The Formlabs Form 3 brings SLA 3D printing to the desktop with a focus on detail and reliability. It handles complex resin prints well, constructing smooth surfaces and sharp features requiring little cleanup. The setup is simple, and the software automates support and layout, saving time, especially for beginners or busy teams.
With that said, it’s not the fastest machine out there, especially in recent years. Print times can drag on with larger models, and the resin isn’t cheap. Still, if you’re after dependable results and don’t mind waiting a bit, the Form 3 is worth considering.
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Formlabs’ Form 3 brings serious capability to desktop SLA 3D printing. Built to turn digital designs into sharp, high-detail prints, it delivers smooth surfaces and reliable results without much fuss. It’s a 3D machine that handles demanding jobs well, making it a sensible option for those who need quality parts without stepping into industrial territory.
This review takes a closer look at what the Form 3 is like to use day to day. From print quality and workflow to overall value, we’ll examine how it performs in real projects and what kind of users will get the most out of it.
Formlabs was founded by a group of MIT Media Lab students who wanted to make high-quality 3D printing more accessible back in 2011. Their first big release was the Form 1, an SLA printer that made a once-expensive, industrial-only process available to smaller teams, studios, and individual creators.
Since then, Formlabs has become a major player in 3D printing. They now offer a full range of SLA and SLS machines and a wide selection of materials for different types of jobs.
Unboxing the Formlabs Form 3 feels more like setting up a well-designed appliance than a piece of workshop gear. Everything is packaged neatly, labeled clearly, and built to get you printing with little effort.
Setting up the Formlabs Form 3 is refreshingly simple. With most of the heavy lifting already done out of the box, getting the machine ready to print only takes a few basic steps.
| Stage | Time Estimate | Key Challenges | Tips/Notes |
| Unboxing & Initial Placement | 15-30 minutes | Identifying and organizing all components; handling the printer’s size and weight. | Unpack all parts and check them against the manual’s list. Set up a clean, flat workspace away from sunlight and drafts. Make sure the area is well-ventilated. |
| Unlocking the LPU Housing | 2-5 minutes | Locating and removing the shipping screws and latch. | The Light Processing Unit (LPU) is locked in place for shipping. Check the manual for the latch and screw locations. Keep these parts and packaging for later use. |
| Connecting Power & Network | 5-10 minutes | Identifying correct ports; ensuring a stable connection. | Plug the power cable into the printer and a grounded outlet. Connect to the network using Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Make sure your network is stable for reliable connection to Formlabs Dashboard and PreForm. |
| Initial Power-On & Onboarding | 5-15 minutes | Navigating the touchscreen interface; completing initial setup prompts. | Turn on the power switch at the back. The printer will start up, and the touchscreen will guide you through setup steps like choosing a language and running basic checks. |
| Inserting the Resin Tank | 2-5 minutes | Proper orientation and ensuring a secure, flush fit. | Open the printer cover and take the resin tank out of its case. Align it with the rails and gently push it down and forward until it clicks. The printer will recognize the tank. |
| Inserting the Mixer | 1-2 minutes | Correct orientation within the resin tank. | Place the mixer inside the resin tank with its arms pointing up and toward the float case on the left. Slide it left until the magnets snap and it clicks into place. |
| Attaching the Build Platform | 2-5 minutes | Aligning with the carriage and securing the lock. | Lift the platform lock. Align the build platform with the carriage and push it on until the sensor picks it up. Then lower the lock to hold it in place. |
| Inserting Resin Cartridges | 2-5 minutes per cartridge | Proper orientation and ensuring the vent cap is open. | Close the printer cover. Shake each resin cartridge before inserting. Take off the protective cover but keep the bite valve on. Insert the cartridge into a slot and push down until it’s flush with the back. Open the vent cap on each cartridge. |
| Software Installation & Print Preparation | 15-30 minutes (initial) | Downloading and learning PreForm; model orientation, and support generation. | Download Formlabs’ PreForm software to prepare your 3D models for printing. It suggests the best orientation and support, but you can adjust them yourself. Take some time to learn the interface and settings. |
The Form 3 makes a strong first impression with its clean design and construction. The fit and finish are excellent, giving it a professional presence that feels purpose-built for serious work.
Nothing feels flimsy or overlooked. The touchscreen is responsive, the resin tank and build platform snap in smoothly, and the overall assembly has a reassuring weight to it.
Form 3’s design is clean, practical, and built to handle regular use. It looks good on a desk but feels solid enough for a workshop. Everything’s laid out in a form that makes sense, with easy access to parts and a direct setup.
Instead of cramming in flashy features, Formlabs focused on what improves print results. The flexible resin tank, custom light unit, and steady motion system all work as a unit to construct smoother prints with fewer hiccups.
