Form 3B+

The Form 3B+ is an SLA 3D printer from Formlabs with a 145 x 145 x 185 mm build volume.

Specifications

Technical Specifications: Formlabs Form 3B+

Technology and light engine

The Form 3B+ uses LFS (Low Force Stereolithography): laser SLA with a flexible tank, where the laser beam is directed by an LPU (Light Processing Unit) module moving beneath the vat. The flexible vat bottom reduces layer peel forces: critical for delicate dental constructions.

Optics and resolution

25 µm laser spot: theoretically higher precision than the 50 µm XY pixel of Form 4/4B for very fine features. Layers from 25 to 300 µm.

Platform and speed

Build volume 145 × 145 × 185 mm: smaller than Form 4B (200 × 125 × 210 mm).

Calibration

Calibration: Formlabs Form 3B+

• Leveling and Fine Tune Z: more sensitive than MSLA; check after every vat change. Expected: uniform adhesion across the platform.
• Biocompatible material verification: PreForm confirms RFID and clearance status. Update PreForm regularly.
• LPU window inspection: clean only with a microfiber cloth when blurred edges are observed.
• Temperature acclimatization: 30–60 min at 18–28 °C; in winter, minimum 1 hour.

5.

Common defects

Common Defects: Formlabs Form 3B+

Contaminated LPU (blurred edges)

Dirty optical window from resin vapors. Fix: microfiber cleaning; for heavy contamination: LPU disassembly.

Soft surface after post-cure

Expired or UV-contaminated resin; incorrect parameters. Fix: check expiry date; follow the table exactly.

Support marks on functional zones

Suboptimal orientation. Fix: place supports only on non-functional surfaces.

Uneven color of pigmented resin

Pigment settling.

What it is used for

Use Cases, Formlabs Form 3B+

Suitable applications:

• Existing installed base, fully valid for dental models, surgical guides, and temporaries on an already-acquired printer.
• Training: extensive documentation and lower secondary-market price.
• Biomedical R&D: broad Class I–III library for research applications.