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).
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
Form 4B or Form 4BL: which should you choose?
Same family, different job. Form 4B starts at $7,699 and suits most practices and small labs printing models, splints and guides. Form 4BL is the large-format version at $16,249, roughly double the price, aimed at labs that print many models or large parts per run. Both export open files, and our openness score for the 4BL is 10.0.
The decision is throughput. If you print a handful of arches a day, the 4B's price buys the same material range. If you run production, the 4BL's capacity per run may pay back in time saved. Count your weekly print hours before paying the premium.
Remember that the printer is a fraction of the cost: wash and cure, resin, tanks and software add to the total. See our Form 4B review.
Reviewed under the standards of our Editorial Board
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 | #4 of 13 · Dental 3D printers | #3 of 13 · 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).