# General Discussion

**URL:** https://forum.formlabs.com/c/general-discussion/7.md?page=1

[Latest](https://forum.formlabs.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://forum.formlabs.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://forum.formlabs.com/tags.md)

**Page:** 2

---

## [Form 4 Tips and Tricks](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/form-4-tips-and-tricks/46794)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@BurchOrtho](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/BurchOrtho)\
**Replies:** 0\
**Last updated:** [August 24, 2026, 3:35pm UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/form-4-tips-and-tricks/46794 "2026-08-24T15:35:00Z")

</div>

Some tips I’ve learned printing with the Form 4 at an Orthodontic practice. Feel free to share some more tips and tricks if you have any PREHEATING Need to preheat at specific times? Turn on preheating by navigating to…

---

## [Removing Flexible (Elastic 50A) prints with Fishing Line - Success](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/removing-flexible-elastic-50a-prints-with-fishing-line-success/46790)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@6moons](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/6moons)\
**Replies:** 2\
**Last updated:** [August 23, 2026, 4:09pm UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/removing-flexible-elastic-50a-prints-with-fishing-line-success/46790 "2026-08-23T16:09:54Z")

</div>

Was damaging the corners of my Elastic 50A prints by pushing a plastic spatula under them and I got the idea to remove them with some thick fishing line (100lb test) – worked well. No damage and I was able to slip the fi…

---

## [Form 4B - Long-form review](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/form-4b-long-form-review/46772)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@BurchOrtho](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/BurchOrtho)\
**Replies:** 4\
**Last updated:** [August 19, 2026, 2:21pm UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/form-4b-long-form-review/46772 "2026-08-19T14:21:42Z")

</div>

Hello all! I have done a review for the Form 4B printing suite in the past, but it was more of a first impression of the hardware and general intuitiveness. This time I will be reviewing the full experience of the Forml…

---

## [Printing Silicone 40A and Alumina 4N on Form 4L](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/printing-silicone-40a-and-alumina-4n-on-form-4l/43715)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@1738](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/1738)\
**Replies:** 6\
**Last updated:** [August 18, 2026, 5:34pm UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/printing-silicone-40a-and-alumina-4n-on-form-4l/43715 "2026-08-18T17:34:09Z")

</div>

We are in the process of choosing the right printer. We need a large build volume and the ability to print silicone. Do I understand correctly that even though its smaller cheaper sibling can print it, Form 4L cannot pri…

---

## [Improved Form 4 & 4L Silicone Settings](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/improved-form-4-4l-silicone-settings/46725)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@leonhart88](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/leonhart88)\
**Replies:** 8\
**Last updated:** [August 11, 2026, 9:20pm UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/improved-form-4-4l-silicone-settings/46725 "2026-08-11T21:20:23Z")

</div>

After months of testing, lots of resin, and lots of failed parts - I have a pretty consistent print setting for Silicone on the 4L. In fact, the settings that we’ve changed also carry over to the Form 4 and greatly impr…

---

## [False claims by other brands regarding the Z-axis?](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/false-claims-by-other-brands-regarding-the-z-axis/46686)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Tecnikit](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/Tecnikit)\
**Replies:** 3\
**Last updated:** [August 6, 2026, 8:41pm UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/false-claims-by-other-brands-regarding-the-z-axis/46686 "2026-08-06T20:41:37Z")

</div>

I’d like someone to finally clear this matter up, as it has been a source of frustration for years in front of opposite publicity. And seems they are operating in a very hazy realm that exploits a certain amount of misin…

---

## [Enclosure & Air Filtration for Formlabs SLA, Wash & Cure ](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/enclosure-air-filtration-for-formlabs-sla-wash-cure/46712)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Alveo3D](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/Alveo3D)\
**Replies:** 1\
**Last updated:** [August 5, 2026, 2:39pm UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/enclosure-air-filtration-for-formlabs-sla-wash-cure/46712 "2026-08-05T14:39:56Z")

</div>

Hey everyone, Managing resin VOCs and IPA evaporation, especially when opening Wash lids is a constant challenge in shared lab spaces. We wanted to share a quick look at a custom enclosure setup we designed for Safran …

