The latest evolution in post-processing from Formlabs, the Cure L V2, is designed to eliminate one of the biggest bottlenecks in modern resin 3D printing workflows. Built specifically for the newer MSLA-based Form 4 and Form 4L printers, this upgraded curing system delivers dramatically faster results, improved mechanical properties, and a more efficient production footprint.
Why the Cure L V2 Exists
As 3D printing technology transitioned from SLA (laser-based) to MSLA (screen-based), print speeds increased significantly. While printers like the Form 4 and Form 4L can produce parts much faster, the original Cure L struggled to keep up, creating a post-processing bottleneck.
The Cure L V2 was developed to match this new level of throughput, ensuring curing is no longer the slowest step in the workflow.
Unboxing and Build Quality
The Cure L V2 arrives in a large, well-packaged box weighing roughly 100 pounds, with the unit itself coming in at about 88 pounds. Despite its weight, thoughtful design features like built-in lifting straps and side handles make setup manageable.
The updated design reflects Formlabs’ newer product line, with a more upright, cube-like form factor. This not only modernizes the look but also improves space efficiency in production environments.
Key Design Improvements
Compact Footprint, Larger Capacity
The Cure L V2 is narrower than its predecessor, allowing more units to fit on a standard workbench. Despite the smaller footprint, it offers approximately 19% more internal curing volume, making it ideal for larger parts or higher batch throughput.
Enhanced Light Distribution
Internally, the curing chamber features staggered LED placement, with light sources positioned at multiple angles. This ensures more uniform UV exposure across the entire part, improving consistency and reducing weak points.
USB-C Connectivity and Firmware Updates
A USB-C port enables easy firmware updates, allowing users to access the latest curing profiles as materials evolve. This keeps the system aligned with ongoing resin innovations and performance optimizations.
Faster Curing with Advanced Heating Technology
One of the most significant upgrades is the transition to an active convection heating system. Unlike the original Cure L, which relied on passive airflow, the V2 uses internal fans to distribute heat evenly throughout the chamber.
The system heats rapidly, reaching 60°C in about 2.5 minutes and 80°C in roughly 6 minutes. It can also achieve a maximum temperature of 100°C, compared to 80°C in the previous generation.
Why Higher Temperatures Matter
Higher curing temperatures improve the final mechanical properties of printed parts. This is especially important for engineering-grade and high-temperature resins, where strength, durability, and heat deflection temperature are critical.
Upgraded UV Curing Performance
The Cure L V2 uses exclusively 405 nm wavelength LEDs, which have proven to be more effective than the mixed 375/405 nm setup in the original unit. Combined with significantly increased UV power, this results in faster and more efficient curing.
Overall, the system delivers up to five times the UV curing power, contributing to drastically reduced processing times.
Dramatic Speed Improvements
Speed is where the Cure L V2 truly stands out. Compared to the original Cure L, curing times are reduced across all material categories:
- General-purpose resins: ~60 seconds
- Engineering resins: 10–15 minutes (down from ~1 hour)
- High-temperature resins: ~15 minutes (down from up to 2 hours)
In some cases, this translates to curing speeds up to eight times faster, making a substantial impact on overall production throughput.
Smart Presets and Custom Profiles
The touchscreen interface offers a wide range of preloaded material profiles, including multiple variations for specific performance outcomes like elongation or tensile strength.
Users can also create custom presets, adjusting parameters such as temperature, cure time, and preheat duration. This flexibility allows for fine-tuning based on specific application requirements.
Who Should Upgrade?
Ideal for Production Environments
If you are running a high-throughput workflow with a Form 4 or Form 4L, the Cure L V2 is a clear upgrade. It eliminates curing delays and keeps pace with fast print cycles.
Great for Engineering and Dental Applications
Teams working with high-performance materials or dental resins will benefit from improved strength, faster turnaround, and more consistent results.
When the Original Cure L Still Works
For low-volume users or those occasionally printing large parts, the original Cure L may still be sufficient. However, it lacks the speed and efficiency gains of the V2.
Alternative: Cure 2 for Smaller Parts
If your workflow primarily involves smaller parts, the Cure 2 offers similar technological improvements in a more compact and cost-effective form factor.
Price vs Value
The Cure L V2 comes in at approximately $4,500, about $1,000 more than the original model. While the upfront cost is higher, the significant reduction in curing time and increased throughput can quickly offset the investment in production environments.
Final Verdict
The Cure L V2 is a purpose-built solution for modern resin 3D printing workflows. With faster curing, higher temperatures, improved UV performance, and better space efficiency, it addresses nearly every limitation of the original Cure L.