Formlabs is a leading innovator in the 3D printing industry, renowned for developing high-performance, professional-grade 3D printers that are accessible to a wide range of users—from engineers and designers to healthcare professionals and educators. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Somerville, Massachusetts, Formlabs has grown from a Kickstarter success into a global company with offices across North America, Europe, and Asia. The company is best known for its stereolithography (SLA) and selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printers, which revolutionized the desktop 3D printing market by offering good precision, reliability, and ease of use.

Formlabs is deeply committed to innovation in hardware and corresponding software. It offers a resins tailored to specific applications, ranging from prototyping and engineering to biocompatible dental and medical uses. For users seeking different resins, it is possible to work with the Formlabs Form 4B with 3rd party resin developers like Liqcreate. To work with 3rd party 3D-printing resins on the Formlabs Form 4B, users are required to purchase an open material license from Formlabs. The combination of powerful software and hardware has positioned Formlabs as a trusted provider of additive manufacturing solutions in industries where accuracy and performance are critical. With continuous investment in research and development, Formlabs is not only democratizing access to industrial-grade 3D printing but also reshaping how professionals approach design, production, and digital workflows across multiple sectors. Download the Formlabs PreForm import parameters for Liqcreate resin in the link. With this file you can import some optimized Liqcreate resins in the Formlabs PreForm slicer within seconds and start printing right away – it should be noted that a Formlabs open material license is required.

Formlabs Form 4B resin and parameter – open material license.

It is only possible to work with the Formlabs Form 4B with 3rd party materials when purchasing an open material license from Formlabs.

Formlabs Form 4B: Advancements in Dental 3D Printing

The Formlabs Form 4B represents a significant leap forward in dental 3D printing technology. Building upon the foundation set by its predecessors, the Form 4B introduces enhancements that cater specifically to the needs of dental professionals, offering faster print speeds, improved accuracy, and a broader range of compatible resins. Central to its performance is the Formlabs Form 4B resin, which has been optimized to work seamlessly with the printer’s advanced features.

Key Features of the Formlabs Form 4B

1. Low Force Display™ (LFD) Technology

At the heart of the Form 4B is the Low Force Display™ (LFD) technology. This system utilizes a high-power backlight unit, a custom-designed Light Processing Unit (LPU 4), and a microtextured optical film to deliver uniform light distribution. The result is reduced peel forces during the printing process, leading to enhanced print quality and faster speeds.

2. Enhanced Print Speeds

The Form 4B boasts impressive print speeds, capable of producing 11 dental models in just 9 minutes. This is achieved through the combination of the LFD technology and an optimized printing engine, allowing dental professionals to complete more cases in less time.

3. High Accuracy and Resolution

With an XY resolution of 50 microns, the Form 4B ensures that 95% of the surface is within 50 microns of the CAD model, and 99% within 100 microns. This level of precision is crucial for dental applications where fit and detail are paramount.

4. Intelligent Control Systems

The printer is equipped with six onboard control systems that monitor and maintain parameters such as temperature, resin level, and print forces. This intelligent system ensures consistent print quality and reliability .​

5. Versatile Resin Compatibility

The Form 4B is validated to print 37 performance materials from Formlabs’ extensive materials library. This includes six new resins designed for improved speed, toughness, accuracy, and appearance, such as Fast Model Resin and Precision Model Resin .​

Formlabs Form 4B Resin: Tailored for Dental Excellence

The Formlabs Form 4B resin is specifically engineered to complement the printer’s advanced features. This resin offers several benefits:​

• Optimized for Speed and Accuracy: The resin’s formulation works in harmony with the LFD technology, enabling faster curing times without compromising on detail.​

• Enhanced Material Properties: The resin provides improved toughness and durability, making it suitable for a wide range of dental applications.​

• Consistency Across the Build Platform: The resin ensures uniform results across the entire build platform, reducing the likelihood of print failures and the need for reprints.​

Applications in Dental Practices

The Form 4B, when paired with the Formlabs Form 4B resin, is ideal for various dental applications:​

• Clear Aligner resin Models: Rapid production of aligner models to accelerate orthodontic treatments.​

• Occlusal resin Splints: Creation of precise splints for patient comfort and treatment efficacy

• Restorative resin Models: Accurate models for crowns, bridges, and other restorative procedures.​

• Surgical Guides: Production of guides to assist in precise surgical planning and execution.​

• All-on-X resin Models: Efficient creation of models for full-arch restorations.​

Image by Formlabs: Their new Formlabs Form 4B resin 3D-printer.

Conclusion

The Formlabs Form 4B resin 3d-printer sets a new standard in dental 3D printing. Its advanced features, including the Low Force Display™ technology, rapid print speeds, and high accuracy, make it a valuable tool for dental and industrial professionals seeking to enhance their workflows and deliver high-quality patient outcomes. As the dental industry continues to embrace digital solutions, the Formlabs Form 4B resin 3D-printer stands out as a leading choice for modern dental practices.