For teams working with large-scale 3D printing, the Formlabs Form 4L and Form 3L offer high-quality, reliable options for producing larger parts with detailed finishes. Both models bring high precision to industrial and commercial applications, but with different features that suit various needs. While the Form 3L is a solid choice for in-house, office-friendly production, the Form 4L takes large-format printing to a new level with even faster speeds and enhanced capabilities for intensive workflows.
Here’s a detailed look at how the Form 4L and Form 3L compare.
1. Build Volume and Applications
With a build volume of 33.5 × 20 × 30 cm (13.2 × 7.9 × 11.8 in), the Form 3L supports a range of larger prototypes and models, making it versatile enough for office or factory environments. Ideal for businesses looking to move large-scale prototyping in-house, the Form 3L is capable of printing life-sized models and complex parts that were previously outsourced.
Form 4L
With a build volume of 35.3 x 19.6 x 35.0 cm (13.9 × 77 × 138 in), the Form 4L offers a similar build volume but with enhancements in speed and material options that make it ideal for high-throughput production. Designed for faster turnarounds on large or intricate parts, it’s well-suited for users with greater volume needs or those who require extensive material compatibility.
Winner: Draw – Both models offer substantial build volumes, but the Form 4L adds performance advantages that may benefit high-demand environments.
2. Printing Technology
Form 3L
Utilizing Low Force Stereolithography (LFS), the Form 3L incorporates two Light Processing Units (LPUs) to ensure consistent detail across the entire build platform. This technology minimizes peel forces, resulting in smoother surfaces and reliable print success, even on complex parts.
Form 4L
The Form 4L employs Low Force Display (LFD) technology, which speeds up production by curing entire layers in one go. This layer-by-layer curing allows for faster prints without compromising accuracy, making it an efficient choice for production settings where time is essential.
Winner: Form 4L – The Form 4L’s LFD technology offers a speed advantage, especially for large-format prints.
3. Speed and Throughput
Form 3L
The Form 3L is optimized for high-quality prints, with a balanced speed suitable for most in-house prototyping needs. Draft Resin and other materials can be used to accelerate print times, though complex or large parts will take more time.
Form 4L
With its LFD engine, the Form 4L provides significantly faster print speeds. This capability makes it a better option for users needing rapid production cycles, especially in industries where large parts or quick turnarounds are critical.
Winner: Form 4L – The speed boost of the Form 4L enables faster production, making it ideal for businesses with high demands.
4. Material Compatibility
Form 3L
The Form 3L supports a wide selection of Formlabs resins, ranging from standard prototyping materials to engineering resins. Its dual-cartridge system allows for uninterrupted printing, particularly useful for long or multi-day prints.
Form 4L
The Form 4L goes further, expanding material compatibility to include third-party resins and more specialty materials, such as ceramics and polyurethanes. This open-material platform makes it highly adaptable for industries requiring specialized properties in their parts.
Winner: Form 4L – The broader range of certified materials provides greater flexibility for complex applications.
5. Ease of Use and Workflow Integration
Form 3L
With features like automatic resin dispensing and the PreForm software, the Form 3L is designed for intuitive use with minimal supervision. In-field repairs for components like the Light Processing Units and the optics window add to its practicality in various work environments.
Form 4L
The Form 4L includes similar user-friendly features but also integrates more advanced diagnostic tools and remote monitoring through Formlabs’ Dashboard. This setup allows users to track and manage prints from anywhere, ideal for larger operations requiring remote oversight.
Winner: Form 4L – Additional diagnostic and monitoring capabilities make the Form 4L better suited for busy production workflows.
6. Reliability and Maintenance
Form 3L
Designed for reliability, the Form 3L includes user-replaceable components that support 24/7 uptime. Integrated sensors help maintain optimal print conditions, allowing for consistent results even during lengthy print jobs.
Form 4L
The Form 4L’s fewer moving parts and advanced sensors provide a higher success rate, with less maintenance required over time. Its re-engineered consumables are built to last, adding to its suitability for demanding production schedules.
Winner: Form 4L – Enhanced reliability features and lower maintenance demands make the Form 4L preferable for continuous operations.
7. Part Quality and Finish
Form 3L
The Form 3L delivers a smooth surface finish and precise detail across large parts, thanks to its dual LPUs and refined resin management system. Printed parts resemble injection-molded quality, making it a great choice for high-fidelity prototyping.
Form 4L
In addition to matching the Form 3L’s quality, the Form 4L offers sharper details with LFD technology. The highly collimated light source and anti-aliasing features allow for subpixel-level precision, producing parts that require minimal post-processing.
Winner: Form 4L – Superior optics ensure the highest quality, particularly on intricate or production-grade parts.
8. Which Printer Should You Choose?
Choose the Form 3L if:
- You need a reliable, large-format printer for in-house prototyping.
- Your production volumes are moderate, and speed is not the top priority.
- You want an affordable entry into large-format printing with versatile material options.
Choose the Form 4L if:
- Fast print speeds and large-volume production are critical.
- You need compatibility with third-party or specialty materials.
- Your workflow demands a higher success rate and advanced diagnostic features.
The Form 3L and Form 4L are both strong contenders for large-format printing, each with distinct advantages depending on your needs. The Form 3L offers robust, affordable large-scale printing, ideal for prototyping and occasional production. Meanwhile, the Form 4L is built for higher productivity, with enhanced speed, material flexibility, and reliability. For businesses focused on scaling production or working with diverse materials, the Form 4L is likely the better investment, while the Form 3L remains an excellent choice for those prioritizing quality and cost-efficiency.
