Additive manufacturing with Formlabs polymer technology

Pre-processing and design:

Create and import print data

The basis for 3D printing is a digitally created model, which is either designed in a CAD program or captured using a 3D scan. The model geometry is then checked, the optimal placement on the building platform is determined and support structures are added automatically or manually if necessary.

Production:

3D printing using polymer

With its resin 3D printers, Formlabs relies on Low Force Stereolithography (LFS) and Masked SLA (MSLA) using LCD panels – a significantly faster alternative to traditional laser-based SLA systems, without compromising on precision and part detail. This portfolio is complemented by Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) powder bed technology.

Post-Processing:

Post-processing for industrial 3D printing quality

In additive manufacturing, the printing process is only one part of the whole: Post-processing is crucial for the quality of the end product. This is precisely where Formlabs comes in with its end-to-end post-processing system: Form Wash and Form Cure offer automated, reproducible and user-friendly solutions for industrial stereolithography (SLA). The Fuse Sift is used for automatic powder preparation, while the Fuse Blast enables 100 % automatic cleaning and polishing of the SLS components.

Seamless Workflow – From Print to Finished Part

With printers, resins, software, and post-processing from a single source, Formlabs delivers a true end-to-end ecosystem. All components are perfectly coordinated – ensuring easy integration into existing manufacturing processes.

SLA 3D printing – precise details and smooth surfaces

SLA (Stereolithography) uses a UV laser to cure liquid resin layer by layer. This process delivers exceptional detail and smooth surface finishes – ideal for prototypes, functional parts, and injection mold patterns.

Advantages of SLA Technology:

• Extremely fine details and superior surface quality
• High dimensional accuracy for technical components
• Wide range of resin materials for diverse applications

SLS 3D Printing – Durable Parts for Industrial Applications

SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) fuses powdered materials such as nylon or PA12 layer by layer with a laser. This creates strong, durable parts without the need for support structures – perfect for functional prototypes and small series production.

Advantages of SLS Technology:

• High strength and thermal resistance
• Complex geometries without support structures
• Ideal for industrial applications and functional prototypes

More material freedom in 3D printing with Open Material Mode

With the Open Material Mode from Formlabs, you can use a wide range of photopolymer resins and sinterable powders regardless of the manufacturer. The activatable license is available for all SLA printers of the Form 3 and Form 4 series as well as the SLS printers of the Fuse series. This allows you to seamlessly integrate your own or external materials into the proven Formlabs ecosystem - for a reliable, end-to-end workflow with maximum flexibility.

Whether for research, development or individual production: Open Material Mode opens up new application possibilities on the reliable as well as cost-efficient Formlabs 3D printers and is ideal for companies that want to test and specify materials or develop new product solutions.