Formlabs, one of the top names in additive manufacturing, has announced the upcoming launch of Form Now, a new service that enables users to order 3D printed parts even if they don’t own a printer. Instead of investing in costly hardware, customers will be able to simply upload a model, select from a range of industrial-grade resins and powders, and receive the finished parts at their doorstep in just two days.
“The concept is simple but game-changing,” the company notes in their pre-launch campaign. “Users can access professional 3D printing without upfront costs, and discover the value of printed parts before committing to a machine.”
The service offers a diverse range of materials, from glass-filled resin and tough plastics to flexible resins and advanced SLS powders, such as Nylon 12 and TPU. Formlabs’ promises, “Whether you need a heat shield, a watch strap, or a microfluidics component, we’ll print and ship it directly to you.”
Prices are made accessible, too: for example, a printed knob in Formlabs Black V5 resin costs $22.35, while a Nylon 12 bike pedal comes at a price of $13.74. Most orders ship within as little as five days, with even faster delivery possible in the U.S. Northeast.
While print-on-demand platforms have been around for a while, it is interesting – if not unusual – for one of the largest hardware manufacturers to go down this road. Typically, similar services exist in the realms domain of startups or bureaus. Formlabs’ decision might be indicating a shift: a hardware leader embraces services for a broader reach of additive manufacturing.
Potentially, Formlabs’ move could lower barriers for both businesses and makers. Not having to decide between expensive equipment or outsourcing, users will have a flexible middle ground. The entire AM industry is holding its breath to see what happens: if the service scales successfully, it could also accelerate machine adoption, as those customers who just explore and test 3D printing may eventually invest in their own hardware. The future will show if Form Now will become not just another service, but a turning point in how 3D printing is accessed and valued.
