<![CDATA[SoliForum - 3D Printing Community — Form 1 vs Solidator -> Smooth surface]]> https://www.soliforum.com/topic/5017/form-1-vs-solidator-smooth-surface/ Smooth surface.]]> Sat, 31 May 2025 11:10:07 +0000 PunBB <![CDATA[Re: Form 1 vs Solidator -> Smooth surface]]> https://www.soliforum.com/post/157256/#p157256 Generally, SLA technology inherently produces much smoother surfaces with finer details than FDM (filament) printers. The Solidator might have an edge for a large 150mm object simply because it was designed for larger scale SLA, potentially with optimizations for speed on such parts while maintaining SLA quality. The Form 1 would still do an excellent job on smoothness but might be slower. But Solidator is likely to be a high-risk venture, best suited for enthusiasts who enjoy tinkering with unsupported hardware and are prepared for significant challenges. The potential for excellent surface quality is there, but realizing it consistently would be difficult. I would strongly lean towards a more recent Formlabs model or another currently supported SLA printer brand.

]]> Sat, 31 May 2025 11:10:07 +0000 https://www.soliforum.com/post/157256/#p157256 <![CDATA[Re: Form 1 vs Solidator -> Smooth surface]]> https://www.soliforum.com/post/155690/#p155690 Do someone can need a functional Solidator v1 with a lot of vats and a repair kit for that?
Sincerely Schichtwerkstatt

]]> Sat, 15 Jun 2024 10:51:36 +0000 https://www.soliforum.com/post/155690/#p155690 <![CDATA[Re: Form 1 vs Solidator -> Smooth surface]]> https://www.soliforum.com/post/46030/#p46030 Yeah, just putting that out there because I think that would have a significant impact on quality. Since no pixels.

http://bunniefoo.com/form1/f1td-laser.jpg

Yep definitely laser with galvos.

]]> Tue, 07 Jan 2014 20:47:27 +0000 https://www.soliforum.com/post/46030/#p46030 <![CDATA[Re: Form 1 vs Solidator -> Smooth surface]]> https://www.soliforum.com/post/46008/#p46008 ITman496 wrote:

I thought the form 1 was a laser with galvos, not a DLP projector.  Unless I am mistaken.

Unless something major changed you are correct. I am certain in fall of 2012 that was the case, I don't know if form1 changed. They might be comparing the two because they are both stereolithic printers.

]]> Tue, 07 Jan 2014 17:07:01 +0000 https://www.soliforum.com/post/46008/#p46008 <![CDATA[Re: Form 1 vs Solidator -> Smooth surface]]> https://www.soliforum.com/post/45841/#p45841 Thank you so much Brad.
Now I'm clarified about it.

Coaster19, with new spec of resolution from Solidator. Maybe It's became the best choice for many people around. As I wish to buy a 3D Printer after april. Solidator and FSL3D (form1 similar) can be released till there.

]]> Sun, 05 Jan 2014 14:23:02 +0000 https://www.soliforum.com/post/45841/#p45841 <![CDATA[Re: Form 1 vs Solidator -> Smooth surface]]> https://www.soliforum.com/post/45830/#p45830 I thought the form 1 was a laser with galvos, not a DLP projector.  Unless I am mistaken.

]]> Sun, 05 Jan 2014 07:42:47 +0000 https://www.soliforum.com/post/45830/#p45830 <![CDATA[Re: Form 1 vs Solidator -> Smooth surface]]> https://www.soliforum.com/post/45808/#p45808 Solidator changed their verticle resolution to 30 microns in a recent update, putting it about on par with the form 1 (with 25 microns).  The build volume is also a fair bit larger on the Solidator.  That being said however, I always hesitate to back kickstarter projects due to their long lead times.  If you are up for the wait, then go Solidator.  Otherwise, the Form 1 is a very capable printer with an active community.

]]> Sun, 05 Jan 2014 04:10:55 +0000 https://www.soliforum.com/post/45808/#p45808 <![CDATA[Re: Form 1 vs Solidator -> Smooth surface]]> https://www.soliforum.com/post/45802/#p45802 The form1 will have better vertical resolution (25 micron layer thickness, compared to the solidator's 100 micron layer thickness).

The form1 states a 300 micron minimum feature size, while the solidator states 270 microns. This would give the upper hand to the solidator, but I believe that these specs are too close to call in real world applications.

One thing is for sure, according to the specs, the form1 will have higher vertical resolution.

]]> Sun, 05 Jan 2014 03:33:35 +0000 https://www.soliforum.com/post/45802/#p45802 <![CDATA[Re: Form 1 vs Solidator -> Smooth surface]]> https://www.soliforum.com/post/45797/#p45797 Hi coaster19.
I believe that both printer work with Vat Photopolymerization technology. Form 1 with SLA (using laser) and Solidator with DLP (using projector).

Solidator said on kickstarter site:

"Resolution impresses. 

Solidator can print features as small as 270 microns (0.0106 inches) and layer heights from 100 microns all the way down to 30 microns. This leads to impressive results.

Technical Specifications

Build Volume: 280x210x200 mm (11.02"x 8,26"x7,87")
Number of Voxels in Build Volume: More than 1.5 Billion Voxels
Z-Motor resolution: 10 microns (0.000393")
Typical layer height: 100 microns (0.00393")
Minimal layer height depends on the material used.
The Z-Motor is able to go down to 10 microns layers.
We currently support down to 30 microns with the solidator resin.
Minimal Feature Size / XY-resolution: 270 microns (0.01063")
wihtin a 280x210mm build area..."

And Formlabs say that form 1 work with 25 -100 microns resolution.

Face that I'm confused about what's printer has better resolution.
Maybe someone could compare both printing on CES and come here to say something about their smooth surface. If Solidator will be there.
Another 3D SLA printer promisse is FSL3D that confirmed on CES.

Thanks.
Excuse my basic english.

]]> Sun, 05 Jan 2014 02:50:09 +0000 https://www.soliforum.com/post/45797/#p45797 <![CDATA[Re: Form 1 vs Solidator -> Smooth surface]]> https://www.soliforum.com/post/45467/#p45467 I would imagine that they have similar surface finishes since they are both DLP printers.  One big difference however, is that the Form 1 is already available where as the Solidator is only a kickstarter project, which means there will be a relatively long wait if you choose Solidator.

]]> Wed, 01 Jan 2014 01:14:38 +0000 https://www.soliforum.com/post/45467/#p45467 <![CDATA[Form 1 vs Solidator -> Smooth surface]]> https://www.soliforum.com/post/45453/#p45453 Hi all.

I'm very impress with both printers. So I'm curious. Someone could answer me about what's have better smooth surface print? Considering a large object print +-150mm tall. Someone have the answer for that question?

Happy new year.

]]> Tue, 31 Dec 2013 20:53:30 +0000 https://www.soliforum.com/post/45453/#p45453