Structo released two new 3D printers for orthodontic labs designed for improved efficiency for practices.
Structo, a dental 3D printing solutions provider, announced a new line of dental 3D printers releasing later in the year.
Powered by Structo’s next-generation proprietary technology, Mask Stereolithography (MSLA) 2.0, the new ST-01 and ST-32 3D printers introduce better efficiency and unit economics for dental and orthodontic laboratories.
“Macroeconomic challenges such as the global labor crunch, and supply chain uncertainties from the pandemic have led to increased day-to-day operational costs for our customers, hurting their bottom line,” said Desmond Lim, Structo’s chief executive officer. “The team knew these were pressing issues that need to be addressed immediately, and we are happy to be announcing a new range of solutions targeted at solving these immediate challenges.”
ST-01 3D Printer
ST-01 is a floor standing MSLA-powered 3D printer that is designed for high throughput digital production in dental and orthodontic labs.
With a large build volume, dental laboratories will be able to deploy the printer for high throughput production. For laboratories manufacturing clear aligners, ST-01 has a throughput of 9 clear aligner models every 15 minutes.
Paired with Structo’s solventless post-processing workflow, users will be able to get parts ready for thermoforming in 30 minutes. It is also designed for medium and large dental and orthodontic labs, where case volumes require high throughput production.
ST-32 Automated 3D Printer
ST-32 is a MSLA-powered 3D printer built with automation features to enable lights-out manufacturing. Incorporating automation elements in an enclosed cell, ST-32 allows for the continuous printing of clear aligner models with minimal labor by eliminating several non value-add processes in between print jobs.
While MSLA 3D printing is quick, technicians can lose time attending to the printer in between print jobs. Structo set out to solve this problem when developing ST-32 by integrating some automation elements.
ST-32 incorporates a gantry system that automates the changeover process in between print jobs. Each job is printed on an EZrelease magnetic sheet, with full traceability, that allows for easier part removal further down the process.
Once a print job is completed, the gantry system will remove the sheet with the freshly-printed parts and store it in a magazine within the cell. It will then insert a new EZrelease sheet to start a new print job.
Automation allows dental laboratories to run after hours print jobs, returning the next day to an entire magazine of printed models ready for the next phase in their appliance making process.
At peak capacity, ST-32 will be able to print up to 24 EZrelease sheets in a span of 8 hours without needing any technician intervention. The magazine is able to store up to 32 EZrelease sheets at any given time.
