Preform Quick Start

What is Preform?

Prefrom is a free slicing software which Fab Lab uses to prepare models for SLA 3D Printing with our Formlabs SLA Resin printers.

Slicing refers to generating the data 3d printers need to produce your model. This is done in a slicing software where you can set and modify settings and preview the outcome.

It is a critical step in the process so pay special attention to the following steps. This will ensure you achieve the best outcome for your project and mitigate any potential printing failures.

Download Preform

Click below and navigate the Form Labs website to download Preform.

PreForm 3D Printing Software: Prepare Your Models for PrintingFormlabs

Setup a print

With Preform open, select the 'Printer' ribbon in the top right of the application.

1. Choose Printer

2. Choose Material

3. Choose Layer Thickness

4. Choose Print Settings

Inside the printer setup page, select the drop-down menu under 'Choose Printer'

The Fab Lab operates two types of Form Labs SLA Resin printers defined by different build volumes.

• Form 3/3+ (Build Volume: 145 x 145 x 185mm).

• Form 3BL (Build Volume: 336 x 200 x 300mm).

We are currently only able to print in 'Clear' and 'White' resin with the Form 3BL.

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From the drop down menu, select the printer you wish to submit to.

Selections that are 'grayed out' can still be selected for file setup. This just means that you are not connected to the printer via a network. This is expected.

As there is only one Form 3BL available it may have a significantly longer processing time during busy periods. You should only nest your objects for the 3BL if they are too large for the 3/3+ and cannot be split or broken into smaller components. Breaking your model into smaller components and nesting for the 3/3+ printers can improve the processing time, cost, and print success significantly!

Under 'Choose Material' select one of the materials available from Fab Lab.

Material

Colour

Price / mL

3BL Compatible

White

White

$0.40

Grey

Mid grey

$0.40

Black

Deep Black

$0.40

Clear

Clear (slightly yellow)

$0.40

Draft

Mid grey (slightly translucent)

$0.40

Draft resin is a great option if you want to reduce the processing time (wait time) for your print and are planning to paint your model. You can double the speed of a Draft resin print by setting the Layer thickness to 0.200mm!

Depending on your material selection, you may see different options for the layer thickness of your print;

Under 'Choose Layer Thickness' select 0.100mm

0.100mm is the default minimum layer thickness when submitting to Fab Lab. This is important as a 0.050mm thickness would effectively double the printing duration. If you think your print requires a finer layer thickness, please book a consultation.

Under 'Choose Print Settings' please select 'Default'

Under 'Other Settings' turn ON 'Optimized Settings for Build Platform 2...'

Select 'Apply' in the lower right corner of the screen.

Importing your Geometry

Part Orientation

Orientation can be the difference between a print success and a print failure. In 3D resin printing, orientation is defined as the alignment of an object within the space of the build volume.

It impacts stability, surface finish, and printability.

Model orientation best practices include:

• Tilting flat surfaces to a 10–20º angle

• Preserving integrity at intersections

• Preserving fine details on a model

• Preventing suction cups

• Reducing minima*

Orientation Tools

Auto-Orient

Orient to Face

Orient Axes

Orient to bounding box

Use this function for a rapid print setup

The Auto-Orient All function uses the Preform algorithm to analyse your geometry and find the optimum print orientation.

This function is trained on by all networked preform systems, taking data from a huge pool of previous prints.

Orient to face allows you to choose the Normal of a selected surface and orient that towards the print bed.

Use this function if your model has fine surface details and surface quality is paramount.

Auto-Generating Supports

Support structures are essential to reinforce overhangs and other delicate features. Supports tie the model to the raft.

Preform will generate supports automatically by analysing your geometry, however there are some minor settings that are required by Fab Lab to process your job.

1. Change the name of your model objects:

   In the object panel, right click and select 'Model Properties', a panel will appear and you will be able to edit the object name. Change this to your Job Number and a suffix number. E.g. 3241(1), 3241(2)...etc for all model objects.

2. Open the support panel

3. Align your settings to the following

1. Raft Type: This must always be set to Full Raft for Fab Lab submissions, regardless of object size.

2. Raft Label: This must always be checked on, allowing each of your parts to be labelled with their 'Object Name'. This allows Fab Lab to re-print parts quickly should they fail.

3. Touch Point Density can vary depending on your model.

   1. Set 1.00 If your object is small and light.

   2. Set 1.25 If your object is medium sized.

   3. Set 1.50 If your object is Large and heavy.

   4. If in doubt, use 1.50 to avoid print failure.

4. Touch-point Size: Set this as 0.45mm Touch point size is the diameter of the support as it intersects the surface of your model. Reducing this size with improve ease of removal, but will mean more support it required. Conversely, increasing touch-point size will reduce the overall number of supports.

5. Internal Supports: If you printing a hollow volume in clear resin, you should check this OFF.

6. Select Auto-Generate. Preform will calculate supports for your model.

Layout

Reviewing your print

Exporting.

When your setup is complete, simple select File -> Save As to export your .Form file ready for upload to Sharepoint.