Table of Contents
Product Overview
Comparing Additive Technologies
Comparing Software
Comparing Throughput & Production Readiness
Comparing Labor Requirements
Comparing Space & Power Requirements
Comparing Single Printer Build Volumes
Comparing Material Ecosystem
Comparing Material Automation
Comparing High-Temperature Materials Support
Comparing Standout High Temperature Material Offerings
Comparing Country of Origin
Comparing Starting MSRP
Common Questions about Array
Final Comparison Table
Conclusion
Introduction
In today’s rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape, selecting the right production systems is no longer optional – it’s foundational. Traditional infrastructure is struggling to keep pace with the demands of a fast-growing, constantly shifting market. As skilled labor becomes increasingly scarce and every operational minute gains value, future-proofing through automation has become a necessity, not just a strategic advantage.
Automated additive manufacturing, especially systems designed for serial production, empower manufacturers to scale efficiently, reduce hands-on labor, and shift focus to higher-level tasks. With increased demand for scalability, flexibility, and material openness, decision-makers are rethinking legacy systems.
This guide compares the automation-forward Array System to the Formlabs Form 3/3+ Series printers with the FormAuto enablement, examining how each platform performs across the metrics that matter most to modern manufacturers.
Product Overview
Array System
Array is a factory-connected and automated additive manufacturing platform that enables polymer part production at scale. Powered by integrated robotics, intuitive software, and a high-performance FFF 3D printing engine, Array unlocks end-part production at a competitive cost-per-part with minimum labor intervention. With its open-material architecture, advanced material management system, and wide compatibility of production-grade materials, Array brings flexible manufacturing capabilities to the factory floor.
Formlabs: Form 3/B/+ with Form Auto
FormAuto is a hardware extension that automatically removes finished parts from its platform and starts the next print without the need for operator interaction. FormAuto is only compatible with: Form 3, Form 3+, Form 3B, and Form 3B+ 3D printers and requires the Build Platform 2.
FormAuto is not compatible with: any Formlabs series 4 printer, any series 3 printer using a standard built platform, and is not capable of releasing elastomeric resins or polyurethane resins.
Connect with one of our experts.
Comparing Additive Technologies
Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)
Laser-Powered Stereolithography (SLA)
Modular: includes four Element printers, a storage cart, and an automated gantry system
Single enclosed system with added hardware extension
Default 0.4mm Low-Temp, 0.4mm High-Temp, and several optional add-ons
N/A – SLA systems use a laser and resin vat rather than a printhead.
Required: a vat of liquid resin, a build platform, and a laser in the case of series 3 printer.
Comparing Software
Canvas Cloud and Canvas Desktop
Add-ons: Canvas Edu, Canvas Array, Canvas Teams
PreForm Software
Add-ons: Dashboard / Fleet Control
Comprehensive monitoring solutions including:
- Live process monitoring and camera feed
- multi-user access
- real-time print queue management and routing
- automated actions & alerts such as print analytics, job notifications, automated bed swapping, automated material handling and more.
Offers a software monitoring system through its “Dashboard and Fleet Control” tools
Features:
- Formlabs software monitoring overview
- real-time printer status
- remote management
- print analytics
- and multi-user access.
Advanced queue logic and dynamic job routing
Basic smart routing with centralized control
Automated system alerts:
Integrated robotics and bed-changing automation handle common errors
Remote visibility & logs: Errors are logged and surfaced via Canvas dashboards and performance log
Semi-automated:
often requires human resolution
Comparing Throughput & Production Readiness
Array System
Designed for 24/7 operation and excels in high-throughput, long-duration, multi-material automation, making it ideal for lights-out production in industrial environments.
Formlabs: Form 3/B/+ with Form Auto
More suited for streamlined SLA workflows, especially in labs and clinics, where uptime is important but full autonomy is secondary to print quality.
Comparing Labor Requirements
1.5–3 hours/week total.
