LABORATORY: CNR ISTI
NAME OF THE INSTRUMENT
FormLabs Form 3BL
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The FormLabs Form 3BL 3D printer is an advanced 3D printing system that utilizes Stereolithography (SLA) technology. The Form 3BL can create objects with excellent precision and detail definition. It is ideal for printing single-color objects with a great detail at a medium cost (materials have an average cost of 180€/kg).
The Form 3BL uses a photosensitive resin as the printing material. During the printing process, a special printer-directed laser is used to selectively solidify layer by layer the liquid resin. Once a layer is solidified, the build platform lowers by a small amount, and a new layer of resin is applied on top of it. This cycle repeats until the object is fully printed.
Thanks to its high print precision, the Form 3BL can create models with intricate details and smooth surfaces. Additionally, the printer offers a wide range of material options, allowing users to print with specialized resins for different applications. This includes flexible resins, chemical-resistant resins, and transparent resins.
The Form 3BL is equipped with an intuitive user interface that allows users to easily control the printing process. Print files can be loaded into the unit via a USB connection or through a network connection. The printer can also be monitored and controlled remotely using a dedicated application
Thanks to its reliability and user-friendliness, the FormLabs Form 3BL is widely used in industries such as engineering, architecture, design, and prototype manufacturing. It enables users to quickly transform their ideas into physical models, accelerating the development process and reducing production costs.
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
The Formlabs 3BL 3D printer utilizes Stereolithography (SLA) technology to produce high-precision three-dimensional models. Equipped with a high-powered solid-state laser, the Formlabs 3BL is capable of selectively solidifying layer by layer of photosensitive resin, ensuring precision and quality of the printed object.
The print resolution of the Formlabs 3BL reaches 25 microns, and it features a print chamber of 33.5 × 20 × 32 cm, allowing to produce sizable objects.
The Formlabs 3BL supports a wide range of Formlabs resins, including rigid, flexible, transparent, and biocompatible resins. This offers users greater flexibility in choosing materials based on the specific requirements of the project.
The Formlabs 3BL is characterized by an efficient post-processing system. By utilizing the removable sliding support system, it is easy to remove the support structures quickly and without damaging the final model.
Post-processing is carried out using the Form Wash L and Form Cure L machines, which allow for the removal of resin residue from the printed parts and the final curing of the object in a uniform and specific manner based on the material used.
Referents:
Alessandro Muntoni alessandro.muntoni@isti.cnr.it
Paolo Cignoni paolo.cignoni@isti.cnr.it