I recently requested samples from Formlabs. They attempted to contact me for a telephone discussion regarding my goals in 3D printing, but I did not make the time to schedule that call. I received the samples recently.
The sample I requested was of a ring. They sent me two identical rings in their purple castable resin. They call it, "Castable Wax Resin". From their website:
"With 20% wax fill, Castable Wax Resin captures intricate features and offers smooth surface finish for accurate castings with zero ash content and clean burnout. Printed parts are strong enough to handle with no post-cure required, allowing for a fast and simple workflow[.]"
"For jewelry: Castable Wax Resin offers high strength and stiffness, making it capable of printing ultrafine structures. The high green strength ensures excellent shape retention for thin patterns such as wire filigree. For heavier jewelry, we recommend using Castable Wax 40 Resin."
"Supports print resolutions: 25 and 50 microns.
Post-curing not required."
The design of the rings is intentionally to showcase their printer. The practicality of the ring design is near zero, in gold, unless it was worn exclusively on special events by someone who is very aware of the design. It would be a more robust ring in platinum.
One of the rings is missing the tiniest of tiny prongs at the side of the ring. However, the practicality of this prong to begin with is questionable. Overall, two beautiful prints.
BURNOUT
The samples came with two small pamphlets. The top pamphlet was a single fold paper which includes the following burnout schedule:
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PHASE TIME SCHEDULE C SCHEDULE F
Insert Flasks 0 min 21 C 70 F
Ramp 60 min 4.7 c / min 8.4 F/min
Hold 480 min 300 C 572 F
Ramp 100 min 4.5 C/min 8.1 F/min
Hold 180 min 750 C 1382 F
Ramp 60 min -4.0 C/min -7.1 F/min
Hold (casting window) Up to 2 hours 512 C or casting temp 954 F or casting tempThe other pamphlet had general marketing information on the unit, to include Printing Properties.
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Technology Low Force Stereolithography (LFS)tm 3D printing
Build Volume 14.5x14.5x18.5cm 5.7x5.7x7.3in
Layer Thickness 25-300 microns .001-.012in
XY Resolution 25 microns (0.001 in)
Laser Spot Size 85 microns (0.0033 in)
Supports Auto-Generated, Light-Touch Removal
Warranty and Service One Year Warranty included Extended Warranty, Pro Service, and Enterprise Plan available