Formlabs is a leader in commercial 3D printing. Although the company makes great devices, the products are aimed more at businesses than consumers. However, if you have the money for it – or want to turn your hobby into a profitable venture – Formlabs is an impressive brand.
The Form 3+ is the company’s cheapest industrial printer at $2,499, despite being a relatively small device. You can read our thoughts on the Form 3, the predecessor to the Form 3+.
Most Formlabs printers are SLA devices that use lasers to cure liquid resin into a hardened plastic, producing long-lasting and highly detailed prints. The Fuse 1+ 30W is their only device that uses selective laser sintering (SLS), where the laser compresses resin powder to form a hard surface. If that sounds complicated, that’s because it is, and that’s also why the Fuse 1+ costs $25,000.
If you are new to the hobby or have no need for a mass production printer, Formlabs is not the right brand for you. Nevertheless, there is no denying the high quality of the company’s devices.