How To Guide: Applying Textures in Formlabs PreForm Software
One of the most striking yet underutilised features in Formlabs PreForm is its native support for texture mapping — letting you add rich surface detail without needing to sculpt every bump in CAD. In this how-to guide, we’ll walk you through how to paint faces in your 3D model, export the appearance data via STEP, and then bring it into PreForm for final texture assignment.
Whether you’re after a subtle grain, a bold embossing, or a complex displacement pattern, this workflow lets you blend the freedom of CAD design with PreForm’s intuitive texture tools. We’ll also highlight key tips — like choosing the right amplitude for SLS parts and printing textured surfaces at angles — to help you get the most from each print.
Ready to bring your parts to life? Let’s dive in.
How to Choose the Right 3D Printing Service in the UK: FDM, SLA or SLS?
Choosing the right 3D printing service in the UK can be tricky. This guide breaks down the key differences between FDM, SLA, and SLS technologies to help you pick the best option for your project’s needs, budget, and finish quality.
3D Printing News: Sinterit Announces Faster SLS Printer For Under $20K
13th March 2025 – Sinterit announces their latest SLS printer for less than $20K
3D Printing News: Raise3D Announces SLS 3D Printer at TCT Asia
17th March 2025, Raise 3D announces the latest addition to their portfolio – SLS 3D printing
3D Printing News: Fabulous PA11 DETECT Powder Available on Formlabs Fuse
Fabulous announces that their Blue PA11 is now a FORMLABS-qualified material
Blog Post: Heroforge 3D Printing Service – How to 3D Print Miniatures
Heroforge characters are typically exported out at 30mm height and 1” base diameter when downloaded from the app. This is sometimes okay for some 3D printing technologies; however, some small details and complex geometry may not translate well on a small scale.
We recommend scaling the model to a larger size to improve the level of surface detail. As different 3D printing technologies have various constraints & minimum design requirements. Check out our design guide for more information.
Formlabs Fuse 1 – SLS 3D Printer Review
Formlabs have just released their new addition to their portfolio of printers, the Formlabs Fuse 1 SLS 3D printer, branded as the world’s first benchtop industrial Selective Laser Sintering 3D Printer. After years of teasers and constant pushbacks, on 26th January 2021, they announced to the world that their newest addition would be shipping almost immediately […]