Form Studio 1 Professional Founders Edition: Desktop MSLA 3D Printer
Summary: The Form Studio 1 Founders Edition brings industrial-grade Masked Stereolithography (MSLA) capabilities to creators, hobbyists, and professional studios at an accessible price point. Powered by Low Force Display (LFD) technology, it features 35 µm pixel resolution, rapid print speeds up to 130 mm/h, and an open resin platform coupled with certified low-emission air handling.
Key Takeaways
- High-Speed Desktop MSLA: Prints the majority of parts in under two hours with maximum print speeds reaching 130 mm/h using Alpha Fast Resin.
- Certified Safe Workspace: Combined with the VOC Extractor and the Alpha Resin library, Form Studio 1 is the first resin 3D printing setup to receive UL GREENGUARD Gold Certification for low chemical emissions.
- Open Platform Flexibility: Supports pre-validated proprietary materials—including Alpha Resins, Tough 1500 V2, Flexible 80 A V2, and True Cast—while granting third-party 405 nm resin access via Open Material Mode.
Detailed Overview
The Form Studio 1 is designed to bridge the gap between prosumer hobbyist printing and industrial-grade additive manufacturing. Built upon Formlabs' proprietary Low Force Display (LFD) print engine, the printer balances high-throughput curing with ultra-low peel forces to deliver smooth surface finishes and precision parts without complex support structures.
Founders Edition Packages & Color Options
Available in a limited run, the Founders Edition introduces unique chassis accents and bundled startup perks:
- Available Colors: Signature Graphite, Aqua, Violet, and Teal.
- Founders Perks: First bottle of Alpha Resin for $29, a collectible Form Studio 1 plushie, and 30% off (up to $200) at Form Now (US only).
Package Configurations
| Package | Starting Price | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Form Studio 1 Base | $699 | Printer, Form Studio Resin Tank, Standard Build Platform |
| Form Studio 1 Complete | $948 | Printer, Resin Tank, Build Platform Flex, Form Studio Wash+Cure |
| Form Studio 1 Professional | $1,647 | Printer, Resin Tank, Build Platform Flex, Form Wash V2, Form Cure V2 |
Technical Specifications & Ecosystem
Hardware Architecture
The print engine is driven by the Light Processing Unit Studio 1 (LPU S1), leveraging an array of 28 uniform-wavelength 405 nm LEDs and plano-convex lenses. This optical system achieves 6 mW/cm² optical intensity with a 35 µm pixel pitch, ensuring crisp negative details, sharp corners, and smooth horizontal layer transitions.
Specifications: Form Studio 1 vs. Form 4 vs. Form 4B
| Specification | Form Studio 1 | Form 4 | Form 4B Medical |
|---|---|---|---|
| Print Technology | Masked Stereolithography (MSLA / LFD) | Masked Stereolithography (MSLA / LFD) | Masked Stereolithography (MSLA / LFD) |
| Light Engine | LPU S1 (28 LEDs, 405 nm) | LPU 4 (60 LEDs, 405 nm) | LPU 4 (60 LEDs, 405 nm) |
| Optical Intensity | 6 mW/cm² | 16 mW/cm² | 16 mW/cm² |
| Pixel Pitch | 35 µm | 50 µm | 50 µm |
| Build Volume (W × D × H) | 20.0 × 12.5 × 23.5 cm (5.9 L) | 20.0 × 12.5 × 21.0 cm (5.25 L) | 20.0 × 12.5 × 21.0 cm (5.25 L) |
| Build Area | 250 cm² | 250 cm² | 250 cm² |
| Max Part Length | 29.1 cm (11.5 in) | 27.3 cm (10.7 in) | 27.3 cm (10.7 in) |
| Layer Thickness | 25 – 250 µm | 25 – 200 µm | 25 – 200 µm |
| Max Print Speed | Up to 130 mm/h | Up to 100 mm/h | Up to 100 mm/h |
| Dimensional Tolerance (XY) | 1–30 mm: ±0.5% (min ±0.08 mm) 31–80 mm: ±0.2% (min ±0.08 mm) 81–150 mm: ±0.03% (min ±0.08 mm) |
1–30 mm: ±0.15% (min ±0.02 mm) 31–80 mm: ±0.2% (min ±0.06 mm) 81–150 mm: ±0.3% (min ±0.15 mm) |
1–30 mm: ±0.15% (min ±0.02 mm) 31–80 mm: ±0.2% (min ±0.06 mm) 81–150 mm: ±0.3% (min ±0.15 mm) |
| Validated Resins | 9 pre-tuned resins + Open Material Mode | 23+ Formlabs resins + Open Material Mode | 38+ Formlabs resins (15 biocompatible) |
| Starting Price | $699 | $2,625 | $7,699 |
Materials & Mechanical Properties
Form Studio 1 supports a dedicated line of low-odor Alpha Resins along with advanced engineering and casting photopolymers.
