Formlabs PreForm 3.34.0 update

New PreForm 3.34.0 expands 3D printing capabilities

The new version of Formlabs PreForm 3.34.0 software opens up new possibilities for 3D printing with both SLA and SLS technology.

For Fuse 1+ 30W:

• Print speeds are 25% faster than the previous version of the software and three times faster than the original Fuse 1.
• 95% of Nylon 12 powder printing jobs will be completed in less than 14 hours, and typical assemblies are completed in just 7 hours.

For the Form 3 series:

• Increased available print height by 4% for SLA Form 3+/3B+ printers and 7% for Form 3L/3BL.
  

The PreForm 3.34.0 update also includes:

• New workflow options.
  
• Improvements based on user feedback to make Formlabs printers powerful and reliable tools for bringing your ideas to life.

Download PreForm 3.34.0, щоб розширити можливості вашого 3D-друку!

Fuse 1+ 30W - the speed leader in SLS 3D printing

PreForm 3.34.0 delivers a faster and more efficient SLS printing process with print speeds 25% faster than the last software update and twice as fast as all other SLS desktop printers. SLS customers can spend less time waiting for parts and more time on design, testing and other important tasks.

This software update increases print speeds by improving the efficiency of the laser scanning pattern, which moves across the top layer of powder, sintering the particles together into a cross-section of the desired shape.

Previous version:

• The laser moved linearly from left to right, stopping, scrolling back, and repeating the movement.
• Shapes separated by space were printed, but the laser had to stop between segments and at the end of lines.
• Stopping the laser resulted in a loss of time.

Updated version:

• The laser path is optimized for better efficiency.
• The laser avoids long pauses, ensuring continuous operation.
• Print files are up to 90% smaller, making it easier to handle.

Benefits:

• Increased productivity:
  • Contract manufacturers can print more jobs at one time.
  • SLS desktop printers become competitive with industrial printers.
• Faster prototyping:
  • Designers can test and refine their ideas faster.
• Economic benefits:
  • 3D printing becomes more competitive for small and medium-sized production volumes.

Increased print size SLA

For Formlabs SLA customers, the build volume was previously limited to ensure that each part could be easily removed from the printer without any chance of the part hitting the resin tank or catching the edge of the printer. While this restriction helps limit the potential damage to parts, many customers have requested a way to override these protections and create larger parts that utilize as much build volume as possible.

With these new options, you can now print up to 4% taller parts on Form 3/B/+. The available height is now 193 mm compared to the previous 185 mm. Up to 7% taller parts can now be printed on Form 3L/BL. The available height is now 320 mm compared to 300 mm previously.

It is important to take extra care when removing tall prints from the printer. Make sure that the print does not touch the tank wall; you may need to remove the tank and print at the same time for smooth removal.

Based on material properties, some resins and print settings are better optimized for letterpress printing. While letterpress is available for most Formlabs resins, it is not recommended for the following resins when printing at 100 microns:

• Silicone 40A Resin (Form 3/B/+)
• BioMed Amber Resin (Form 3/B/+)
• Surgical Guide Resin (Form 3/B/+)
• Rigid 10K Resin (Form 3L/BL)

Automatic updates for Windows and support for Fuse Blast

In addition to speed and size improvements, PreForm 3.34.0 makes it easier for Windows users to stay up to date with the latest software tweaks. For Windows users, PreForm will automatically update if the software is open and update overnight if not in use. Of course, for customers with confirmed workflows, we understand that your process needs to remain completely consistent: this automatic update feature can be disabled in the PreForm settings.

PreForm 3.34.0 also makes it easier for Fuse Series users to keep an eye on the full SLS ecosystem with Fuse Blast firmware updates and log downloads. Using Fuse Blast to clean SLS prints reduces part time and cost per part, and improves surface quality. Upgrading to the latest PreForm version improves Fuse Blast process supervision and monitoring.

Continuous improvement based on your feedback

Formlabs printers, materials, and software are the tools that take our customers' ideas from file to finished part, and the tools should always be designed with the end user's process in mind. By working with our users to understand their unique workflows, we can create products that focus on results.

The Fuse Series represents affordable industrial quality SLS, and with the increase in speed, Fuse Series users can match the more expensive traditional powder bed 3D printing systems. By increasing the high volume of the Form 3L, we can meet customers' needs for human-scale parts with a final finish.

To connect with our experts and discuss the technologies and materials that are best suited for your unique workflow, contact our team.