---

## [4L Clear Depth - with cord and antenna](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/4l-clear-depth-with-cord-and-antenna/46681)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@StringKing](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/StringKing)\
**Replies:** 12\
**Last updated:** [August 4, 2026, 10:56am UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/4l-clear-depth-with-cord-and-antenna/46681 "2026-08-04T10:56:31Z")

</div>

Can someone tell me what the absolute clear depth is including the antenna and the power cord. I’m trying to see if it will fit in a 23" deep cabinet. Cabinet depth is 23" so I think it will fit but its pretty close. I…

---

## [When should a cold-plate validation fixture move from SLA to metal?](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/when-should-a-cold-plate-validation-fixture-move-from-sla-to-metal/46700)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@copper3dp](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/copper3dp)\
**Replies:** 0\
**Last updated:** [August 4, 2026, 8:44am UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/when-should-a-cold-plate-validation-fixture-move-from-sla-to-metal/46700 "2026-08-04T08:44:31Z")

</div>

I’m mapping a staged validation workflow for a compact cold plate and would like input from Formlabs users who build engineering fixtures. My current split is: use SLA for connector fit, hose routing, assembly access …

---

## [Form 4 mixer has doubled in price!](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/form-4-mixer-has-doubled-in-price/46680)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@SCULPTURAMA](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/SCULPTURAMA)\
**Replies:** 5\
**Last updated:** [August 3, 2026, 7:19pm UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/form-4-mixer-has-doubled-in-price/46680 "2026-08-03T19:19:38Z")

</div>

What on earth has caused the mixer to go from £24 to £48 in the UK?

---

## [Form 4L Flex Plate Improvements](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/form-4l-flex-plate-improvements/46649)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@leonhart88](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/leonhart88)\
**Replies:** 7\
**Last updated:** [July 27, 2026, 7:49pm UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/form-4l-flex-plate-improvements/46649 "2026-07-27T19:49:29Z")

</div>

Just wanted to post the two things I’ve done to my flex plates that have been big upgrades for me. I’ll work on a long form YouTube video explaining more on this in the future. Sandblasting the sheet. This (mostly) got…

---

## [Vita vionic base resin flex](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/vita-vionic-base-resin-flex/46666)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@fischerdental](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/fischerdental)\
**Replies:** 0\
**Last updated:** [July 23, 2026, 10:43am UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/vita-vionic-base-resin-flex/46666 "2026-07-23T10:43:49Z")

</div>

Hi, Does anyone have warpage issue with VITA VIONIC BASE RESIN FLEX using from 4B?

---

## [Form 3 works with Clear V5 resin, it even detects it](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/form-3-works-with-clear-v5-resin-it-even-detects-it/46593)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@algenieiot](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/algenieiot)\
**Replies:** 2\
**Last updated:** [July 23, 2026, 8:15am UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/form-3-works-with-clear-v5-resin-it-even-detects-it/46593 "2026-07-23T08:15:18Z")

</div>

So the form 3 recognises clear v5 resin, the 5v resin even comes with a card for the form 3 pump. So why does formlabs not allow me to use the clear v5 resin on the form 3?? I have already proven you can print the…

---

## [Tough 1500 Resin](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/tough-1500-resin/46657)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@ChristopherBarr](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/ChristopherBarr)\
**Replies:** 5\
**Last updated:** [July 22, 2026, 2:36pm UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/tough-1500-resin/46657 "2026-07-22T14:36:07Z")

</div>

Hey All, It’s been a while since I’ve posted, but I now have a reason to fire up the KickStarter Form1+ that I have not printed with in forever (a Win7 VM talks to it now) and I really really need to print a part with a…

---

## [Going full resin produced parts on form 4](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/going-full-resin-produced-parts-on-form-4/46652)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Kemolagger](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/Kemolagger)\
**Replies:** 5\
**Last updated:** [July 21, 2026, 10:49pm UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/going-full-resin-produced-parts-on-form-4/46652 "2026-07-21T22:49:13Z")

</div>

After printing FDM for the last 6-7 years, and resin for the last 5ish (formlabs for the last year), I’m making the move to full on resin printing for my small business. I’ve been so happy with the Tough Series of resins…

