Formlabs launches automated post-processing for large 3D printers

Formlabs is rounding off its large-format SLA 3D printing solution with the launch of the Form Wash L and Form Cure L. The two products form an automated post-processing solution that complement the company’s large-format Form 3L and Form 3BL printers, and will enable Formlabs’ large-format 3D printing customers—such as Ford Spain—to enhance their workflows for both large parts and high-volume runs.

As the names suggest, the Form Wash L is designed to clean 3D printed parts when they come off the 3D printer, while the Form Cure L cures the parts to improve dimensional accuracy and mechanical properties. While the systems are designed for Formlabs’ large-format 3D printers, they are also compatible with the company’s full series of SLA machines.

“The introduction of our large format printers, Form 3L and Form 3BL, enabled Formlabs to open up our industry-leading SLA 3D printing technology to a whole new group of users at an accessible price while maintaining the professional quality Formlabs is known for,” said Dávid Lakatos, Formlabs’ Chief Product Officer. “With the addition of the Form Wash L and Form Cure L to our SLA ecosystem, we are providing even greater ease-of-use and automation to our customers.”

With the post-processing systems, Formlabs users can benefit from a more automated process. They even come with pre-programmed settings for each of Formlabs’ resin materials. The company adds that the large-format post-processing machines have been validated with the majority of its SLA material products, including biocompatible, sterilizable materials.

Ultimately, the goal of bringing a large-format SLA ecosystem to market is to give end users the ability to bring large-scale or high-volume production in-house through an end-to-end, cost-accessible platform. Paul Lake, a Formlabs user and Lead Engineer at Watts Water Technologies, said: “I can’t imagine trying to take advantage of the Form 3L system without Form Wash L and Form Cure L. I am looking forward to utilizing the Form 3L throughout our organization so we can streamline the development of our products across the company.”

The new post-processing products are available for pre-order and first orders are expected to ship in Q1 2022.