Formlab Form Studio 1 resin 3D printer review

Formlabs, a leader in professional resin 3D printing, has entered the more affordable segment with the Form Studio 1 printer, priced around $700. Although not the most budget-friendly option, it offers a significantly better experience compared to competitors like the Uniformation GK3 and Creality Halot X1.

The Form Studio 1 maintains the professional workflow of the higher-end Formlabs Form 4 printer, featuring a drop-in cartridge system, automatic resin and temperature monitoring, and compatibility with PreForm software. During the author's month-long testing, they observed a surprisingly clean process, and the machine's filtration and odor levels were notably better than many other resin printers.

Despite its higher price point, the Form Studio 1 stands out for its quality, workflow, and produced models. The printer boasts a compact design, measuring 342 × 315 × 502 mm, with a 200 x 125 × 235 mm build volume. The orange cover provides UV protection and contributes to the machine's futuristic appearance. The touchscreen interface, located on the front, allows users to access settings and monitor the printer's status.

The printer's build platform, resin tank, and cartridge are easily accessible, and the overall build quality feels more professional than many other resin printers. While the Form Studio 1 is more expensive than other options in this segment, it is the only machine recommended by the author for resin 3D printing.