#3DExpress: Formlabs its ‘Fastest’ Resin 3D Printer, the Form 4

It is once again time for #3DEXPRESS, where we give you some of the most interesting tidbits from the 3D printing news of the week. We start off today with Formlabs’ new resin 3D printer, the Form 4, which the company promises is its fastest solution with the motto “blazing speed [meets] industrial production.” Next up, Matterhackers has announced that it has acquired Source Graphics while also strengthening its partnership with Formlabs. In more AM business, Solidscape has announced its long awaited return as an independent company, while Stratasys shows off its new direct-to-garment solution for sustainable fashion. Finish it off with a closer look at a German submarine sunk after WWI, which has been revived with 3D models in a museum located near the wreck. Happy reading and have a great weekend!

Formlabs Launches New Resin 3D Printer

Specializing in resin and SLS additive manufacturing, American manufacturer Formlabs this week announced the launch of a new generation of machines, the Form 4. Based on MSLA technology, it is said to be two to five times faster than its predecessor, the Form 3+, and can produce parts up to a precision of 50 microns. It features automatic resin management, instant resin loading and automated post-processing. The aim is to boost user productivity, with the promise of printing in just 15 minutes. Max Lobovsky, CEO and co-founder of Formlabs, concludes: “Form 4 is a huge leap not only for Formlabs and our customers, but also for the entire 3D printing world. More than a decade ago, Formlabs created the desktop SLA 3D printer category and set a new standard for accuracy, reliability, ease of use, and affordability in 3D printing. We’ve built on the strength and insights gathered from more than 130,000 printers on the market and over 300 million parts printed to deliver the Form 4, our best SLA printer ever. Its reliability and new level of speed will transform how our customers develop new products.”

The new Form 4 3D printer (photo credits: Formlabs)

Matterhackers acquires Source Graphics

Matterhackers is one of the leading US resellers in the additive manufacturing market, offering an extensive portfolio of solutions for its customers. It announced this week that it has acquired Source Graphics, a supplier of large-format 3D printers. At the same time, it strengthened its partnership with Formlabs. Matterhackers COO Kevin Pope commented: “The collaboration between MatterHackers and Formlabs, catalyzed by our acquisition of Source Graphics, represents a shift in the 3D printing landscape. Formlabs has consistently been at the forefront of 3D printing innovation, and we are beyond excited to join forces with them. Together, we are committed to expanding the reach and capabilities of 3D printing technology, empowering creators and innovators to bring their visions to life.” Indeed, the acquisition of Source Graphics should enable it to strengthen its expertise and meet the growing demand for Formlabs 3D printing solutions.