FORM1 | A High-resolution 3D Printer on Kickstarter

FORM1 is a new 3D printer that’s taking pre-orders on my favorite community funded project site: Kickstarter. The printer was developed by MIT Media Lab students and was brought up to production stage through private investment, including the likes of Mitch Kapor, founder of Lotus Software. Looking at the samples they have on Kickstarter the difference between the FORM1 and other consumer printers (MakerBot I’m looking at you) is the incredible quality of the final printed product. As 3D printers print in layers, almost like stacking pieces of cut paper, most consumer models have pretty rough edges. The FORM1 can print in layers as thin as 25 microns (0.001 in), the brand-spankin-new MakerBot Replicator 2 does 100 microns for comparison. I highly recommend you check out the project if you’ve been contemplating getting into 3D printing. The starting price to get your own is $2300.

The results are amazing: the Form 1 can print layers as thin as 25 microns (0.001 in) with features as small as 300 microns (0.012 in) in a build volume of 125 x 125 x 165 mm (4.9 x 4.9 x 6.5 in). This means you can print complex geometries with the exquisite details and beautiful surface finish that will make your creations stand out…

When the Form 1 is released, it will come with our first material – a neutral matte gray that is great for look-and-feel models, standalone parts, or even as a base color for painting.

After a successful launch (thanks to your support!), we will continue development of an entire palette of materials for your printer. A variety of colors, transparency, flexibility, and even burnout capability for lost wax casting processes are all possible with SL.

A key advantage of the Form software is the ability to precisely generate thin, breakable support structures that serve their purpose during printing but are easily removed afterward. Test users have delightfully compared this part removal to a feeling almost like separating Velcro. You can finally print those designs with crazy overhangs!

Check out FORM 1: An affordable, professional 3D printer on Kickstarter. If only I had $2300 sitting around…