Following the launch of its FDA-approved 3D printable DENTCA resins earlier this year, digital 3D manufacturing company Carbon has announced a partnership with National Dentex Labs (NDX), ramping up the competition in the rapidly grown dental market.
By revenue, NDX is ranked as the largest network of dental labs in the U.S., with facilities in over 100 locations across the country.
As part of the agreement between the two companies, Carbon M2 3D printers will be installed in NDX labs nationwide, with roll-out expected to continue through 2019.
Digital Light Synthesis
Released early 2017, the M2 printer uses Carbon’s proprietary Digital Light Synthesis (DLS) technology, enabled by Continuous Liquid Interface Production (CLIP). An upgrade of the original M1 model, the M2 has double the build volume (7.4″ x 4.6″ x 12.8″) and is the workhorse behind adidas’ Futurecraft 4D 3D printed midsoles.
The M2 also plays a central role in Carbon’s SpeedCell system, a configuration that connects the 3D printers to a Carbon Smart Part Washer, boosting productivity.
Carbon dental
At NDX, the M2 will be used to make dental models, casting and implant guides. By opting for 3D printing, NDX will gain the ability to report manufacturing data and analytics across disparate locations.
In an update to its software design tools, Carbon also offers part traceability, embedding a unique serial ID on 3D printed components.
Tom Daulton, CEO of National Dentex Labs, comments, “3D printing has become integral to the dental industry and NDX is at the forefront of using this innovative technology, so we have deep experience with the many printer technologies on the market,”
“As we evaluated the options, we needed a solution and a partner that could scale with us while offering efficiencies, quality parts, and excellent support and service.”
A billion dollar opportunity
In the dental market, Carbon certainly is faced with some stiff competition – both 3D Systems and Stratasys recently announced new products and partnerships for dental.
Co-founder and CEO of Carbon Dr. Joseph “Joe” DeSimone’s view on this billion dollar opportunity follows; “Dental is an industry that shows the most promise for using digital fabrication for production at scale, particularly given its rigorous requirements of high throughput, accuracy of prints, fast turnaround, constant uptime and very responsive service,”
Additionally, “At Carbon, we engage closely with each of our customers to understand their individual requirements, and deliver the one-to-one support and services they need to accelerate their business and create amazing experiences for their customers,
“We’re there with them at every step of the process.”
Stay updated on the 3D dental market – subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter, follow us on Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
Search and post 3D Printing Jobs here.
Featured image shows Carbon gets its teeth stuck into a new 3D printing partnership. Photo via Carbon
