Title: Enhancing Possibilities for 3D Printing with Formlabs’ Innovative Resins and Packaging
Introduction:
In a recent announcement, Formlabs has introduced two groundbreaking resin materials, Silicone 40A and Alumina 4N, along with an advanced SLS packaging for their flagship Form 3 systems. These additions to Formlabs’ material catalog further establish their position as one of the most versatile platforms for 3D print production, offering a wide range of applications across multiple industries.
Silicone 40A: Unlocking New Design Capabilities
The Silicone 40A resin is a flexible material that mimics the properties of molded silicone. However, what sets it apart is the ability to create intricate geometries that were previously unachievable through traditional molding approaches. Formlabs’ proprietary “Pure Silicone Technology,” currently pending a patent, enables the production of Silicone 40A parts that can be repeatedly stretched, bent, or compressed without compromising their mechanical integrity. This versatility makes the resin ideal for applications requiring heavy-duty flexible parts, and as such, it opens up exciting possibilities for 3D printing in various industries.
Alumina 4N: Pushing Boundaries in Ceramic Applications
Formlabs’ Alumina 4N is a ceramic resin designed to meet the demands of extreme thermal or chemical resistance. After post-processing, Alumina 4N parts exhibit an impressive relative density of 98.6% and an astonishing purity of 99.99%. Similar to the Silicone 40A, this resin allows for the creation of unique geometries that were previously inaccessible with traditional ceramic manufacturing methods. Formlabs’ claim of offering the most affordable ceramic 3D printing solution in the market reinforces their commitment to making additive manufacturing accessible to all.
Formlabs’ User-Friendly Approach and Material Innovation:
Max Lobovsky, Co-founder and CEO of Formlabs, emphasized the importance of material innovation alongside hardware advancements in additive manufacturing. He stated that Formlabs is dedicated to delivering user-friendly and cost-effective solutions to enable anyone to create anything through 3D printing. By constantly innovating in the material space, the company aims to unlock new possibilities in manufacturing, healthcare, and other industries. The introduction of Silicone 40A and Alumina 4N demonstrates Formlabs’ commitment to this mission, providing customers with high-performance materials at an affordable price point.
Expanding the Ecosystem:
In addition to the new resins, Formlabs also revealed an update to their Open Platform system, allowing for the use of third-party resins in their PreForm software. The upcoming dental biocompatible materials will provide even more options for users, contributing to the continuous expansion of Formlabs’ ecosystem. These versatile solutions highlight the company’s dedication to fostering a collaborative environment where users can leverage a wider range of materials for their 3D printing requirements.
Enhanced Packaging for the Fuse 1+ SLS System:
Formlabs also announced a new packaging for their SLS system, the Fuse 1+. Priced at an affordable $25,000, the starter package not only includes the printer but also the Fuse Depowdering Kit, enabling low volume production. This comprehensive packaging reinforces Formlabs’ commitment to making their Fuse 1+ SLS system accessible to a broader customer base.
Conclusion:
The recent additions to Formlabs’ resin catalog, as well as the enhanced packaging for their SLS system, demonstrate the company’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of 3D printing. With the introduction of Silicone 40A and Alumina 4N, Formlabs is providing users with greater design possibilities and exceptional performance in both flexible and ceramic applications. By prioritizing material innovation alongside user-friendly solutions, the company continues to make additive manufacturing more accessible and affordable, empowering users to bring their ideas to life with ease.
“Why did the 3D printer go to therapy? Because it had too many layers of unresolved issues!”
0 Comments