Formlabs is a prominent name in professional 3D printing, establishing an industry benchmark with its affordable, industrial-quality SLA (stereolithography) and SLS (selective laser sintering) 3D printers. The company serves professionals across a variety of industries. For individuals and businesses considering an investment in 3D printing technology, handling a physical printed part can be a critical step in the decision-making process. Recognising this, Formlabs and its partners offer a programme that allows interested parties to request and receive complimentary sample parts. This article details the available sample options, the request process, and key considerations for UK consumers and professionals.
Understanding the Formlabs Sample Programme
The availability of free samples is a common strategy in the technology sector, particularly for high-consideration purchases like 3D printers. Formlabs facilitates this through a structured sample request system. The primary purpose is to allow potential customers to assess the quality, detail, and material properties of parts printed on Formlabs equipment before committing to a purchase.
According to the source material, Formlabs itself states: "If you would like us to send you a sample part printed on a Formlabs printer, please contact us." This direct approach is supplemented by third-party partners who have created dedicated pages to streamline the request process. One such partner, Additive-X, has established a "FREE SAMPLE PAGE" in partnership with Formlabs to provide samples for assessment. Similarly, CIMQuest Inc. offers a complimentary sample programme where users can select a sample part or material, and the company will provide a printed sample shipped for immediate assessment.
The sample programme is designed to be a no-cost service for the recipient. The terms do not mention any purchase requirement or subscription fee to receive a sample part. The goal is to let users "visualize what’s realistically achievable with Formlabs technology" and to help determine if a chosen resin will meet specific application requirements.
Available Sample Models and Materials
The selection of sample parts and materials available through the programme is varied, catering to different potential applications and interests. The samples are printed using Formlabs' proprietary resins, which are formulated for different purposes, from prototyping to production.
Sample Part Models
Based on the information provided by the partner page, the following specific models can be ordered as free samples: * Millifluidics Model: Printed in Clear Resin. * Rotating Arm: Printed in Grey Resin. * Architectural Model: Printed in White Resin. * Pipe Coupling: Printed in Draft Resin. * Pen Model: Printed in Black Resin.
These models are chosen to demonstrate the capabilities of Formlabs printers in terms of detail, functionality, and material finish. For instance, the architectural model in white resin can showcase fine detail and surface quality, while the rotating arm in grey resin may demonstrate moving parts and functional design.
Material Categories and Resin Types
Formlabs offers a comprehensive library of materials. The sample programme allows users to request parts printed in specific resins to test for their particular needs. The primary material categories include:
- Standard Resins: These are custom-formulated to deliver high-quality output with astonishing detail without sacrificing strength. They are ideal for general-purpose prototyping and visual models.
- Engineering Resins: Formulated for functional prototyping, these materials help reduce costs and iterate faster. The range includes:
- Grey Pro: A versatile engineering resin.
- Rigid: For parts requiring high stiffness.
- Durable: For parts that need to withstand impact and wear.
- Tough: For parts that require high tensile strength and impact resistance.
- Flexible: For parts that need to bend and compress.
- High Temp: For parts that must endure high temperatures.
- Draft Resin: This material is designed to print three to four times faster than other Standard Resins. It is suitable for large parts and rapid design iterations, with a 300-micron layer height that is accurate enough for prototyping needs.
- Jewelry Resins: These are used to prototype concept models and manufacture distinctive pieces with sharp resolution and the best surface finish, from idea to fitting to casting.
- Dental Resins: These enable high precision, low-cost digital production of a range of dental products in-house, including surgical guides, orthodontic models, retainers, and aligners.
- Ceramic Resin: Parts 3D printed in silica-filled Ceramic Resin can be fired to create a fully ceramic piece.
By selecting a sample part and a specific resin, applicants can evaluate the material properties relevant to their intended use, whether for jewellery, dental applications, engineering, or general prototyping.
The Request Process for UK Consumers
The process for obtaining a free Formlabs sample part is straightforward, though it may vary slightly depending on the entry point. The core steps are consistent and designed to be user-friendly.
Identify the Request Channel: UK consumers have two primary channels to request a sample:
- Direct Contact with Formlabs: The official source indicates that interested parties can contact Formlabs directly. The source suggests contacting a Regional Manager for more information, which implies a more personalised, potentially B2B-focused process.
