3D SYSTEMS FabPro 1000 3D Printer

I know this printer is not as popular as what many people will compare it to, the Form 2 or Form 3, but it’s a little shortsighted to compare it in the first place as it’s not the same tech. This is a true DLP printer, as opposed to a laser based SLA like the Form models, ergo when they say it can print 3x faster they aren’t joking, and in fact it can potentially print many times faster than that. For example, if I print a small model on an SLA and DLP, the DLP will be faster due to drawing complete layers all at once, but this is also missing the fact that you can load the bed with multiple small models and they will all print in the exact same speed as printing just one. Ergo, a DLP printer - if I load the bed - is not only multiple times faster than an SLA, but this particular one is even 4 times faster than my dual extruder FDM printing in duplication mode, given my FDM can print four models in 3hr30 and the Fabpro can print 12 of that same model in 3hr30 with the black resin (2hr07 for the grey.) Now, the print volume of this printer is pretty small but it’s the sort of thing you can expect at this price point for true DLP as opposed to cheaper LCD based alternatives. The main reason I opted for this particular printer is it can print in black, and seemingly none of the LCD alternatives can do so - perhaps an LCD light source is not powerful enough to penetrate black resin (this is my guess.) I also checked out other DLP alternatives at around the same price point and none of those offered black resin either - bar one which was actually a little more expensive and didn’t list the physical properties of said resin. The Fabpro can not only print in black, but has 3 different black resins of varying elasticity. This is absolutely ideal for my purposes which is printing small enclosures to fit on cables. If you are wondering what the print quality is like, it’s what you can expect from a pro grade SLA or DLP, ie comparable to final use molded parts. It’s high grade enough to cast molds from. The main selling point for me though is the speed, and variety of resins.

An absolute dog of a printer. We tried very hard to use this and have a full biochemistry and polymer chemistry lab to work in. The device never produced consistent results, failing on a continuous basis. 3D Systems refused to support it, pointing at Amazon. Amazon pointed at 3DS. The controller board went out the day after the return window closed. After much arguing, Amazon gave us a "one time" return ... but never showed up to actually pick up the unit. We threw it away. Truly the worst possible experience. Both 3D Systems and Amazon should be ashamed they even sell this product. The competitor devices have performed nearly flawlessly and the support has been incomparable.

Honestly, this is a good printer the real problem comes that 3d systems made it. The company is defiantly structured towards a large company environment. Small business and hobbyists will not like this printer it is simply to expensive to operate when compared to some of the other options out there.

Much higher quality than what I was using before, faster and more reliable as well. Would highly recommend.

Instructions are not very clear, no short video on how to, initial set up has to be hooked to a Ethernet to activate , no wi Fi and no third party resin accepted. Concierge installation was the worst experience. The guy had no clue what 3D is and how it works. Do not spend money on it. I ended up doing the whole thing at the end after being charged $129 for nothing.

I am a model builder and the quality of the prints are outstanding even if the print area is fairly small

Used for molds for plastic molding

Set-up instructions suck. OEM support sucks. Worked with many brands and this is the worst support I have ever dealt with. Might turn this thing into a boat anchor. Even at half-price not worth the money.