3D Systems collaborates with 3M to offer dental model production

3D Systems Corporation, a provider of 3D Modeling, Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing solutions, today announced it will collaborate with 3M ESPE to offer compatibility between the 3M ESPE Lava Scan ST Design System and 3D Systems' high-volume dental printing systems for seamless digital production of dental wax-ups.

3M ESPE's Lava Scanner, paired with 3D Systems' newly launched ProJet DP 3000 Production System and InVision DP 3D Modeler, enables dental laboratories to reliably design and manufacture precision wax-ups for dental professionals. The design system includes a precision optical 3D scanner and a PC-based design station. Computer-aided design (CAD) files are electronically transferred to the 3D production system to "print" wax-ups layer by layer during an additive process for a smooth surface finish.

The 3D Systems' line of high-volume DP systems can manufacture more than 100 dental units each build cycle, producing full cast crowns, bridges, partial frameworks and full contour units.

"Our lab customers are continually looking for ways to grow their business and increase productivity," said Wayne Roen, director of digital restorative dentistry, 3M ESPE. "The 3D Systems' Rapid Prototyping technology helps labs meet this objective and is a natural complement to the Lava digital platform."

For more information, see ILS magazine's: May 23 article.