High-quality 3D printed parts require a professional 3D printer capable of precision manufacturing!
Learn why the Envision One cDLM is faster, easier to use, and more innovative than all the other 3D printers on the market.
Formlabs Form 3/3L vs. the Envision One cDLM Comparison
| Formlabs Form 3/3L | Envision One cDLM |
| Technology | Technology |
| Low Force Stereolithography (LFS) | Continuous Digital Light Manufacturing (cDLM) |
ETEC’s patented cDLM Technology speeds up the DLP printing process by adding a thin layer of oxygen between the layer being cured and the material tray. This layer of oxygen inhibits the resin from curing, which in turn adds many exciting properties.
Advantages of Envision One cDLM
Speed
Formlab’s LFS process requires each layer to be cured one at a time, with the laser working to “draw” every detail of each layer across the entire build platform.
cDLM technology utilizes oxygen to reduce the separation forces between the material tray and the build platform. Less separation forces result in much faster prints because we no longer need to pause and reposition the build platform between each layer. This, in turn, cuts seconds off of the time needed to build each layer.
Accuracy
Parts printed on the Envision One cDLM have isotropic properties or consistent part properties in all directions. This is especially important in the Z-direction because other 3D printing methods such as Formlabs’ LFS have less strength in the Z-axis. This has caused 3D printer users to strategically orient their objects on the build envelope for optimal strength in certain axes or enhance final material properties with post-curing strategies. Parts printed continuously do not have clear weak points between layers and are consistent throughout with a smooth surface finish. Most importantly for dental, isotropic properties translates to incredible strength for long-term use in the mouth.
| Formlabs Form 3/3L | Envision One cDLM |
| Wavelength | Wavelength |
| 405 nm | 385 nm |
Currently, most 3D printers on the market, Form 3/3L included, use a 405 nm wavelength light source, which was designed for standard film projection. The industrial 385 nm wavelength projector utilized by the Envision One was designed and optimized for 3D printing.
Why does a 385 nm wavelength produce better quality parts than 405 nm?
| Formlabs Form 3/3L | Envision One cDLM |
| Native pixel size 85 µm | Native pixel size 93 µm (60 µm with Contour Gray Scaling) |
| Open material system No | Open material system Yes – select approvals |
| Layer thickness 25 – 100 µm (material dependent) | Layer thickness 50 – 125 µm (material dependent) |
| Build envelope 145 x 145 x 185 mm | Build envelope 180 x 101 x 175 mm |
A professional 3D printer, made of high-quality components, capable of precision manufacturing!
Contact ETEC to learn more about the Envision One cDLM from our experienced sales team!
