Form 3B+ vs Form 4
Technical comparison · Resin 3D printing
Form 4 leads on the measurable specs (starting with work area), while Form 3B+ shows no advantage of its own. Choose Form 4, unless non-technical factors (availability, support, ecosystem) tip the balance.
| Parameter |
Form 3B+
Formlabs
F2 · Intermediate
|
Form 4
Formlabs
F3 · Advanced
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2022 | 2024 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F3 — Advanced |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 4849 € | 4349 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 40.5 × 37.5 × 53 cm | 39.8 × 36.7 × 55.4 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 17.5 kg | 18.3 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 145 × 145 mm | 200 × 125 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 185 mm | 210 mm |
| Power (W) | 220 W | 480 W |
| Voltage (V) | 240 V | 240 V |
| Maximum speed | — | 100 |
| Declared precision | 25 μm | 50 μm |
| Category specs | ||
| Build area XY (short side) (mm) | 145 mm | 125 mm |
| XY resolution (µm) | 25 µm | 50 µm |
| Light source | Laser | Mono LCD |
| UV power (mW/cm²) | — | 16 mW/cm² |
| Print speed (mm/h) | — | 100 mm/h |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | Printer control is managed by PreForm, Formlabs' proprietary print preparation software. This application automatically optimizes model orientation, support generation, and layout arrangement, integrating specific algorithms to maximize the yield of medical resins. The system supports standard file formats such as STL and OBJ. Through the Dashboard cloud platform, users can monitor print status, track material consumption, and manage job queues remotely for entire fleets of machines. Although network connectivity (Wi-Fi and Ethernet) facilitates advanced management, the printer retains the ability to operate in local mode via data transfer via USB. | The printing process is managed by the proprietary PreForm software, a closed application that automatically optimizes model orientation, support generation, and production time calculations. This software environment is designed to ensure a highly streamlined and standardized workflow, ideal for professional contexts where result predictability is crucial. PreForm integrates seamlessly with the manufacturer's ecosystem, receiving continuous updates that introduce new profiles for proprietary resins. The machine also offers optional access to Fleet Control and the cloud-based Dashboard platform, which are advanced tools that allow users to monitor print queues, manage multiple units in parallel, and track material consumption in real time remotely. |
The differences that matter
- Work area: Form 3B+ 145×145 mm vs Form 4 200×125 mm — Form 4 wins (+19%)
- Price: Form 3B+ 4849 € vs Form 4 4349 € — Form 4 wins (+11%)
Which one to choose
Choose Form 3B+ if…
it shows no measurable advantage over Form 4 on the available specs: consider it on price or availability.
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.