Form 4B vs Sonic Mini 8K S
Technical comparison · Resin 3D printing
Form 4B and Sonic Mini 8K S are not direct competitors: very different prices (~16.9×). Sonic Mini 8K S costs less (~€324.5) and is the entry-level choice; Form 4B offers more capability at a higher price (~€5499). Judge them by budget, not head-to-head.
| Parameter |
Form 4B
Formlabs
F2 · Intermediate
|
Sonic Mini 8K S
Phrozen
F2 · Intermediate
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2024 | 2023 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 5499 € | ~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 |
| Print speed (mm/h) | 100 mm/h | 80 mm/h |
| Tilt / peel system | — | Standard FEP |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | 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 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 4B 5499 € vs Sonic Mini 8K S 324.5 € — Sonic Mini 8K S wins (+1595%)
- Work area: Form 4B 200×125 mm vs Sonic Mini 8K S 165×72 mm — Form 4B 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.