Form 3+ SLA 3D Printer vs Sonic Mini
Technical comparison · Resin 3D printing
Form 3+ SLA 3D Printer and Sonic Mini are not direct competitors: very different prices (~17×). Sonic Mini costs less (~€220) and is the entry-level choice; Form 3+ SLA 3D Printer offers more capability at a higher price (~€3750). Judge them by budget, not head-to-head.
| Parameter |
Form 3+ SLA 3D Printer
Formlabs
F2 · Intermediate
|
Sonic Mini
Phrozen
F1 · Entry
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2022 | 2020 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F1 — Entry |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 3750 € | ~190–250 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 40.5 × 37.5 × 53 cm | 25 × 25 × 33 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 17.5 kg | 4.5 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 145 × 145 mm | 120 × 68 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 185 mm | 130 mm |
| Power (W) | 220 W | 40 W |
| Voltage (V) | 240 V | — |
| Declared precision | 25 μm | 62.5 μm |
| Category specs | ||
| Build area XY (short side) (mm) | 145 mm | 68 mm |
| XY resolution (µm) | 25 µm | 62.5 µm |
| Light source | Laser | Mono LCD |
| Print speed (mm/h) | — | 50 mm/h |
| Tilt / peel system | — | Standard FEP |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | Print process management is handled by PreForm, a highly optimized proprietary software that automates model orientation, support generation, and slicing using advanced algorithms. PreForm offers an intuitive interface and diagnostic tools that minimize print failures. Although it is not possible to use third-party open-source slicers due to the closed nature of the ecosystem, the native integration ensures perfect calibration with original materials. The software includes network file transmission capabilities and is tightly connected to the Dashboard cloud platform, which enables remote monitoring of printers and resin consumption, without being strictly mandatory for the machine's core offline operation. | The device operates primarily through third-party slicing software widely adopted within the maker community, such as ChiTuBox and Lychee Slicer, ensuring high flexibility in file preparation. Integration with these programs allows granular control over exposure parameters, support generation, and lift times. The machine features no integrated wireless connectivity or reliance on cloud platforms, requiring completed print files to be transferred exclusively via a removable USB flash drive. This configuration guarantees complete offline operational autonomy and mitigates the risk of interruptions caused by network issues or forced remote software updates. |
The differences that matter
- Price: Form 3+ SLA 3D Printer 3750 € vs Sonic Mini 220 € — Sonic Mini wins (+1605%)
- Work area: Form 3+ SLA 3D Printer 145×145 mm vs Sonic Mini 120×68 mm — Form 3+ SLA 3D Printer wins (+158%)
Which one to choose
MakerSpecs is an independent atlas. We don't sell products: this comparison links to both sheets, where you'll find complete data and official links.