Formlabs, a leading 3D printing company valued at $2 billion, has unveiled its latest innovation, the Form 4 printer. This new addition to their lineup boasts impressive capabilities, including the ability to produce up to 400 models per hour and a user-friendly interface that can be mastered in just 15 minutes.
CEO Max Lobovsky positions the Form 4 as a significant advancement for the 3D printing industry due to its unparalleled accuracy and ease of use, features confirmed by beta testers from major companies like Microsoft, Ford, and NASA. Despite its cutting-edge technology, the Form 4 comes with a price tag of $4,500, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
One notable aspect of Form 4’s design is the incorporation of several 3D printed parts, a testament to the capabilities of Formlabs’ own printers. These parts, printed on the previous generation Form 3+, contribute to the printer’s efficiency and performance.
3D Printer Used by Microsoft, Ford, and NASA Now Available for Everyone: See What It Can Do (Credits: Entrepreneur)
In comparative tests against traditional manufacturing methods, Form 4 proved to be more efficient, producing plastic goods in less time without sacrificing quality. This increased production speed opens up new possibilities for the widespread adoption of 3D printing, potentially revolutionizing industries beyond just prototyping.
Formlabs has a history of innovation in the 3D printing space, having pioneered desktop stereolithography printers over a decade ago. Major companies like Unilever, Hasbro, and even NASA have utilized earlier generations of Formlabs printers for various applications, ranging from designing new products to creating parts for space missions.
At Ford, Form 4 assists in the production of manufacturing aids for cars, while dentists leverage its capabilities to craft custom retainers for patients. The versatility and reliability of Form 4 have made it a staple in engineering projects at Microsoft and a valuable tool for countless other businesses.
3D Printer Used by Microsoft, Ford, and NASA Now Available for Everyone: See What It Can Do (Credits: Entrepreneur)
Competitors in the 3D printing market, such as BigRep and Shapeways, are also making strides in innovation, collaborating with industry leaders to push the boundaries of what’s possible with additive manufacturing.
Beyond established companies, startups are harnessing 3D printing technology to disrupt traditional industries, from construction to fashion. Nike, for instance, is using 3D printing to prototype custom sneakers, while startups like Zellerfeld are pioneering sustainable footwear production through additive manufacturing.
The global 3D printing market is experiencing rapid growth, with projections indicating a significant increase in its size over the coming decade. While high-performance printers like Form 4 are ideal for larger enterprises, there are more affordable options available for entrepreneurs and hobbyists alike.
Models such as the Bambu Lab X1 Carbon and the Prusa MK4 offer impressive capabilities at a fraction of the cost. As 3D printing continues to evolve, it presents exciting opportunities for innovation across various industries, promising a future where personalized, on-demand manufacturing is the norm.
