Is the Form Studio 1 worth it over a cheap resin printer?

If you need Formlabs resins, software and support, the Studio 1 makes sense. Hobbyist resin printers print fine detail for far less, but with less material choice and support.

How does it compare with the larger Formlabs printers?

It shares the resin ecosystem and low-force stereolithography but has a smaller build volume. Choose a larger Form model if you need to print bigger parts or more per run.

Can I use third-party resins?

Formlabs printers are designed around its own resin cartridges and print settings. Third-party resins are not officially supported and may need custom profiles.

What do I need besides the printer?

Plan for a wash and cure setup, gloves, isopropyl alcohol and ventilation. Resin printing also needs a dedicated workspace away from living areas.

What is in the Basic bundle?

The Basic bundle covers the printer itself with the standard accessories. Resin cartridges and finishing equipment are typically bought separately.

Is the open print area a problem for fumes?

The open access makes loading and cleaning easier, but resin fumes are still released. Use it in a ventilated room or with an enclosure and extraction.

Where is the Formlabs Form Studio 1 cheapest?

At MatterHackers, for $1,647.00, as of our latest check.

Formlabs Form Studio 1

Best price now

$1,647.00at MatterHackersChecked 51 min ago

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit MatterHackers

Formlabs Form Studio 1

Best price now

$1,647.00at MatterHackersChecked 51 min ago

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit MatterHackers

Ask our agent about this product

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Price facts

Lowest price today: $1,647.00 at MatterHackers (checked Nov 10, 2026).
It's up $99.00 from $1,548.00 a week ago.

Our take on the Formlabs Form Studio 1

The Form Studio 1 is Formlabs' entry-level resin 3D printer, aimed at designers, engineers and small workshops that want the company's ecosystem without a large-format machine. It uses Formlabs' low-force stereolithography and its own resin cartridges, so print quality and material handling follow the same playbook as the larger Form printers. Its open, fully accessible print area makes loading, inspecting and cleaning parts simpler than on enclosed resin machines. Against cheaper hobbyist resin printers it trades a bigger material ecosystem and support for a higher entry point; against the larger Formlabs models it gives up build volume.

Best forDesigners and engineers new to resin printingSmall workshops and studiosPrototyping parts with Formlabs resinsUsers who want an open, easy-access print area

Pros

Formlabs resin ecosystem and material range
Low-force stereolithography for fine detail
Whole print area opens for easy access
Managed cartridge-based resin handling
Backed by Formlabs software and support

Cons

Small build volume next to larger Formlabs models
Locked into Formlabs resin cartridges
Resin printing needs washing and curing steps
Entry point is high versus hobbyist resin printers

Formlabs Form Studio 1 prices at every store

MatterHackersNew
Availability unknown
$1,647.00Checked 51 min ago
Visit MatterHackers

Formlabs Form Studio 1 price history

$1,647.00$1,548.00

Nov 3Nov 10

Lowest price we've seen: $1,548.00 on Nov 3 at MatterHackers; highest $1,647.00 on Nov 10. Tracked across 1 store since Nov 3.

What reviewers say

Owner and reviewer feedback on the Form Studio 1 is limited, but Formlabs resin printers as a line are generally praised for detail and reliability and criticised for cost and material lock-in.

What people mention

Print detailPraisedOwners of Formlabs resin printers report fine detail and smooth surfaces on small parts.
ReliabilityPraisedUsers describe repeatable results across runs with the company's software and resins.
Material costCriticisedReviewers say resin cartridges and consumables are a recurring expense.
Build volumeCriticisedOwners note the small print area limits how much can be produced per run.
Post-processingMixedWashing and curing are seen as necessary but add time and equipment to each job.

Specifications

Frame Color: Graphite
Bundle: Basic

Questions and answers

Is the Form Studio 1 worth it over a cheap resin printer?: If you need Formlabs resins, software and support, the Studio 1 makes sense. Hobbyist resin printers print fine detail for far less, but with less material choice and support.
How does it compare with the larger Formlabs printers?: It shares the resin ecosystem and low-force stereolithography but has a smaller build volume. Choose a larger Form model if you need to print bigger parts or more per run.
Can I use third-party resins?: Formlabs printers are designed around its own resin cartridges and print settings. Third-party resins are not officially supported and may need custom profiles.
What do I need besides the printer?: Plan for a wash and cure setup, gloves, isopropyl alcohol and ventilation. Resin printing also needs a dedicated workspace away from living areas.
What is in the Basic bundle?: The Basic bundle covers the printer itself with the standard accessories. Resin cartridges and finishing equipment are typically bought separately.
Is the open print area a problem for fumes?: The open access makes loading and cleaning easier, but resin fumes are still released. Use it in a ventilated room or with an enclosure and extraction.
Where is the Formlabs Form Studio 1 cheapest?: At MatterHackers, for $1,647.00, as of our latest check.