Formlabs' FormNow 3D Printing Service Set for China Launch in Late 2025

September 19, 2025 Services VoxelMatters 299

Formlabs' Form Now service provides high-precision 3D printing using proprietary LFS technology and original materials, ensuring industrial quality and fast turnaround through localized production hubs.

According to exclusive information obtained by 3DPTimes from VoxelMatters, globally renowned 3D printing company Formlabs recently announced the upcoming official launch of its proprietary 3D printing service platform—Form Now. The platform aims to provide more efficient, convenient, and high-quality 3D printing solutions for individual creators, small businesses, and professional institutions, further strengthening Formlabs' comprehensive industrial chain layout from 3D printing equipment development to end-user services.

According to official information from Formlabs, the Form Now service is the result of nearly two years of technical development and market research, integrating the company's core strengths in stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing. Unlike most third-party 3D printing services currently on the market, Form Now will rely entirely on Formlabs' self-developed 3D printing equipment—including mainstream models such as the Form 4 and Form 4B—along with proprietary resin materials. Through standardized production processes and a rigorous quality control system, the service ensures that every printed part meets industrial-grade accuracy standards.

Core Advantages: Precision, Efficiency, and Customization

The competitive edge of the Form Now service lies in three key aspects:

Exceptional Precision and Consistent Quality
Leveraging Formlabs’ patented Low Force Stereolithography (LFS) technology, Form Now achieves a printing resolution as fine as 25 microns. Whether producing complex mechanical components, intricate jewelry models, or high-precision dental orthodontic devices, the service accurately reproduces detailed designs. Furthermore, by exclusively using Formlabs’ original resins—such as Draft Resin and Tough Resin—it effectively avoids common issues in third-party services, such as print failures or insufficient part strength caused by material incompatibility. The expected print success rate reaches over 98%.

Rapid Delivery and Flexible Adaptation
Formlabs has established localized printing hubs in multiple regions worldwide, including Massachusetts (USA), Berlin (Germany), and Shanghai (China). After users upload their 3D model files via the Form Now online platform, the system automatically assigns production to the nearest available hub. For simple models, orders can be shipped within 24 hours, while complex parts or batch orders are delivered within 3–5 business days—significantly faster than the industry average of 7–10 days.

The platform supports multiple mainstream 3D file formats (e.g., STL, OBJ, STEP) and features built-in intelligent model repair capabilities. It automatically detects and corrects common issues such as non-manifold edges and surface gaps, reducing user operational barriers.

End-to-End Customization
Form Now offers tailored solutions for diverse user groups:

Individual Creators: A "Creative Print Package" supports small-batch (1–10 units) personalized model printing, including figurine prototypes, home decor items, and more.

Small Businesses and Studios: A "Batch Production Solution" accommodates orders of 50–500 units, ideal for functional prototype validation and small-batch trial production during product development.

Specialized Industries: Customized services are available for sectors such as healthcare, dental, and jewelry, featuring specialized materials (e.g., biocompatible resins for dental applications, castable wax resins for jewelry) and industry-compliant quality inspection reports.

Pricing Strategy: Cost-Effectiveness for Diverse Needs
Form Now adopts a transparent pricing model based on “volume + material type,” eliminating hidden fees common in traditional 3D printing services. Using standard photopolymer resin as an example, the base printing cost is $0.50 per cubic centimeter, with a 20%–30% surcharge for complex structures requiring supports or higher precision. Specialty materials (e.g., high-temperature or flexible resins) range from $0.80 to $1.20 per cubic centimeter.

The platform also introduces a membership program: users who accumulate a printing volume of 1,000 cubic centimeters attain VIP status, qualifying for a 10% discount and priority processing, further reducing long-term usage costs.

Strategic Shift: From Hardware to Integrated Solutions
In an interview with VoxelMatters, Sarah Johnson, Product Lead at Formlabs, stated: “The launch of Form Now marks a key step in Formlabs’ transition from an ‘equipment provider’ to a ‘comprehensive solution provider.’ We’ve observed that many users—especially individuals and small businesses—recognize the value of 3D printing but are constrained by equipment costs, maintenance demands, and technical expertise. Form Now’s integrated approach combining devices, materials, and services enables users to access industrial-grade 3D printing outcomes without upfront hardware investment, significantly lowering the barrier to adoption.”

Industry Impact: Accelerating the Adoption of 3D Printing “as a Service”
Form Now is regarded within the industry as a significant signal of the shift from “hardware competition” to “ecosystem competition” in the 3D printing sector. While previous market competition focused primarily on device performance and pricing, Formlabs has created a distinctive closed-loop ecosystem by deeply integrating equipment, materials, software, and end-user services.

This model not only enhances user loyalty—Form Now users are more likely to prefer Formlabs hardware for future purchases—but also leverages service-generated demand data to inform R&D, driving technological iteration.

For third-party 3D printing service providers, Form Now’s entry may reshape competitive dynamics. While incumbents often struggle with inconsistent equipment brands, variable material quality, and long lead times, Formlabs’ brand influence, technical expertise, and standardized services are poised to attract quality- and efficiency-conscious users.

That said, industry analysts note that third-party services retain advantages in serving “long-tail demands”—such as large-format FDM or metal 3D printing, areas Formlabs has not yet entered. Form Now’s arrival is expected to raise overall service standardization benchmarks, ultimately benefiting end users across the market.

Launch Timeline and Future Roadmap
According to official information released by Formlabs, the Form Now service is set to launch in Q4 2025, initially covering North America, Europe, and China. Users will be able to register and access the service through the Formlabs website or mobile app.

During the initial launch phase, Formlabs will introduce a “$50 off first order” promotion for new users and offer a complimentary “model inspection service”—users can submit their design files to receive a print feasibility report prepared by Formlabs engineers before confirming their order.

Future Enhancements and Vision
Looking ahead, Formlabs plans to expand Form Now’s capabilities with several new features:

Integrated Online Design Tools: Users will be able to create and modify models directly on the platform using simplified design software.

Global Delivery Services: The service will extend coverage to more than 50 countries and regions worldwide.

Industry-Specific Solution Packages: Tailored end-to-end offerings—from design to printing—will be introduced for sectors such as dental clinics and jewelry studios.

Sarah Johnson emphasized, “We envision Form Now not just as a printing service platform, but as a bridge that connects creativity with reality—enabling every 3D design idea to be realized quickly and with high quality.”

Early Access and Industry Expectations
Form Now has already opened a “preview experience” channel, allowing users to submit early access requests through Formlabs’ official channels to try core features such as model inspection and quotation estimation.

The industry widely anticipates that, leveraging Formlabs’ technical expertise and brand reputation, Form Now has the potential to become a benchmark in the “3D printing as a service” model, accelerating the sector’s transition from “tool sales” to “value-driven services.”