---

## [Ember Prototypes Discord Channel](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/ember-prototypes-discord-channel/46617)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@leonhart88](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/leonhart88)\
**Replies:** 2\
**Last updated:** [July 12, 2026, 2:14pm UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/ember-prototypes-discord-channel/46617 "2026-07-12T14:14:18Z")

</div>

Hey everyone. Lots of you might know me for all the resin printing advice, tips, and content I make on the side of my own business Ember Prototypes. This forum is a great place to ask questions and get help, but I’m als…

---

## [Form 4 or 4L without the wash/cure stations?](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/form-4-or-4l-without-the-wash-cure-stations/46468)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Geek\_Verve](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/Geek_Verve)\
**Replies:** 5\
**Last updated:** [July 9, 2026, 9:25pm UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/form-4-or-4l-without-the-wash-cure-stations/46468 "2026-07-09T21:25:16Z")

</div>

I’m pretty much sold on the Formlabs ecosystem. I’ve had a full Form 4 kit in my cart for weeks, now. However, the small build plate continues to give me pause. I will be using it for in-house production, so it’s obvious…

---

## [Durable Resin Tank Lifetime](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/durable-resin-tank-lifetime/46552)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@serret](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/serret)\
**Replies:** 2\
**Last updated:** [July 7, 2026, 6:18am UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/durable-resin-tank-lifetime/46552 "2026-07-07T06:18:05Z")

</div>

Hello everyone, I do not see the Durable Resin in the tank lifetime informations : Resin tank lifetime and monitoring (Form 3L/Form 3BL) Can anyone confirm that there is no maximum lifetime on this Resin ? We are low…

---

## [Erfahrungen mit Resin-Druckern für Miniaturen?](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/erfahrungen-mit-resin-druckern-fur-miniaturen/46500)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Heidi20](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/Heidi20)\
**Replies:** 2\
**Last updated:** [July 6, 2026, 9:15am UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/erfahrungen-mit-resin-druckern-fur-miniaturen/46500 "2026-07-06T09:15:10Z")

</div>

Hallo zusammen, ich überlege mir einen Resin-3D-Drucker zu kaufen, hauptsächlich für Miniaturen und kleine Figuren. Bei FDM-Druckern findet man viele Infos, aber bei Resin gehen die Meinungen ziemlich auseinander. Wie …

---

## [Replacing aluminum with tough 2k](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/replacing-aluminum-with-tough-2k/46543)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Kemolagger](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/Kemolagger)\
**Replies:** 0\
**Last updated:** [July 2, 2026, 4:32am UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/replacing-aluminum-with-tough-2k/46543 "2026-07-02T04:32:54Z")

</div>

Keeping inventory on hand is my biggest struggle atm with metal components (aluminum and steel). Most of what I make and sell is a combination of 3D printed parts (some resin, some FDM) and either steel or aluminum. S…

---

## [Removal of alternative support presets](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/removal-of-alternative-support-presets/46531)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@hterry](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/hterry)\
**Replies:** 1\
**Last updated:** [June 29, 2026, 2:09pm UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/removal-of-alternative-support-presets/46531 "2026-06-29T14:09:23Z")

</div>

I can see that you can still download these presets but I’m just curious why they were removed from the software in June update. Were they deemed to be functionally unsuccessful at all? Thanks

---

## [Open material system](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/open-material-system/46515)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@abheko](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/abheko)\
**Replies:** 0\
**Last updated:** [June 25, 2026, 8:43am UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/open-material-system/46515 "2026-06-25T08:43:27Z")

</div>

Why the OMS cost in EU 4 times expensive then in the US?