Light inspection, storage cart removal, and periodic filament checks.
4–10 hours/week total.
Includes resin refills, tank swaps, part inspection, and cleanup.
Fully automated with Material Pods. No operator input needed unless pods are empty
Manual resin cartridge swaps and tank checks needed 2–3 times per week per printer, depending on usage.
Low to moderate – minimal FFF training, basic software use (Canvas). Most issues are handled autonomously.
Moderate – SLA-specific.
Comparing Space & Power Requirements
Minimum Operational Space Requirements (Per Array unit)
3.8m x 2m x 2.5m
Minimum Operational Space Requirements (Per Form Auto with Form 3+Printer):
40.5 × 53 × 78 cm
220–240V, 30A power supply with a NEMA L6-30P connector, single-phase.
100–240 VAC
2.5 A
50/60 Hz
No special ventilation required.*
*Array includes a 3-inch outlet on the top of the unit, designed for optional external fume extraction or connection to a dedicated filtration system, depending on your facility’s requirements.
No special ventilation required.*
*While Formlabs resins don’t require special ventilation, you should always operate your Formlabs SLA printer and post processing equipment in a space where air circulates freely.
Comparing Single Printer Build Volumes
Array System
Up to 355 x 355 x 330 mm per unit; scalable across chambers.* Approximately 2543.5 cubic inches of capacity per printer at a total of 10,174 cubic inches of capacity across all four Elements printers.
*Array’s distributed design allows flexible print assignment across multiple units.
Formlabs: Form 3/B/+ with Form Auto
355 x 254 x 355 mm (single build chamber, fixed size).* Approximately 237.3 cubic inches of capacity total.
*Form Auto will not release parts that are taller than 110 mm.
Comparing Material Ecosystem
HT option:
All listed Mosaic Materials as well as open material architecture support
Professional: ASA, ABS, PLA
Flexible: Mosaic Flex, Mosaic Aero
Light Industrial: Mosaic Matrix, Mosaic Form, Nylon, FR-PC, ESD-PETG, HIPS
Industrial: PEEK, PEKK
LT option:
All listed Mosaic Materials as well as an open material architecture support.
Professional: ASA, ABS, PLA
Flexible: Mosaic Flex, Mosaic Aero
Light Industrial: Mosaic Matrix, Mosaic Form, Nylon, FR-PC, ESD-PETG, HIPS
Standard 3+ Printer (no FormAuto attachment):
27 Formlabs materials or third-party materials using Open Material Mode.
Form 3+ with Form Auto attachment:
Select Formlabs materials or third-party materials using Open Material Mode. Form Auto does not release elastomeric resins such as Flexible 80A Resin and Elastic 50A Resin. Form Auto is not compatible with any Polyurethane Resins.
Yes
Yes
32 total with each Element printer containing 8 automated Material Pods.
1 resin cartridge per printer; manual swaps required
Comparing Material Automation
Array System
- RFID-enabled spools
- Automated material swapping upon run-out
- Humidity-controlled chamber
- Palette X material management system integrated within all included Element printers for an automated workflow
Formlabs: Form 3/B/+ with Form Auto
- Does not support automatic resin cartridge changes
- One resin per printer at a time
- Post processing of resin is required
- Additional machinery space and cost required for both the washing and curing process.
