Form 4 vs Sonic Mini 8K S
Technical comparison · Resin 3D printing
Form 4 and Sonic Mini 8K S are not direct competitors: very different prices (~13.4×). Sonic Mini 8K S costs less (~€324.5) and is the entry-level choice; Form 4 offers more capability at a higher price (~€4349). Judge them by budget, not head-to-head.
| Parameter |
Form 4
Formlabs
F3 · Advanced
|
Sonic Mini 8K S
Phrozen
F2 · Intermediate
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2024 | 2023 |
| Use tier | F3 — Advanced | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 4349 € | ~299–350 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 39.8 × 36.7 × 55.4 cm | 29 × 29 × 43 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 18.3 kg | 10 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 200 × 125 mm | 165 × 72 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 210 mm | 170 mm |
| Power (W) | 480 W | — |
| Voltage (V) | 240 V | — |
| Maximum speed | 100 | — |
| Declared precision | 50 μm | 22 μm |
| Category specs | ||
| Build area XY (short side) (mm) | 125 mm | 72 mm |
| XY resolution (µm) | 50 µm | 22 µm |
| Light source | Mono LCD | Mono LCD |
| UV power (mW/cm²) | 16 mW/cm² | — |
| Print speed (mm/h) | 100 mm/h | 80 mm/h |
| Tilt / peel system | — | Standard FEP |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | 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 machine offers broad compatibility with leading third-party slicing software options, notably popular solutions like Chitubox, Lychee Slicer, and Voxeldance Tango. This software flexibility prevents users from being locked into a restrictive, closed proprietary ecosystem, allowing them to utilize advanced support generation and model orientation algorithms. File transfer is handled entirely offline via a standard USB port, a design choice that prioritizes connection stability during data transmission but lacks native Wi-Fi connectivity or cloud-based management features. Material profiles are easily accessible and customizable, significantly streamlining the fine-tuning of exposure times for a wide variety of commercial 405nm photopolymer resins available on the market. |
The differences that matter
- Price: Form 4 4349 € vs Sonic Mini 8K S 324.5 € — Sonic Mini 8K S wins (+1240%)
- Work area: Form 4 200×125 mm vs Sonic Mini 8K S 165×72 mm — Form 4 wins (+110%)
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.