3M ESPE teams with 3D Systems, Astra Tech to improve wax-ups, abutments

3D Systems, a Rock Hill, SC-based provider of 3D modeling and rapid prototyping solutions, is partnering with 3M ESPE to offer compatibility between the 3M ESPE Lava Scan ST Design System and 3D Systems' high-volume dental-printing systems for digital production of dental wax-ups.

According to the companies, pairing 3M ESPE's Lava Scanner with 3D Systems ProJet DP 3000 Production System and InVision DP 3-D Modeler will enable 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 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. 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 at 3M ESPE. "The 3D Systems' Rapid Prototyping technology helps labs meet this objective and is a natural complement to the Lava digital platform."

In related news, 3M ESPE and Astra Tech are partnering to provide Astra Tech's Atlantis patient-specific abutments to 3M ESPE Lava customers. The two companies have developed an interface that will enable the Lava Scan ST Design System to communicate directly with Astra Tech's Atlantis technology. According to the companies, Lava Scan ST users will now be able to transfer digital scan information of the patients' oral geometry to Astra Tech's Atlantis design and manufacturing facilities worldwide, reducing the overall turn around time for abutments.