---

## [High-mileage Tank life on Form4?](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/high-mileage-tank-life-on-form4/46423)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Davidwedge](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/Davidwedge)\
**Replies:** 2\
**Last updated:** [June 24, 2026, 10:30am UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/high-mileage-tank-life-on-form4/46423 "2026-06-24T10:30:01Z")

</div>

Just happened to notice one of my tanks is showing 120,000 layer prints. None of my current tanks have less than 75,000 - Black V5 resin (and flex heads).. Kinda curious what mileage other folks are getting on tanks. a…

---

## [IPA vs TPM](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/ipa-vs-tpm/46197)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@KuemmeMl](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/KuemmeMl)\
**Replies:** 10\
**Last updated:** [June 17, 2026, 6:31am UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/ipa-vs-tpm/46197 "2026-06-17T06:31:06Z")

</div>

We have now received the Form4L as an addition to our existing Form 4 setup. The Wash requires quite a lot of IPA, and up to now we’ve always used 70% IPA in the smaller station. How good is TPM in comparison, and how of…

---

## [Using Dry Compressed Air Instead of Nitrogen for Air-Only Materials on Fuse 1+?](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/using-dry-compressed-air-instead-of-nitrogen-for-air-only-materials-on-fuse-1/46442)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@raum](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/raum)\
**Replies:** 0\
**Last updated:** [June 8, 2026, 10:52am UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/using-dry-compressed-air-instead-of-nitrogen-for-air-only-materials-on-fuse-1/46442 "2026-06-08T10:52:08Z")

</div>

Hello everyone, I have a question regarding the Fuse 1+ and materials that are specified to be printed in normal atmospheric conditions rather than in a nitrogen environment. In our facility, ambient humidity can vary …

---

## [Formlabs resin washing solution turned to jelly!](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/formlabs-resin-washing-solution-turned-to-jelly/46422)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@thomasgude](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/thomasgude)\
**Replies:** 3\
**Last updated:** [June 4, 2026, 1:29am UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/formlabs-resin-washing-solution-turned-to-jelly/46422 "2026-06-04T01:29:02Z")

</div>

Today I found my resin cleaning tank was cloudy and 80% turned to jelly (or jello for the americans). I use the Formlabs Resin Washing Solution as it was advertised as more effective and longer lasting than IPA, but I ha…

---

## [Label size \<2.0mm?](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/label-size-2-0mm/46415)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Andrew\_W](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/Andrew_W)\
**Replies:** 3\
**Last updated:** [May 28, 2026, 4:26pm UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/label-size-2-0mm/46415 "2026-05-28T16:26:05Z")

</div>

It seems as though labels smaller that 2.0mm are not available? Is there a reason for this? Maybe legibility for small font? I use a magnifying glass to view small features. Thanks.

---

## [Bareteeth.com Formlabs 4L Extravaganza](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/bareteeth-com-formlabs-4l-extravaganza/46401)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@revel](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/revel)\
**Replies:** 7\
**Last updated:** [May 28, 2026, 12:35pm UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/bareteeth-com-formlabs-4l-extravaganza/46401 "2026-05-28T12:35:29Z")

</div>

Launched my site www.bareteeth.com where I sell home made 3d prints. I do everything from ideation, modeling, printing, painting, shipping and I thought I’d post it here because a huge backbone of it is my Formlabs 4L + …

---

## [What print settings have you actually found make a difference for dimensional accuracy?](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/what-print-settings-have-you-actually-found-make-a-difference-for-dimensional-accuracy/46419)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Danieldsouza](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/Danieldsouza)\
**Replies:** 0\
**Last updated:** [May 28, 2026, 12:35pm UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/what-print-settings-have-you-actually-found-make-a-difference-for-dimensional-accuracy/46419 "2026-05-28T12:35:12Z")

</div>

Hey everyone, I’ve been printing functional mechanical parts (brackets, enclosures, press-fit joints) for a hardware prototype, and dimensional accuracy has been the single biggest headache. I’m not talking about aesthet…

---

## [Fuse 1+ Texture Quality – What Is Achievable?](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/fuse-1-texture-quality-what-is-achievable/46339)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Nihal\_Drotsa](https://forum.formlabs.com/u/Nihal_Drotsa)\
**Replies:** 2\
**Last updated:** [May 19, 2026, 5:36am UTC](https://forum.formlabs.com/t/fuse-1-texture-quality-what-is-achievable/46339 "2026-05-19T05:36:58Z")

</div>

Hello everyone, I am interested in seeing results of textured parts produced on the Fuse 1+. If anyone has experience applying textures using PreForm for SLS, could you share images of your printed parts? I understand…

[Previous page](https://forum.formlabs.com/c/general-discussion/7.md)

[Next page](https://forum.formlabs.com/c/general-discussion/7.md?page=2)