Material Property Matrix
| Property | Alpha Model | Alpha Fast | Alpha Grey / Black | Alpha Clear | Alpha White | Tough 1500 V2 | Flexible 80 A V2 | True Cast |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 40 MPa | 46 MPa | 43 / 42 MPa | 38 MPa | 35 MPa | 34 MPa | 10 MPa | — |
| Tensile Modulus | 1,980 MPa | 2,230 MPa | 2,150 / 2,020 MPa | 1,870 MPa | 1,690 MPa | 1,460 MPa | — | — |
| Flexural Strength | 57 MPa | 78 MPa | 75 / 65 MPa | 63 MPa | 63 MPa | 41 MPa | — | — |
| Flexural Modulus | 1,660 MPa | 2,110 MPa | 2,080 / 1,830 MPa | 1,800 MPa | 1,770 MPa | 1,370 MPa | — | — |
| Elongation at Break | 24% | 34% | 34% / 36% | 32% | 26% | 155% | 230% | — |
| Notched Izod | 35 J/m | 37 J/m | 39 / 33 J/m | 39 J/m | 34 J/m | 42 J/m | — | — |
| HDT @ 0.45 MPa | 49 °C | 59 °C | 55 °C | 57 °C | 51 °C | 66 °C | — | — |
| Print Speed (Avg) | 13 mm/h | 90 mm/h | 40 mm/h | 40 mm/h | 40 mm/h | — | — | — |
| Primary Layer Height | 50 µm | 150 µm | 100 µm | 100 µm | 100 µm | — | — | 25 µm |
| Tank Requirement | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Resin Tank Pro | Standard | Standard / Pro |
| Price (per 1L) | $42 | $29 | $36 | $36 | $36 | $79 | $199 | $199 |
Hardware Accessories & Post-Processing
A complete resin printing setup requires reliable handling tools, air filtration, and controlled post-processing.
Accessory Overview
- Build Platform Flex ($135): Features Quick Release Technology to enable tool-free part removal in seconds without damaging fragile miniature structures.
- Standard Build Platform ($65): Durable aluminum faceplate suitable for continuous swaps.
- Build Platform Jig ($35): Mounts to the edge of a workbench to secure the build platform at an ergonomic angle.
- VOC Extractor ($179): Features dual activated-carbon filters rated for roughly 330 print hours across three selectable fan speeds to reduce volatile organic compounds.
- Form Studio Wash+Cure ($199): Compact unit combining solvent agitation with 405 nm UV curing to boost mechanical properties, reduce surface tackiness, and simplify post-processing.
- Rinse Bucket ($59): Enables a two-stage wash sequence to extend solvent life and deliver cleaner finished parts.
- Form Studio 1 Resin Tank ($55) vs. Resin Tank Pro ($79): Standard tanks are calibrated for Alpha Resins, Flexible 80 A V2, and True Cast. The Resin Tank Pro features extended chemical resistance required for Tough 1500 Resin V2 and third-party resins via Open Material Mode. Both tanks are rated for at least 75,000 layers (~190 standard prints).
Conclusion & Resources
The Form Studio 1 Founders Edition makes industrial MSLA capabilities accessible on the desktop, balancing affordability, high resolution, and low chemical emissions. By unifying automated slicing in PreForm, remote monitoring via the integrated camera, and an open platform with validated resins, Formlabs delivers a robust desktop manufacturing solution for prototyping, prop-making, and production tooling.