Formlabs Introduces Form Studio 1 Consumer Resin 3D Printer
Formlabs enters the consumer market with an affordable desktop SLA printer.
1Targeting Mainstream Consumer Markets
Formlabs has officially announced the Form Studio 1, priced at $699. Known for professional machines costing $2,300 to $2,500 or more with nearly 200,000 units in service, the company is now releasing its first consumer-oriented stereolithography device designed directly for home and desktop use.
2Custom Optics and Speeds
Departing from traditional consumer LCD setups, the printer utilizes a backlight system featuring 28 individual LEDs with dedicated lenses for precise light placement. Formlabs states the machine reaches print speeds of 130mm per hour, enabling fast jobs such as producing a Raspberry Pi case in roughly eight minutes.
3Prioritizing Household Air Safety
Resin toxicity and odors historically kept SLA machines inside industrial workshops. To make indoor operation viable, Formlabs developed proprietary Alpha Resins certified under UL GreenGuard standards for low chemical emissions. Initial testing confirms minimal operational odor, and the company offers an optional $180 VOC extractor for extra safety.
4Cartridge Management and Software
The hardware uses automated cartridges that monitor remaining fluid levels and allow hot-swapping during active jobs. Users control operations via an integrated front touchscreen or the Form Mobile app. Formlabs reports an internal print failure rate of approximately 2 percent when using its own specialized materials.
5Third-Party Material Compatibility
Formlabs sells its branded resin bottles starting at $29 per liter, but the printer remains open to third-party resins. Chief Product Officer David Lakatos notes that while standard market resins will function, the company recommends its certified materials to maintain print reliability, safety standards, and low odor output.
6Cleaning and Curing Ecosystem
Resin printing requires thorough post-processing, and the Form Studio 1 footprint equals roughly that of a minifridge. Formlabs launched a matching combination wash and cure station for $199 to $200. This unit simplifies cleaning uncured resin and hardening parts, though it requires significant additional desk workspace.
7Founders Edition Configuration Options
The printer is initially available through a limited Founders Edition release offering four distinct chassis colors. Buyers can purchase the base unit for $699 or opt for a $750 package that includes an upgraded flexible build plate, designed to simplify mechanical part removal after printing finishes.
8Challenging Filament Home Dominance
Consumer 3D printing has long been dominated by filament extrusion due to lower costs and fewer hazardous fumes. By delivering high SLA resolution at $699 with certified low-emission materials, Formlabs aims to lower traditional barriers and make high-detail resin fabrication practical outside industrial workshops.
Original article: Wired — Formlabs Introduces Form Studio 1 Consumer Resin 3D Printer