Formlabs Joins 3D Systems and Stratasys in 3-D Printing Market | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Form Labs has received $1 million in funding for its Form One 3D printer, which uses SLA technology to create highly detailed and visually appealing objects, although it has limitations in terms of build area, material selection, and mechanical properties.

Key Insights

• 💁 The Form One 3D printer, developed by Form Labs, has received $1 million in funding, which will help the company establish a presence in the market.
• 😕 SLA technology used in the Form One offers a better surface finish and higher resolution than fuse disposition modeling technology used by competitors.
• 😘 The Form One's limitations include a smaller build area, restricted material selection, and lower mechanical properties of printed parts.
• 🫥 The consumer 3D printing segment is experiencing rapid growth, as seen in the success of 3D Systems' Cube line of printers.
• 💁 Form Labs is targeting customers of Stratasys and 3D Systems with its Form One printer and is involved in patent infringement litigation with 3D Systems.
• 💗 The $1 million funding provides Form Labs an opportunity to capitalize on the growing consumer 3D printing market.
• 👋 The Form One is currently competing for the best consumer printer award at the London Print Show.

Transcript

Blake here folks today we're going to be talking 3D printing we're going to be looking at consumer printing in specific we have a new company getting a lot of funny $1 million it's a small company called form labs and they just received that funding for its form one consumer printer pictured here this competes with printers like the cubex from 3D s... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the Form One 3D printer differ from other consumer printers like the Cubex and Replicator 2?

The Form One uses SLA technology, which involves using lasers to cure resin and create objects. In contrast, the Cubex and Replicator 2 use fuse disposition modeling or material extrusion to build objects layer by layer.

Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of SLA technology used in the Form One?

SLA technology offers a better surface finish and higher resolution (25 microns) compared to the competing printers. However, the Form One has a smaller build area, limited material selection, and parts with lower mechanical properties.

Q: Which type of user would benefit from using the Form One 3D printer?

The Form One would be preferable for users who require very detailed and visually appealing prototypes or finished products that don't need to be strong or endure heavy stresses.

Q: How does Form Labs plan to compete with established companies like Stratasys and 3D Systems?

Form Labs aims to target customers of Stratasys and 3D Systems with its Form One printer. The company is also involved in patent infringement litigation with 3D Systems regarding the SLA technology used in its printer.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Form Labs has secured $1 million in funding for its Form One consumer 3D printer, which competes with other consumer printers such as the Cubex and Makerbot Replicator 2.

• The Form One utilizes SLA technology, resulting in superior surface finish and higher resolution compared to the competing printers.

• However, the Form One has limitations in terms of smaller build area, restricted material selection, and lower mechanical properties of the printed parts.