Formlabs Form 3B+ vs Formlabs Form 4B
Technical comparison · Resin 3D printing
Form 3B+ and Form 4B are two resin 3d printing in a similar class. Choose Form 3B+ if price matters more; choose Form 4B if work area matters more.
| Parameter |
Form 3B+
Formlabs
F2 · Intermediate
|
Form 4B
Formlabs
F2 · Intermediate
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2022 | 2024 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 4849 € | 5499 € |
| 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 |
| 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. | Print job management is handled by the proprietary PreForm software, which enables automatic model layout, optimized orientation, and guided generation of retention supports. The program integrates preconfigured and validated print profiles for all proprietary materials, reducing the need for manual calibrations by the user. Through the Dashboard cloud platform, users can remotely monitor production progress, manage print queues for multiple devices, and analyze material consumption. The software architecture requires a network connection for advanced monitoring features, but it also allows files to be transferred via local USB, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi connections, ensuring operational flexibility inside the laboratory. |
The differences that matter
- Price: Form 3B+ 4849 € vs Form 4B 5499 € — Form 3B+ wins (+13%)
- Work area: Form 3B+ 145×145 mm vs Form 4B 200×125 mm — Form 4B wins (+19%)
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.