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 using both SLA and SLS technologies.


For Fuse 1+ 30W:

  • Print speed is 25% faster than the previous software version and three times faster than the original Fuse 1.
  • 95% of Nylon 12 Powder print jobs will be completed in less than 14 hours, with typical builds finishing in just 7 hours.


For the Form 3 series:

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


The PreForm 3.34.0 update also includes:

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


Download PreForm 3.34.0 to expand your 3D printing capabilities!


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

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

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


Обновление PreForm 3.34.0


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.
  • Laser stops resulted in lost time.


Updated version:

  • The laser trajectory is optimized for maximum efficiency.
  • The laser avoids long pauses, ensuring continuous operation.
  • Print files are 90% smaller, which simplifies the work.


Advantages:

  • Increased productivity:
    • Contract manufacturers can print more jobs at one time.
    • Desktop SLS printers are becoming competitive with industrial ones.
  • Faster prototyping:
    • Designers can test and refine their ideas more quickly.
  • Economic benefits:
    • 3D printing is becoming more competitive for small and medium production volumes.


Increased SLA print size

For Formlabs SLA customers, 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 on the edge of the printer. While this limitation helps to limit potential damage to parts, many customers have asked for a way to override these safeguards and create larger parts that utilize as much of the build volume as possible.

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


Previous Maximum Print Height New Maximum Print Height % Increase
Form 3/B/+ 185 mm 193 mm 4%
Form 3L/3BL 300 mm 320 mm 7%


It is important to exercise extreme caution when removing tall prints from the printer. Ensure that the print does not touch the tank wall; you may need to remove the tank and print simultaneously for smooth removal.



Based on the properties of the material, some resins and print settings are better optimized for high-resolution printing. Although high-resolution printing 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 Fuse Blast support

In addition to improving speed and size, PreForm 3.34.0 makes it easier for Windows users to stay up to date with the latest software settings. For Windows users, PreForm will automatically update when the software is open and update overnight when it is not in use. Of course, for customers with established workflows, we understand that the process must 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 monitor the entire SLS ecosystem with Fuse Blast firmware updates and log downloads. Using Fuse Blast to clean SLS prints reduces uptime and cost per part, while improving surface quality. Updating to the latest version of PreForm improves the observation and monitoring of the Fuse Blast process.


Continuous improvement based on your feedback

Formlabs printers, materials, and software are tools that take our customers' ideas from file to finished part, and 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 offers affordable industrial-quality SLS, and with increased speed, Fuse series users can compete with more expensive traditional powder-bed 3D printing systems. By increasing the large volume of the Form 3L, we can meet customer needs for human-scale parts with a final finish.

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