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Topic: Form 1 vs Solidator -> Smooth surface

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.

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Re: Form 1 vs Solidator -> Smooth surface

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.

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Re: Form 1 vs Solidator -> Smooth surface

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.

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Re: Form 1 vs Solidator -> Smooth surface

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.

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Re: Form 1 vs Solidator -> Smooth surface

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.

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Re: Form 1 vs Solidator -> Smooth surface

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

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Re: Form 1 vs Solidator -> Smooth surface

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.

8 (edited by Tomek 2014-01-07 17:07:11)

Re: Form 1 vs Solidator -> Smooth surface

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.

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Re: Form 1 vs Solidator -> Smooth surface

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.

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Re: Form 1 vs Solidator -> Smooth surface

Do someone can need a functional Solidator v1 with a lot of vats and a repair kit for that?
Sincerely Schichtwerkstatt

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Re: Form 1 vs Solidator -> Smooth surface

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.