Formlabs and 3Shape announce software integration

SOMERVILLE, Mass., and Copenhagen, Denmark, March 16, 2017 — Formlabs, the designer and manufacturer of powerful 3D printing systems, and 3Shape, the global leader in 3D scanning and CAD/CAM software for dental practices and labs, today announced a partnership to introduce software integration solutions to bring seamless dental 3D printing workflows to the worldwide market.

As its first and flagship integration solution, Formlabs and 3Shape debuted a dental-3D printing workflow that streamlines the guide design and manufacturing workflow for dental practitioners, making it easier and more affordable than ever to produce surgical guides.

“The integration between the Form 2 and industry leading products from 3Shape enables dental CAD/CAM workflows so streamlined that even chairside 3D printing becomes possible,” said Gideon Balloch, Dental Product Manager at Formlabs. “3Shape and Formlabs share a commitment in pioneering powerful, seamless and accessible technologies. We’re excited to continue pushing new boundaries in digital dentistry together.”

With the Formlabs-3Shape integration solution, dental practitioners can create guides ready for surgery by scanning with 3Shape TRIOS intraoral scannersand designing with 3Shape Implant Studio software, followed by simply hitting ‘print’ with Formlabs’ PreForm software, to finally 3D printing and manufacturing the guides with Formlabs’ biocompatible Dental SG resin — all within a matter of hours. While it used to take weeks, the Formlabs-3Shape integration creates a cost-effective chairside 3D printing workflow that makes even same-day guided surgery possible.

“The streamlined workflow between 3Shape TRIOS Implant Studio and Formlabs printers is a tremendous benefit for doctors,” said Birk Ploennigs, 3Shape, Product Director Implantology. “We now have surgeons designing and printing their own surgical guides in hours using integrated 3D printers like Formlabs ’ instead of waiting weeks, and at a fraction of the cost. Because of the huge time and cost savings, doctors are now using guides on every surgery when clinically applicable. This has translated into faster and more predictable treatments for their patients.”

“The Formlabs-3Shape integrated workflow streamlines my practice and allows me to do guided surgery efficiently and affordably,” said Dr. Daniel Whitley III DDS PA. “I can go from patient scans, to planned case, to fully manufactured guide with only a few clicks of the mouse. It is really a significant pairing of cutting-edge technology from two innovative companies.”

Further integrations across 3Shape’s suite of powerful dental software, including Dental System and Orthodontic System, are under development and planned for release throughout the year. These will enable a wide range of workflows that include restorative and orthodontics study models, splints and 3D printed dentures.

See demos of the Formlabs-3Shape integrated workflow at IDS (Koelnmesse, Germany, March 21-26, 2017): Formlabs (Hall 3.1, stand L70), 3Shape (Hall 04.2, stands L090, N091 and N090).