- Partner Programmes: A more accessible route for individual consumers and small businesses is through partner programmes. The Additive-X and CIMQuest Inc. sample pages provide a dedicated online form to streamline the request.
Select a Sample Part/Material: On the partner sample pages, users are presented with a list of pre-defined sample models (like the Rotating Arm or Architectural Model) or the option to select a specific material. This allows the applicant to choose a sample that best matches their interest or application.
Complete the Request Form: The online form will typically require basic information such as name, contact details, and a UK postal address for delivery. The CIMQuest Inc. source specifies that the form must be completed to receive a complimentary sample.
Processing and Shipping: Once the request is submitted, the partner or Formlabs will process the order and ship the physical sample part. The source material confirms that the sample is shipped to the requester for immediate assessment. The shipping is complimentary, with no cost to the recipient.
It is important to note that while the sample part itself is free, the process is intended for genuine potential customers. The request should be for assessment purposes, and users should be prepared to provide legitimate contact and shipping information.
Technical and Safety Considerations
When evaluating 3D printing samples, it is important to consider the technical specifications of the printers and the safety of the materials used. Formlabs emphasises both performance and safety in its product descriptions.
Printer Technology and Performance
Formlabs printers utilise Stereolithography (SLA) technology. This process involves a laser beam reflecting off calibrated mirrors, passing through a transparent window, and curing a liquid resin layer by layer. The Form 4 series, for example, uses a "Low Force Display™ Print Engine" which combines ultra-high-power LEDs, collimating lenses, optical filters, and a robust liquid crystal display to achieve high speed and accuracy.
Key technical specifications for various Formlabs printers include: * Form 3+: Offers an XY resolution of 25 microns, laser power of 250mW, and layer thickness from 25-300μm. It is designed for producing functional, high-quality prototypes and end-use parts. * Form 3L: A large-format printer with two staggered Light Processing Units (LPUs) for twice the laser power, suitable for industrial-quality parts. * Form 4L: Features an XY resolution of 46 microns and a build volume of 13.9 x 7.7 x 13.8 inches, designed for tight tolerances and repeatable prints.
Material Safety
A notable point in the source material is a warning about chemicals used in some low-cost SLA printers. The article mentions the dangers of 4-Acryloylmorpholine (ACMO), which is described as harmful if swallowed, causing allergic skin reactions, serious eye damage, and potential organ damage. Crucially, the source states: "Formlabs does not use that chemical in its resins." This highlights a safety consideration for consumers, assuring them that Formlabs resins are formulated without this particular hazardous chemical. When evaluating samples, users can be confident in the safety profile of the materials, as per the manufacturer's claims.
Post-Processing and Workflow
Receiving a sample part is only the first step in understanding the 3D printing workflow. The source material also details the post-processing steps required after a print is complete, which are essential for achieving a finished part.
- Washing: After printing, parts need to be washed in isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to remove excess resin. Formlabs offers the Form Wash, an automated system that agitates parts in IPA for approximately 15 minutes (with fresh IPA) and then lifts them out to air dry, preventing over-soaking and warping.
- Curing: The final step is curing, which uses heat and 405nm light to harden the part fully. The Form Cure (2nd Generation) can post-cure Form 4/B prints in as little as 60 seconds, with 4x more UV power and 5x faster heat-up times.
While a sample part is typically post-processed by the sender, understanding this workflow is valuable for potential buyers, as it represents part of the overall investment and time commitment.
Conclusion
The Formlabs sample programme provides a valuable, no-cost opportunity for UK consumers and professionals to physically evaluate 3D printed parts before investing in the technology. Through direct contact with Formlabs or via partner programmes like those offered by Additive-X and CIMQuest Inc., applicants can request specific models printed in a wide range of resins, from standard prototyping materials to specialised dental and ceramic resins. The process is straightforward, requiring only a simple form submission for a complimentary sample to be shipped. Key considerations include the safety of Formlabs resins, which do not contain the hazardous chemical ACMO mentioned in industry warnings, and the technical capabilities of their printer lineup, which offers varying resolutions, build volumes, and laser powers suited to different professional needs. For anyone in the UK considering 3D printing, this sample programme is an essential step in making an informed purchasing decision.