Formlabs continues to enhance its 3D printing ecosystem with the introduction of new materials capable of producing dental components, including denture teeth.
At CES 2024 in Las Vegas, Somerville, Massachusetts-based Formlabs showcased these exciting innovations, including the Resin Pumping System and two key materials: Polypropylene Powder and Premium Teeth Resin. These advancements are poised to transform industries ranging from dentistry to industrial manufacturing, as noted by the company.
With over 130,000 printers sold globally, Formlabs has established itself as a leader in the 3D printing market. The launch of the Resin Pumping System and these new materials signifies a major leap forward in the efficiency, versatility, and scalability of their 3D printing solutions.
Dávid Lakatos, chief product officer at Formlabs, stated, “3D printing production is steadily increasing. The Resin Pumping System, Polypropylene Powder, and Premium Teeth Resin represent significant milestones in our mission to equip professionals with a complete ecosystem for bringing their ideas to life.”
The Resin Pumping System is designed to optimize production for Form 3 and Form 3L printers. This accessory enables unattended printing, significantly reduces resin costs, and cuts down on waste by delivering five liters of resin directly to the printer's tank, facilitating continuous printing for longer periods.
Available for $199, the Resin Pumping System utilizes five-liter containers of selected materials, offering an initial discount of at least 10% compared to traditional one-liter cartridges.
Furthermore, Formlabs introduced Polypropylene Powder to enhance its Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) portfolio. This material supports the production of polypropylene-based products, including home appliances, electronics, and sports equipment, leveraging the efficiency of the Fuse 1+ 30W 3D printers. With this addition, Formlabs now offers 45 in-house materials designed for prototyping and product design, addressing supply chain challenges effectively.
The Premium Teeth Resin, an FDA-registered material, aims to revolutionize dental 3D printing. Its nano-ceramic filled composition allows for the creation of realistic denture teeth and temporary full-arch restorations, offering durability and lifelike aesthetics while simplifying workflow.
Skydio's senior hardware development specialist, Eric Weinhoffer, remarked, “The Resin Pumping System provides a significant advantage in hardware development. It alleviates the hassle of constantly checking one-liter cartridges and ensures our printers keep running."
Premium Teeth Resin features biocompatible, FDA Class II certification, validated longevity, and the ability to be tailored to individual patient anatomy. Its unique properties mimic the translucence and opalescence of natural teeth, making it suitable for customizable digital dentures and temporary implant-supported restorations.
Christopher Baer, a dentist at Baer Dental, expressed his satisfaction, saying, “Formlabs Premium Teeth Resin provides the strength we need for denture teeth while allowing for effortless polishing that reveals a natural, lifelike translucency.”
With these advancements, Formlabs is not only optimizing the 3D printing process but also enhancing dental care solutions to meet diverse patient needs.