Key Technical Specifications
Power Requirements: 100-240 VAC, 2.5 A 50/60 Hz, 220 W
The Formlabs Form 3 handles complex designs nicely, capturing fine details that make a real difference in prototypes and final parts. While it’s not the fastest machine, the print quality stays surprisingly consistent across different resins.
| Test Type | Result Highlights | Observations |
| Formlabs “Calibration Part” (Dental Model Scale) | Exceptional accuracy on fine anatomical details, sharp margins, and consistent surface finish. | Check the print for sharp edges on teeth and accurate spaces between them. Look for clear gum lines and detailed cusp tips. The surface should be smooth and even, with no visible layer lines, especially on curves. |
| Exposure Test | Clear differentiation between different exposure settings; well-cured features at optimal settings, under-cured or over-cured at extremes. | Features should be fully cured but not too brittle or swollen. If under-cured, they’ll be soft or incomplete. If over-cured, they’ll be brittle, too hard, or lose detail. |
| Thin Wall Test | Uniform thickness and complete curing of thin walls down to the resin’s achievable resolution (typically 0.2mm or slightly thinner for some resins). | Check that wall thickness is even throughout. Walls should be solid with no gaps or holes and feel firm without being too brittle. |
| Hole/Pin Test | Accurately reproduced holes and pins down to the resin’s minimum feature size (often 0.15mm – 0.2mm for holes, slightly larger for pins). | Make sure holes are clean and round, with no unwanted material inside. Pins should be sharp and straight, fitting well into their holes. Note the smallest hole or pin that prints clearly. |
| Overhang/Bridge Test | Minimal to no sagging or deformation on overhangs and bridges, especially when supported. | Look under overhangs for smooth, clean surfaces with little stair-stepping or drooping. Bridges should be straight and firm without sagging. |
| Support Structure Removal & Surface Finish | Supports detach cleanly from the model with minimal effort, leaving behind easily sandable nubs or a pristine surface depending on touchpoint size. | Supports should come off easily with little damage or marks on the model. Smaller contact points mean less cleanup. Supports should break cleanly where designed. |
The Formlabs Form 3 relies heavily on its built-in firmware to run smoothly. Formlabs regularly pushes updates that improve features and stability, which you can install through the printer or PreForm software. Calibration and tuning are done automatically, and the sensors and resin system keep things consistent without much user input.
Overall, this setup makes the printer easy to use and dependable, though it limits how much you can customize the process. You can’t tweak settings beyond what Formlabs allows.
The Formlabs Form 3 performs well by itself, but a few upgrades can enhance your printing experience. These extras primarily focus on speeding up post-processing and making the handling of resin neater:
Maintaining the Formlabs Form 3 is easy and mostly comes down to cleaning the resin tank and the LPU window regularly. The printer’s sturdy design and smart sensors help prevent problems before they happen. By doing simple upkeep, you can keep it running well and avoid downtime, making sure it stays dependable over time.
Moreover, you can extend its lifespan considerably, allowing you to keep printing way past the time a new upgrade is available.
The Formlabs Form 3 usually performs well, but it does come with a few challenges. Being aware of these can help you avoid headaches and keep your prints on track:
Connectivity Problems: Difficulties with the printer connecting to Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or being recognized by PreForm software.
The Formlabs Form 3 is one of many desktop SLA printers out there, and each has its pros and cons. See how it compares to other options and figure out if it’s the right choice for you.
| Formlabs Form 3 | Anycubic Photon Ultra | Peopoly Moai 200 | Asiga Max 2 | SprintRay Pro 95 S | |
| Build Volume | 145 × 145 × 185 mm | 102.4 x 57.6 x 165 mm | 200 × 125 × 200 mm | 119 x 67 x 75 mm | 182 x 102 x 200 mm |
| Print Speed | Variable (20-100 mm/hr typically) | Up to 1.5s/layer (resin dependent) | Variable (slower than MSLA/DLP) | Variable (known for speed with professional resins) | Up to 2 in/hour (50.8 mm/hr) @ 100 microns |
| Assembly Complexity | Mostly Assembled | Mostly Assembled | Moderate | Fully Assembled | Mostly Assembled |
| Price Range | $2,000 – $2,500 | $400 – $600 | $1,500 – $2,500 | $9,000 – $15,000 | $9,000 – $11,000 |
| Customization Options | Moderate | High | High | Moderate | Moderate |
The Formlabs Form 3 is still a great printer that delivers reliable, high-quality prints despite its age. It’s a good choice if you need detailed prints, appreciate simpler UI, and are on a tight budget.
Take note, however, that the Form 3 is an outdated model. The company has already pushed out Form 4, which offers faster speeds, improved accuracy, and better overall performance.
Disclaimer
3DGearZone.com is a professional review site that receives compensation from the companies whose products we review. We test each product thoroughly and give high marks to only the very best. We don’t guarantee, however, that our suggestions will work best for each individual or business, so consider your unique needs when choosing products and services. 3DGearZone.com is independently owned and the opinions expressed here are our own.
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Sources
1. Formlabs.com, “Formlabs” Accessed July 26, 2022.
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