Published October 15, 2026 at 2:43 PM EDT
Formlabs introduces a compact resin printer for office and home use, with a focus on safety and ease of use.
Formlabs Form Studio 1 is a resin 3D printer priced at $699, targeting users who want a professional-grade machine for office desks or home environments. The printer is designed to be more accessible than traditional resin printers, which are typically used in ventilated workshops. Orders for the device are now open globally, with shipping scheduled to begin on November 16, 2026. This marks a significant shift in Formlabs’ strategy, as it expands its reach beyond industrial settings into more personal and professional spaces.
The printer uses a Low Force Display (LFD) print engine, which includes a custom lens array and 28 LEDs to produce a uniform light field of 6 mW/cm². This setup is intended to ensure consistent curing across the entire build area, reducing issues like under-cured edges. The display also features 35 µm pixels with anti-aliasing for improved detail and resolution. This combination of features is designed to deliver high-quality prints without the need for extensive post-processing.
A New Entry in the Resin Printer Market
Formlabs claims that most print jobs complete in under two hours. The company provides benchmark comparisons, such as an Arduino case printed in 8 minutes versus 11 minutes on the Form 4 and 48 minutes on a benchmark SLA machine. However, the specific models used for comparison are not named, so these results should be interpreted as indicative rather than independently verified. The company emphasizes that these benchmarks are based on vendor-chosen parts and may not reflect real-world performance.
The Form Studio 1 is the first resin printer to earn UL GREENGUARD Gold certification when used with Formlabs Alpha Resins and the VOC Extractor. This certification indicates that the printer produces low chemical emissions, making it suitable for use in enclosed spaces like offices or homes. The printer also includes an enclosed print chamber and low-odor resins to enhance safety and usability in non-ventilated areas. This certification is a key selling point for the printer, as it addresses a major concern for users in non-industrial settings.
Technical Specifications and Design
The printer’s design includes a textured lens array that allows air to flow between the Light Processing Unit and the film, reducing suction forces and increasing print speed. A new durable, oxygen-permeable film helps create a thin inhibition zone, which reduces the need for supports and improves print efficiency. These design choices are aimed at making the printer more user-friendly and efficient for a broader audience.
Formlabs offers a range of Alpha Resins, including Grey, White, Black, Clear, Model, and Fast, starting at $29 per liter. These resins are certified for long-term skin contact and emit few volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The company also provides an optional Resin Tank Pro for printing with third-party materials, offering flexibility for users who prefer alternative resins. This flexibility is important for users who may already have a stock of resins or want to experiment with different materials.
The printer includes integrated sensors that monitor resin temperature, level, and print forces, ensuring consistent performance. Each unit undergoes a 28-point calibration and a complete test print before shipping. Material settings are tuned to each resin’s shrinkage properties, helping parts match the intended dimensions more accurately. These features are designed to minimize the need for user intervention and ensure reliable results.
Performance and Print Times
Formlabs emphasizes the printer’s ease of use, with settings and optimization engineers tuning materials on hundreds of parts. The company claims that the printer’s design reduces the need for extensive post-processing, allowing users to focus more on creating and less on troubleshooting. This focus on user experience is a key differentiator for the Form Studio 1, as it aims to make resin printing more accessible to a wider audience.
The printer’s product page highlights its ability to produce smooth, layer-free surfaces through lower peel forces, light touch supports, and precise light exposure. XY tolerances are stated to be as tight as ±0.08 mm, ensuring that assembled parts fit together without additional adjustments. These specifications are important for users who need high-precision parts for prototyping or small-scale production.
The printer is part of a small ecosystem that includes a wash-and-cure unit, a VOC extractor, and a mobile app. These accessories are designed to streamline the printing workflow and enhance the user experience, particularly for those who may not have prior experience with resin printing. The ecosystem approach reflects Formlabs’ commitment to providing a complete solution for users.
Safety and Environmental Considerations
Formlabs has positioned the Form Studio 1 as a tool for a broader audience, including engineers, hobbyists, and small workshops. The company’s goal is to make professional-grade resin printing more accessible while maintaining the quality and reliability expected from its products. This expansion into new markets is a strategic move that could significantly impact the resin printing industry.
The printer’s release coincides with the TCT Shenzhen event, where it was showcased as a significant product launch. Industry observers noted the printer’s potential to expand the market for resin 3D printing beyond traditional industrial applications. This event highlights the growing interest in resin printing for a wider range of users and applications.
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