Formlabs Form 4 vs Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K Resin 3D Printer
Technical comparison · Resin 3D printing
Form 4 and Sonic Mini 8K Resin 3D Printer are not direct competitors: very different prices (~8.3×). Sonic Mini 8K Resin 3D Printer costs less (~€525) 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 Resin 3D Printer
Phrozen
F2 · Intermediate
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2024 | 2021 |
| Use tier | F3 — Advanced | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 4349 € | ~450–600 € |
| 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 | 180 mm |
| Power (W) | 480 W | 50 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 system integrates seamlessly with the leading third-party slicing software available on the market, offering substantial operational flexibility. Users can utilize popular solutions such as ChiTuBox and Lychee Slicer, which feature pre-configured and optimized profiles for this specific model, simplifying file preparation and advanced support management. Connectivity occurs primarily via a USB port for offline file transfer, ensuring total stability during the printing process without the risk of interruptions caused by network fluctuations. Exposure parameters are fully customizable directly within the software, allowing for precise optimization across a wide range of both proprietary and third-party resins. |
The differences that matter
- Price: Form 4 4349 € vs Sonic Mini 8K Resin 3D Printer 525 € — Sonic Mini 8K Resin 3D Printer wins (+728%)
- Work area: Form 4 200×125 mm vs Sonic Mini 8K Resin 3D Printer 165×72 mm — Form 4 wins (+110%)
Which one to choose
Choose Sonic Mini 8K Resin 3D Printer if…
you value price.
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