.1.3 version and will include print setting for the following resins on Form 3B and early 2019 Form 3:
- Surgical Guide Resin, 100 microns
- Grey Resin, 160 microns
The PreForm software will also include the following printer model options:
- Form 2
- Form 3 (early 2019)
- Form 3B
The 'regular' Form 3 (model released after Nov 12, 2019) will come at a later date.
Form 3B
