low cost stereolithography 3D printer by formlabs
formlabs low cost stereolithography 3D printer
comprised of a team of researchers at the MIT media lab in boston, formlabs have developed a low-cost stereolithography 3D printer. the ‘form 1’ provides high-quality output in comparison to traditional fused deposited modelling prints, bridging the gap between professional SL machines. in using a process that combines lasers and specially formulated resins, the system achieves resolutions as accurate as 25 microns thin (0.001 in), with features as small as 300 microns (0.012 in).
engineered to produce high resolution parts with the touch of a button, the ‘form 1’ allows for a build volume of 125 x 125 x 165 mm (4.9 x 4.9 x 6.5 in), making it perfect for small, high-quality prototypes. special software allows for an intuitive user experience, as well as the ability to generate delicate, breakable support structures that can be easily removed. also included is a form finishing kit with a finishing tray and accessories set to assist you and keep your workspace clean and organized during this process.
the ‘form 1’ is currently seeking funding at kickstarter.
context of the desktop 3D printer
formlabs ‘form 1’ printer
detail in scale
left:traditional fused deposited modelling quality right: stereo lithography quality
detail comparison in scale
extraction from prints
form finishing tray
specially engineered resin
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I want one, NOW!
additive technology is dimensionally unstable. after you make your most awesome thing, mate it with another part, and then another part, the glue is stronger than the resin. The parts will expand and contract against the bond lines and move. dimensionally dependent forms can’t be relied on for pattern making, flat pieces warp.
no?
isn’t subtractive modelling still the most reliable in working situations, allowing for working patterns to be made and stored and used again?
maybe I’m missing something or is this still the same old technology?
Beatiful machine, elegant design but how about operations costs? How expensive the resin per liter is? And how much stable (dimensions) are parts made with it? how about the price? I’m strongly interested but I neeed to know more about process and machine perfomance.