05-15-2013: Formlabs presented PreForm software for the very first time
PreForm simplified model preparation, support generation, and print orientation
On May 15, 2013, Formlabs officially unveiled its proprietary PreForm software, a groundbreaking tool designed to streamline the workflow for its Form 1 SLA 3D printer. This premiere was a pivotal moment in the company’s Kickstarter campaign, which had already garnered massive attention, raising over $2.95 million to bring the Form 1, the first affordable high-resolution desktop SLA printer, to market.
At the time, 3D printing was dominated by FFF technology, with most professional-grade SLA printers being expensive, industrial machines costing tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Formlabs disrupted this landscape by introducing an accessible, desktop-sized SLA printer—the Form 1—paired with PreForm, a user-friendly software that made resin 3D printing approachable for the first time.
Unlike complex industrial SLA software, PreForm simplified model preparation, support generation, and print orientation, making SLA printing accessible to hobbyists, designers, educators, and small businesses. However, the software was optimized specifically for the Form 1, ensuring reliable printing with minimal user intervention.
The introduction of PreForm was a cornerstone of Formlabs’ success, helping establish the company as a leader in resin 3D printing. Over the years, PreForm evolved with new features like automated supports, advanced slicing algorithms, and cloud-based printing, setting the standard for desktop SLA software.
This milestone also marked the beginning of the desktop resin 3D printing revolution, inspiring competitors and accelerating the adoption of SLA/DLP technologies across industries—from dental and jewelry to engineering and education.
Source: www.kickstarter.com