Stratasys introduced the Objet30 OrthoDesk 3D printer, designed for smaller orthodontic labs and clinics, at this week's International Dental Show (IDS) in Cologne, Germany.
Digital orthodontics offers many business advantages -- including the ability to significantly shorten delivery times, increase production capacity, and eliminate bulky model storage -- but cost considerations have made 3D printers practical only for larger labs, Stratasys noted in a press release.
Objet30 OrthoDesk can fit on a desktop in any lab and is designed to automate the entire workflow from CAD file to model fabrication. By transitioning to a fully digital workflow, the process of physical impressions can be eliminated as well. In addition, models can be stored digitally.
The Objet30 OrthoDesk comes with specialized dental printing materials in sealed cartridges, and can be used to produce stone models, orthodontic appliances, delivery and positioning trays, clear aligners, retainers, and surgical guides. As many as 20 models can be created with every print run, according to Stratasys.
