By Pidalka44, via Wikimedia Commons
Scheu Dental announce digital orthodontic collaboration
One angle the 3D printing-obsessed media has picked up on over the past year or so has been the technology and its applications in the medical and dental fields.
Stories such as the 3D-printed trachea and prosthetics for the disabled have made the headlines, begging the question, what miracles will the technology perform next?
TCT Show + Personalize on September 25th and 26th aims to showcase every way the technology is revolutionising core industries, and the medical and dental sectors are due to be well represented both by the companies that have signed up to exhibit on the main show floor and even in the companies that have registered to attend the event as visitors.
One of the industries' most powerful players 3D Systems is set to be a big presence at the Show, with CEO Avi Reichental taking to the stage for his hotly-anticipated keynote speech, while 3D Systems commands one of the biggest stands on the show floor.
The company's 3D printing technology has a broad reach, which includes the medical sector. The company's Accura ClearVue material is a proven favourite with medical modelling companies.
Industry giant Stratasys, too, has been making its mark on the healthcare sector, with its own VeroDentPlus MED690 dental material for its Objet EdenV series of 3D printers, which can be used in conjunction with open intra-oral impression and plaster scanners and is optimised for producing models for precisely-shaped implants, bridges and crowns.
Commenting on the importance of 3D printing and its role in the medical and dental sectors Director of Global Dental at Stratasys Avi Cohen stated: "We are dedicated to bringing added value to our dental lab customers through new 3D Printer and material innovations."
Not to be left in the shade, engineering dynamo Renishaw has teamed up with German dental prosthodontics specialist BEGO Bremer Goldshlagerei Wilh Herbst to develop orthodontic applications using additive manufacturing.
Moreover, TCT Show exhibitor LayerWise has its own DentWise branch specialising in dental applications, while DSM's Somos materials are utilised for a range of healthcare applications and prototype and production mouldings experts RP Mouldings are also proud to serve the medical sector.
As well as rapid prototyping experts playing a solid role in advancing medical and dental technologies, 3D scanning and metrology services are also playing a pivotal role in supporting doctors, dentists and surgeons. TCT Show exhibitor Nikon Metrology, for example, offers a complete range of examination and measurement services for the inspection of components and medical devices, with the company’s machines also performing highly accurate dental scans to ensure the correct positioning and orientation of dentures crafted by dental technicians in the clinic.
The growing role of 3D printing and its related technologies in the medical and dental sectors is something all the major industry players recognise. In addition to there being a broad range of medical and dental applications showcased on the main show floor, there will be representatives from companies in the healthcare sector attending the event itself, with registered organisations including Summit Medical, Martin Baker and BD Medical.