- Operator required for completed part collection and relocation to post-processing stations
Comparing High-Temperature Materials Support
Array System
- Max nozzle temp: ~450°C
- Supports materials such as PEKK, CF-Nylon, and PEEK (dependent on configuration)
- High-temp chamber and nozzle for demanding applications
- Ideal for aerospace and high-heat industrial parts
Formlabs: Form 3/B/+ with Form Auto
- Multiple high-temp SLA resins supported (Some resins reaching up to 238.0 °C heat deflection temp (HDT))
- Suitable for heat sensitive thermal parts
- Resin tanks and post-processing equipment is required
Comparing Standout High Temperature Material Offerings
103.04 MPa
69.0 MPa
2698 MPa
4.1 GPa
149.2℃
77 °C at 0.45 MPa
9.52%
5.3%
Comparing Country of Origin
Array System
- Designed and assembled in Canada
- Transparent supply chain and support network
Formlabs: Form 3/B/+ with Form Auto
- Designed and developed in the USA
- Resin production located in the USA
Comparing Starting MSRP (USD)
Array System
- Lower total cost of ownership due to automation and low labor needs
- Contact sales@mosaicmanufacturing.com for a quote
Formlabs: Form 3/B/+ with Form Auto
- Starting from $3,750 USD per single printer (without FormAuto attachment)
- FormAuto Attachment starting from $3,499 USD per single printer
- Form Build Platform 2 requirement from $229 USD per single printer
- Resin Tank V2.1 starting at $229 USD per single printer
- Hardware total starting from $7,587 USD per single printer (Not including post processing equipment required for resin SLA printing)
Common Questions about Array
Yes, Mosaic’s solutions are designed to meet the needs of both enterprise and research environments. Whether you’re scaling production, streamlining prototyping workflows, or conducting advanced research, our products offer the flexibility, reliability, and performance needed for complex applications.
We provide comprehensive support to ensure the smooth integration of Mosaic systems into your workflow. Our Customer Success Team guides you through onboarding and initial setup, offering training and best practices tailored to your operation. For organizations with more complex or custom needs, our Mosaic Solutions team works closely with your business to deliver hands-on support and technical expertise throughout deployment and beyond.
Array automates the entire 3D printing workflow to maximize efficiency and minimize manual labor. It features a robotic system that handles automated part removal through bed swapping, allowing printers to start the next job without human intervention. Its integrated material management system, powered by Palette X, enables seamless high throughput printing and automatic filament routing. Combined with smart storage and queuing systems, Array significantly increases throughput and allows for continuous, unattended production.
FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication) technology offers several advantages over SLA, particularly in cost, ease of use, and material variety. FFF printers and materials are more affordable, making them a cost-effective choice with a strong return on investment (ROI). They also typically have larger build volumes, allowing for bigger or multiple prints at once. FFF supports a wide range of materials, including durable options like ABS and CF-nylon, enabling strong, functional parts. Additionally, FFF is generally easier to learn and operate, making it more user-friendly and intuitive.
Final Comparison Table
FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication)
Stereolithography (SLA)
Canvas (Cloud & Desktop) + Canvas Array + Advanced Monitoring
PreForm + Dashboard + Fleet Control
Full
Robotic print removal, material swaps, job routing
Partial
Print removal only; manual resin management
Up to 400–600 parts/week (est.)
Up to 80–120 parts/week (est.)
355 x 355 x 330 mm
145 × 145 × 185 mm
Low to Moderate
FFF familiarization, basic software
Moderate
SLA experience, post-processing knowledge
Open
32 automated material bays (8 per printer)
Closed
with some open mode; 1 resin cartridge per printer
Yes
Yes
Minimal
Required (Form Wash + Form Cure)
Canada
USA, Israel, Global
Industrial, high-volume, medical, aerospace, orthotics, R&D
Dental labs, prototyping, short-run production, labs
Conclusion
As additive manufacturing continues to move into true production environments, choosing between systems like the Formlabs Form 3/B/+ with Form Auto and the Array ultimately depends on a business’s specific needs—particularly the importance of scalability, automation, flexibility, and cost efficiency.
The Form 3/B/+ with Form Auto offers a streamlined SLA printing solution with some automation benefits, making it well-suited for dental labs, prototyping environments, and short-run production applications.
In contrast, the Array is built for high-throughput and industrial serial production, featuring open material compatibility and intelligent automation designed to reduce labor, downtime, and long-term operating costs. This makes it a strong fit for industrial settings, R&D, and high-volume manufacturing environments looking to integrate additive technology at scale.
