Dental 3D printers · head-to-head
Form 4B vs Form 4BL
Verdict. Form 4BL leads on the overall Data Index (7.5 vs 7.2). On the 3 axes where both have evidence, Form 4B wins 1, Form 4BL wins 1 and 1 is tied. Clearest gaps: spec disclosure (Form 4B 7.5 vs 5.0) and openness (Form 4BL 10.0 vs 8.0).
Form 4BForm 4BL
Table view
| Axis | Form 4B | Form 4BL |
|---|---|---|
| Openness | 8.0 | 10.0 |
| Regulatory | 6.0 | no data |
| Price clarity | 8.0 | 8.0 |
| Spec disclosure | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| Accuracy evidence | no data | no data |
Axis by axis
- Openness 8.0 vs 10.0 Form 4BL
- Regulatory 6.0 vs – no data
- Price clarity 8.0 vs 8.0 tie
- Spec disclosure 7.5 vs 5.0 Form 4B
- Accuracy evidence – vs – no data
What our reviews say
Form 4B
A fast, open dental 3D printer with published prices from $7,699 and a wide validated resin range. A strong all-rounder for practices and labs.
Strengths- Published prices: Basic package $7,699, Complete $12,006
- Open Material Mode is included, so third-party resins can be used
- Fast: Formlabs states 11 models in 9 minutes and 8 splints in 49 minutes
- Speed, accuracy and reliability figures are the manufacturer's
- Wash and cure units are needed and are not in the Basic package
- Resin tanks and other consumables add to running cost
Side by side
| Form 4B | Form 4BL | |
|---|---|---|
| Data Index | 7.2 | 7.5 |
| Category rank | #2 of 11 · Dental 3D printers | #1 of 11 · Dental 3D printers |
| List price | $7,699 | $16,249 |
| Pricing transparency | Public starting price | Public starting price |
| Subscription required | — | No |
| Open export | Yes | Yes |
| Type | 3D printer | 3D printer |
| In market since | 2024 | 2024 |
| Markets | global | — |
| Data completeness | 91% | 91% |
Choose Form 4B if…
- Practices and labs that print models, splints, guides and dentures in volume
- Buyers who want a published price and the option to use third-party resins
- Offices that want one printer for many applications
FAQ
Is Form 4B better than Form 4BL?
Form 4BL leads on the overall Data Index (7.5 vs 7.2). On the 3 axes where both have evidence, Form 4B wins 1, Form 4BL wins 1 and 1 is tied. Clearest gaps: spec disclosure (Form 4B 7.5 vs 5.0) and openness (Form 4BL 10.0 vs 8.0).