Formlabs has launched a new 3D printer designed specifically for dental applications.
The Form 3B utilises a tweaked version of the Low Force Stereolithography (LFS) technology found in the Form 3 and Form 3L. In this application, it is called Advanced Low Force Stereolithography, utilising a custom-designed light engine that moves the laser consistently across the build volume for unrivalled accuracy.
The result? Models with never-before-seen surface quality and clarity.
Like the Form 3, the Form 3B also utilises a flexible resin tank which reduces the forces exerted on parts during printing. This allows for an incredible surface finish with fewer supports. It also enables light-touch support structure, which you can twist and cleanly snap away from a model without risk of breaking it.
The Form 3B shares the same build volume as the Form 3 at 14.5 × 14.5 × 18.5 cm (5.7 × 5.7 × 7.3 in). It’s large enough to print a series of dental models in one go, as this image demonstrates:
The big advantage the Form 3B offers over a standard SLA printer is the introduction of significantly reduced peel forces.
Peel forces are the biggest disadvantage of inverted SLA (which is what the Form 2 used) because they limit the types of design that can be made. The Form 3B reduces peel forces considerably, enabling more intricate and accurate models to be made so dental professionals can create truly beautiful products.
The Form 3B is optimised to print Dental Resins, with a particular focus on biocompatible resins. Biocompatible resins are used to manufacture implants, guides and templates. A good example is SG Resin. The Form 3B is optimised to print this resin and all other dental resins to the exact specifications outlined by Formlabs.
An important feature of the Form 3B to highlight is that it’s designed to run 24/7, thus enabling dental labs to meet demanding production requirements. The Light Processing Unit (LPU), rollers, and optics window are user-replaceable, and the resin tank can be swapped out in seconds thanks to Formlabs’ innovative cartridge system.
In addition to all this, the Form 3B is incredibly easy to use. It has an in-built touchscreen that runs through the setup process with you. You can control the print process from here, or from your computer using PreForm. The 3B also has remote printing capabilities, giving you the ability to manage work flow from your smartphone.
To find out more about the Form 3B, please visit our product page.