Formlabs Form 2

The Form 2 is an SLA (stereolithography) printer. Printing is accomplished with liquid resin laid down in 0.1mm and smaller layers. Laser light applied to each layer causes chains of resin molecules to link and form polymers.

The Form 2 uses an automated resin system which makes it much easier to handle liquid resin. The combination of resin cartridges and tanks reduce the risk of spilling resin.

Mandatory hands-on training is required before you can use the Form 2 resin printer

Walk-In Training - TBD

To Schedule Individual, Group or a Class Training Sessions

please send an email to su-makerspaces@southwestern.edu

Preparing Your Model for Printing

Install the PreForm application on your laptop/computer [free]

formlabs.com/software/preform

Open your object file in PreForm and make any needed adjustments for build size, supports, and so on. When all your adjustments are completed, save your object in PreForm and put your PreForm file on your SU Google Drive or a flash drive.

Use the estimated print time as the basis for reserving the printer.

Your object(s) documents/files must be complete and ready to print at your scheduled print time.

Reservations are Required to Use the Form 2 Resin Printer

Reserve ALL the time slots you will be using the 3D resin printer - each slot is 30 minutes

include 30 minutes advance preparation time AND 1 hour post-processing time

3D Print RESIN Reservation Booking

ONLY SOUTHWESTERN ACCOUNTS will be accepted for reservations

3D Resin Print Cost

Cost You will only be charged for the amount of material you use.

Standard Resins • $0.22 per ml • black, clear, gray, white

NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME • Flexible Resin • $0.27 per ml • flexible requires a lot of supports

NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME • Rigid Resin • $0.30 per ml

minimum charge is $1.00

After your object has printed, please fill out the following form to enter the amount of resin used and other information.

3D Printer Usage Information

If you are using Pirate BUC$, please visit the InfoDesk to complete payment.

How To Print with the Form 2 Resin Printer

Safety Information

Form Wash - Starting a Wash.mp4

Form Wash - Using

Form Cure - Inserting Objects.mp4

Form Cure - Placing Objects

Form Cure - Set Time and Temp.mp4

Form Cure - Setting Time & Temperature

Using the Form Wash

Using the Form Cure

Snowflake Lattice [no supports] Form 2 3D Resin Printer.mp4

Printing of Snowflake Lattice without supports

compression of 4 hours 43 minutes print time to 33 minutes 40 seconds

Trefoil Knots - Form Cure.mov

Form Cure in action!

Four trefoil knots printed with clear resin in the Form Cure.

Snowflake Lattice

This is a very challenging object to print without supports and fails on most 3D printers. We printed this snowflake cube on SU's Form 2 3D printer without supports and as you can see the print is fantastic. No sanding or any other post processing was done. The object is on display in the 3D Print Studio and is visible from the hallway.

Download the STL file • Snowflake Lattice

Bird Rings

These objects are the same but printed in different sizes. The vertical structures under the ring and bird are supports and the irregular shape under the supports were removed after printing as can be seen on the other two objects. The irregular shape under the supports provides a flat base surface for easier removal from the printer's build platform.