Formlabs is taking the step towards reducing manual actions in 3D printing with the Automation Ecosystem that it is showing this week at CES in Las Vegas. Form Auto automatically removes parts from the build platform; Fleet Control simplifies the management of the 3D printer fleet and a new resin cartridge for the Form 3 printers has a capacity of 5 litres. This entire package reduces the cost per printed part by 40%.
These three innovations will enable businesses such as dental labs, service bureaus and in-house workshops to ramp up production with their Formlabs DLP printers, says Formlabs Chief Product Officer Dávid Lakatos: “These solutions allow companies to ramp up production without increasing labor requirements or making costly capital investments , making 3D printing for manufacturing more cost-effective.”
Parts are automatically removed from the build platform
Non-stop operator-free printing
The American printer manufacturer has recently reached an important milestone. On the many Formlabs 3D printers in use worldwide, customers have printed more than 100 million parts to date. The new enhancements being showcased this week in Las Vegas broaden the manufacturer’s ecosystem toward greater productivity. The Automation Ecosystem reduces operator workload and minimizes printer idle time with 24/7 printing, enabling users to efficiently produce end-use parts, prototypes and customizable products at a lower cost per part. The Form 3 printers can produce non-stop back-to-back prints with the new system without an operator. According to the manufacturer, 80% is saved on labor costs, 40% on the total cost per part and packaging waste is even reduced by 96%.
Read in 3D Print magazine how the 3D Lab of the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek hospital improves patient care with the Formlabs 3D printers
Automation Systems consists of three modules
The Automation Ecosystem consists of three parts. First of all Form Auto. This automatically removes parts from the build platform 2 when they are ready using the patented Quick Telease Technology. This hardware works for the Form 3 and Form 3+ printers. The second component is software: Fleet Control. This controls the workflow and automatically assigns print jobs to printers. The third component is a new material, High Volume Resin System. This holds 5 liters of resin, five times the amount that fits in a standard cartridge. This reduces the need for operator intervention and reduces packaging waste.
In the Benelux you can find Formlabs 3D printers at Layertec and MakerPoint, among others.