Formlabs offers a complimentary sample programme that enables prospective users to receive and evaluate physical 3D printed parts manufactured using their technology. This initiative is designed to demonstrate the quality and capabilities of Formlabs printers and materials prior to purchase. Through partnerships with distributors and resellers, consumers and businesses in the United Kingdom can request these samples to experience the texture, detail, and finish of printed objects firsthand. The process typically involves selecting a specific material or pre-designed model via an online request form, after which the sample is shipped directly to the requester at no cost.
The Formlabs Sample Programme
The core objective of the Formlabs sample programme is to bridge the gap between digital design and physical reality. By handling a finished part, potential customers can verify the standards of Formlabs technology. Source materials describe this as an opportunity to "see and feel the quality firsthand" and confirm that "all the hype is real." The programme is structured to be accessible, requiring users to complete a request form to initiate the process.
How to Request a Sample
To obtain a free sample, interested parties must navigate to a designated sample request page provided by Formlabs or their authorised partners. The process is standardised across participating distributor websites.
- Selection: Users are presented with options to choose a specific Formlabs material or a pre-designed model. One source specifies a selection process where users "pick a Formlabs SLS material," while another details a list of specific models printed in various resins.
- Form Completion: A request form must be completed. Required fields are typically marked with an asterisk. The form collects the necessary shipping and contact details.
- Shipping: Upon successful submission, Formlabs or the partner distributor ships the printed part "straight to you."
Available Sample Models and Materials
The available samples vary depending on the specific distributor and the technology (SLA or SLS) utilised. Source data outlines specific options available through a partner site:
- Pre-Designed Models:
- Millifluidics Model (Clear Resin)
- Rotating Arm (Grey Resin)
- Architectural Model (White Resin)
- Pipe Coupling (Draft Resin)
- Pen Model (Black Resin)
- Material Selection: Other sources indicate a broader selection where users can pick from a range of Formlabs materials, likely encompassing various resins used in their stereolithography (SLA) and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) processes.
Understanding Formlabs Technology
To appreciate the value of the sample, it is helpful to understand the manufacturing technology behind it. Formlabs primarily utilises Stereolithography (SLA) and a proprietary variation known as Low Force Stereolithography (LFS).
Stereolithography (SLA)
SLA is a photopolymerisation process. It involves using a laser beam that is reflected off finely calibrated mirrors and directed into a tank of liquid resin. The laser cures the resin layer by layer to create a solid object. This method allows for "far greater detail to be captured than FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication) 3D printers" in many applications. Because the process is not limited by an extruder or mechanical motion, it accommodates complex geometries and shapes that would be difficult or impossible to produce with extruder-based machines.
Low Force Stereolithography (LFS)
Formlabs has evolved SLA technology with the introduction of LFS. This innovation addresses a primary challenge of inverted stereolithography in desktop-sized printers: the significant mechanical forces exerted on parts during the printing process. By reducing these forces, LFS improves print success rates and surface finish quality.
Applications of Formlabs Parts
The sample programme allows potential users to assess parts for a wide variety of applications. The high resolution, fine detail, and smooth surface finish of Formlabs prints make them suitable for several industries and use cases.
Prototyping
SLA and LFS are ideal for producing high-fidelity prototypes. These prototypes can look and function like final products, allowing for effective concept exploration, design validation, and product testing. The fast turnaround times facilitate rapid product development cycles.
End-Use Part Production
Formlabs technology is robust enough for manufacturing end-use parts. This is particularly valuable for: * Medical Devices and Orthotics: Creating custom medical devices and wearable technology. * Mass Customisation: Handling bespoke orders and low-volume production runs without the need for expensive tooling. * Consumer Goods: Manufacturing parts for wearable tech and other consumer products.
Manufacturing Aids
In industrial settings, Formlabs parts serve as essential manufacturing aids. These include: * Jigs and fixtures. * Soft grippers. * Tooling and replacement parts. * Masking and mould tools. Using 3D printed aids can improve manufacturing efficiency, reduce machine downtime, and accelerate time-to-market.
Models and Props
The high-resolution output is also ideal for visual applications. * Medical Models: Used for pre-surgery planning and education. * Architectural Designs: Detailed models for visualisation and presentation. * Props and Models: For use in the TV and film industries.
Eligibility and Accessibility
While the specific eligibility criteria are not fully detailed in the provided source material, the programme appears to be targeted at serious prospective buyers, including hobbyists, professionals, and businesses. The requirement to complete a request form suggests that the programme is intended for those genuinely evaluating the technology for potential use or purchase. The samples are provided free of charge, including shipping, which removes the financial barrier to evaluating the technology. The availability of these samples through UK-based distributors ensures that shipping is feasible for residents in the United Kingdom.
The Value of Physical Evaluation
The source material emphasises the psychological and practical impact of holding a physical 3D print for the first time. It is described as a "magical moment" and a "light bulb moment" that validates the capabilities of the technology. For those considering an investment in 3D printing, handling a sample part is highly recommended. It allows users to determine if the quality meets their specific application requirements and helps them decide if the technology is right for their needs. The sample programme effectively removes the guesswork from the purchasing decision.
Conclusion
The Formlabs free sample programme is a valuable resource for UK consumers and professionals interested in high-resolution 3D printing. By offering complimentary physical samples, Formlabs allows potential users to verify the quality, detail, and surface finish of parts printed using their SLA and LFS technologies. The programme covers a wide range of applications, from high-fidelity prototyping and end-use part production to manufacturing aids and visual models. Interested individuals can request samples by selecting a material or model and completing a form on a distributor’s website, after which the parts are shipped free of charge. This hands-on experience is presented as a crucial step in understanding the real-world potential and quality of Formlabs 3D printing.