3D resin printers work through digital light printing stereolithography or exposure of polymer resin to UV light. This method is a popular alternative to FDM 3D printing. The 3D Systems FabPro 1000 is one of these 3D resin printers. It offers a variety of features that make it an excellent choice for producing high-quality parts and prototypes.
FabPro 1000 Specifications
A larger desktop printer, the FabPro 1000 measures 16.9 x 24.1 in and weighs 82.67 lbs. Its speed is unmatched in the industry.
Compared to the Formlabs Form 2, the FabPro 1000 offers many advantages. Its print speed is significantly greater. It comes with more additional parts and accessories. At the same time, the FabPro 1000 is at a slight disadvantage because it does not offer WiFi connectivity as the Form 2 does.
The printer offers a build volume of 125 x 70 x 120 mm. Multiple parts can print at once. The printer’s layer thickness is 30 to 50 microns.
The FabPro 1000 operates by a single control button and a 16 x 100-pixel display. Connectivity options include hardwiring the printer with an ethernet cable or using a USB port.
The printer operates with 3D Systems’ desktop software called 3D Sprint. Users have two options once they import a model. They can either add supports themselves or let 3D Sprint add the supports for them. Once completed, the computer will send the file to the printer and the printer will prompt the user to add the material. To add material, users must scan the QR code on the bottle of resin with the scanner inside the printer to ensure that it matches the print and is a 3D Systems product. After scanning, users then add the material to the print tray, shut the door, and press start.
Setup is quick and easy. It requires unboxing, installation of the print tray and platform, and attachment of the wire and Ethernet cable.
The FabPro 1000 uses the industry-standard UV light, which is 450 nanometers in wavelength. It offers prints with little to no layer visibility.
A one-year warranty comes with the printer. Users can extend this warranty by another year. Additionally, they can extend a two-year warranty to increase the printer’s service life. Users can reach the support team for assistance via the website, email, Skype, and over the phone.
Other Features
- It comes with accessories including tweezers, pliers, brush, metal spatula, plastic scrapers, storage containers for resin trays, rinse tanks, rinse bottle, rubber gloves, and paper towels
- Requires a post-curing unit
- Because this is a resin printer, extra work cleaning post-print is necessary
Recommendation
The FabPro 1000 surpasses the competition based on its print speed. It produces high-quality prints that are suitable for use in dentistry, jewelry, and engineering. The only downside is the extra processing that prints must undergo. This printer is versatile because it functions as an excellent entry-level printer while also producing high-grade prints. It is suitable for entry-level printers as well as businesses and laboratories.