Formlabs 3D Printers: The Complete Guide to Professional Resin Printing

Why Formlabs Leads the Dental, Jewelry & Prototyping Industries

When precision, smooth surfaces, and biocompatibility matter, Formlabs dominates the professional resin 3D printing market. Trusted by dentists, jewelers, engineers, and manufacturers, Formlabs printers deliver dental-grade accuracy, castable resins, and engineering-grade materials in a compact, user-friendly system.

This ultimate guide covers:

• Formlabs printer lineup (Form 3+, Form 3L, Fuse 1)

• Best resins for different applications (dental, jewelry, prototyping)

• Post-processing workflows (washing, curing, finishing)

• How Formlabs compares to competitors (Stratasys, Anycubic, Phrozen)

• Industry-specific setups for labs and studios

By the end, you'll know exactly which Formlabs system fits your needs—and how to achieve professional results every time.

Formlabs Printer Series: Which One is Right for You?

1. Form 3+ & Form 3B+ (Standard & Dental)

✔ Low Force Stereolithography (LFS) for ultra-smooth prints
✔ 25-100µm layer resolution (dental crown-ready accuracy)
✔ Biocompatible material options (Class I & IIa certified)

Best for:

• Dental labs (crowns, models, surgical guides)

• Jewelry (castable resins for lost-wax casting)

• Product design (high-detail prototypes)

2. Form 3L (Large-Format Resin Printing)

✔ 30cm build length (double the size of standard Form 3+)
✔ Dual lasers for faster large-part printing
✔ Same LFS precision as Form 3+

Ideal for:

• Full-arch dental models

• Bigger engineering prototypes

• Art & sculpture reproductions

3. Fuse 1 (Selective Laser Sintering - Nylon)

✔ True industrial SLS in a benchtop machine
✔ Nylon 12 powder for durable, functional parts
✔ No supports needed (ideal for complex geometries)

Perfect for:

• Functional prototypes (snap-fit parts, hinges)

• Medical devices (skin-contact wearables)

• Small-batch production

Formlabs vs. Competitors: Professional Comparison

Why Professionals Choose Formlabs:
✔ Dental & medical certifications (unlike hobbyist printers)
✔ Reliable automated workflows (Post-Curing, Wash Stations)
✔ Widest resin portfolio (castable, flexible, tough, ceramic-filled)

Formlabs Resins: Best Picks for Different Uses

1. Dental & Medical

• Dental LT Clear (long-term biocompatible)

• Surgical Guide Resin (sterilizable)

• Model Resin (high-detail impressions)

2. Jewelry & Casting

• Castable Wax Resin (ash-free burnout)

• Burn Model Resin (smooth surface finish)

3. Engineering & Prototyping

• Tough 2000 Resin (ABS-like durability)

• Flexible 80A (rubber-like elasticity)

• High Temp Resin (heat-resistant up to 289°C)

Post-Processing: The Formlabs Workflow

1. Washing

   • Use Form Wash (IPA or Formlabs Wash)

   • 10-20 min cycle depending on resin

2. Curing

   • Form Cure (405nm UV for even hardening)

   • 30-60 min for full strength

3. Finishing

   • Sanding (400-1000 grit for smooth surfaces)

   • Painting (use primer for better adhesion)

Industry-Specific Setups

Dental Lab Ready Kit

• Form 3B+ (biocompatible mode)

• Dental Model & Surgical Guide Resins

• Form Wash & Cure

Jewelry Studio Package

• Form 3+

• Castable Wax Resin

• Centrifugal Casting Machine

Maintenance & Troubleshooting

✅ Weekly:

• Clean resin tank (filter uncured resin)

• Check FEP film for scratches

✅ Monthly:

• Lubricate Z-axis rails

• Replace air filter (Fuse 1)

✅ Annually:

• Laser calibration

• Full system inspection

Ready to Upgrade to Professional Resin Printing?

Top Starter Kits:

• Dental Lab: Form 3B+ Bundle

• Jewelry Maker: Castable Resin Kit

• Engineering: Tough & Durable Resin Pack

Need Expert Advice? Our 3D Printing Specialists can help—Book a Consultation.