DETROIT ? The non-profit artist collaboration space at the 555 Gallery was packed with more than 50 people on Tuesday to see the latest 3D printing innovation from Formlabs. This gallery currently features a metals exhibit and houses various Detroit artists.
Formlabs? flagship desktop stereolithographic 3D printer entered the digital fabrication market quite successfully in 2012. But they released this new machine that boasts a laser four times faster, quadrupling print speeds. The new machine costs $3,299 and is available at formlabs.com, making it a more affordable personal use 3D printer.
Formlabs also announced a few other programs such as the factory upgrade offer and the release of black resin to bring out even more details in the pieces. The factory upgrade program is a unique way for existing Form 1 customers to bring their printer up to the Form 1+ performance level while also renewing the warranty for a price.
It is clear that Formlabs has a unique relationship with its customers since they are the ones defining the use cases for the tool in the real world. Formlabs presented several pieces made from the first generation Form 1 printer, including an exact replica of a crab, various replications of human anatomical parts, and even hand made small toys. The uses for the 3D printer are as numerous as your imagination.
Jason Livingston created a piece that looked like a geometric egg that was offered to attendees that has a material cost of only $0.81. He creates on various Form 1 print pieces and works on the products technical design.
Jason said he ?loves to see what people create with the Printer.? He said he has seen so many creative uses and stressed the value in creating real prototypes.
The launch of the new hardware comes with the release of the PreForm 1.5 software that introduces powerful manual support controls and a facelift to the current company web portal.
Formlabs is one of the fastest growing 3D printer startups and is expanding into Europe to serve more European customers. They have strived to improve the warranty and service for the growing market.
With expanded European operations comes a 1 year warranty on the Form 1+ — as well as free shipping on servicing and returns.
?We?re thrilled to offer better service? said Luke Winston, Formlabs operations lead. ?Most importantly, we?re proud that customers can rest easy with a reliable printer.?
Just as the 555 Non-Profit Gallery and Studios continues to bring artistic innovation to Detroit, Formlabs is bringing the most affordable, professional quality machines on the market today. At this release of the new Formlab 1+, Detroit got to support a great tool for artists and makers on common grounds.
Associate Editor Nicole Johnson leads MITechNews.Com?s efforts to foster STEM education, as well as provides coverage for her fellow women in computing. If you have a story idea for Nicole, email [email protected] Follow Nicole on Twitter: @tech_nicole
