# Formlabs SLA 3D Printers (resin)
Information on 3D Printing with the Form Printer in the 3D Workshop.
# What are the Form Printers?
The Form 3 and 3L are desktop stereolithographic 3D printers which makes three dimensional solid objects from a digital file. Prints from the Form's are much more detailed and have a higher quality finish than prints from the Ultimaker printers. They are also more expensive.
Stereolithography (SLA) is a form of 3D printing which uses a UV reactive liquid resin which is selectively exposed to UV light to solidify only the areas that are needed for that layer.
After printing the model are post processed. This involves washing them in a bath of Isopropyl Alcohol to remove excess uncured resin and then exposing the model to UV light in an enclosed box to fully cure the surface. Post processing usually takes 1 hour. You can then cut away any supports that were needed during printing.
The Form is more expensive then the Ultimaker printers so a prototype should first be printed using one of the **Ultimaker** machines to test model integrity.
**[Next Page: Which printer should I use?](https://3dworkshoplcc.arts.ac.uk/books/3d-printing/page/which-printer-should-i-use-CS1)**
**[Return to: Formlabs SLA 3D printers menu](https://3dworkshoplcc.arts.ac.uk/books/3d-printing/chapter/formlabs-sla-3d-printers)**
# Which printer should I use?
The 3D workshop has 2 different models of Form printers.
* Form 3
* Form 3L
The difference between the machines is the maximum print size and the materials they can print.
The Form 3 can print all materials available. The printing area has a maximum size of 145mm x 145mm x 185mm.
The Form 3L can print in **clear resin only**. The printing area has a maximum size of 335mm x 200mm x 300mm.
The 3L should only be used for large prints or if the Form 3 is already booked.
**[Next Page: How do I book the Form Printers?](https://3dworkshoplcc.arts.ac.uk/books/3d-printing/page/how-do-i-book-the-form-printers)**
**[Return to: Formlabs SLA 3D printers menu](https://3dworkshoplcc.arts.ac.uk/books/3d-printing/chapter/formlabs-sla-3d-printers-resin)**
# How do I book the Form Printers?
**[Next Page: What materials are available for the Form printers?](https://3dworkshoplcc.arts.ac.uk/books/3d-printing/page/what-materials-are-available-for-the-form-printers)**
**[Return to: Formlabs SLA 3D printers menu](https://3dworkshoplcc.arts.ac.uk/books/3d-printing/chapter/formlabs-sla-3d-printers)**
# What materials are available for the Form Printers?
The Form prints in hard resin. We have a limited number for colour choices for the Form. You can print in:
* Clear
* White
* Black
You can also print using an elastic resin. This can be used for small molds or parts that need flexibility. The elastic resin is a cloudy see through finish. The elastic resin is more prone to failure during printing and cannot print delicate objects in the same way the hard resins can.
We try to keep all of these options in stock however it is subject to availability. Check with a technician before booking your slot to guarantee we have the material you want.
Prints in hard resin from the Form printers can be spray painted with standard spray paints and hand painted with acrylic based paints.
**[Next Page: How much does it cost and how can I pay?](https://3dworkshoplcc.arts.ac.uk/books/3d-printing/page/how-much-does-it-cost-and-how-can-i-pay-qqB)**
**[Return to: Formlabs SLA 3D printers menu](https://3dworkshoplcc.arts.ac.uk/books/3d-printing/chapter/formlabs-sla-3d-printers-resin)**
# How much does it cost and how can I pay?
We charge a small fee to cover the cost of materials. Clear, black and white resin costs 16p per ml. Elastic resin costs a small amount more - ask technicians. **PreForm**, the software you will download can determine the price of the print for you. See how to **[Prepare your file in PreForm](https://3dworkshoplcc.arts.ac.uk/books/3d-printing/page/file-preperation-preform)**
The cost of the print depends the size of the model. Generally speaking a bust model, 80mm tall in clear, black or white resin would cost around £14. The easiest way to print on the Form printers is to print models solid and this means prices increase dramatically as size increases. You can save money on larger prints by hollowing models out but this needs some extra preparation for printing so speak to a technician.
A technician will email you once your print is complete. Before collection you will need to pay for the print via the **Estore**. Simply add to total amount and pay as you usually do.
**[Next Page: File Preparation (PreForm)](https://3dworkshoplcc.arts.ac.uk/books/3d-printing/page/file-preparation-preform)**
**[Return to: Formlabs SLA 3D printers menu](https://3dworkshoplcc.arts.ac.uk/books/3d-printing/chapter/formlabs-sla-3d-printers-resin)**
# File Preparation (Preform)
#### **Setting up and Exporting files in PreForm**
**Form 3 and Form 3L**
Preform can be downloaded for free **[here](https://formlabs.com/uk/software/)**
Download and follow the **[Guide: Setting up Files in PreForm for Formlabs SLA resin printer](https://3dworkshoplcc.arts.ac.uk/attachments/78)**. If you find anything confusing, come into the 3D Workshop and see a technician in the 3D Print room.
**[Return to: 3D Printing menu](https://3dworkshoplcc.arts.ac.uk/books/3d-printing)**
# New Page
# Preform guide
[PREFORM guide jan 2024 v2 compressed.pdf](https://3dworkshoplcc.arts.ac.uk/attachments/80)