Discover our interview with Éric Sevin, Sales Manager EMEA at Prodways Machines, on how Prodways can support the development and growth of your dental laboratory.
With the adoption of 3D printing in dental prosthetics laboratories, it is essential to understand how this technology impacts practices and production capabilities. Éric Sevin shares the technological advancements of Prodways machines, presenting case studies and customer testimonials on the benefits of Prodways 3D printing.
What are the specific features of Prodways Machines for dental 3D printing ?
Éric Sevin: “Our machines stand out mainly due to our exclusive MOVINGLight® technology. This DLP technology features one or two projectors that print in a ‘top-down’ approach. The projector moves both vertically and horizontally to flash images of several square centimeters across the platform, with each pixel having a dimensional accuracy of 42 microns on the largest platform available (30 cm by 45 cm), ensuring perfect assembly in both removable and fixed prosthetics.
This advanced technology enables mass production while maintaining optimal quality. The LD series printers, such as the LD10 with one projector and the LD20 with two projectors, cater to the production needs of each prosthetics and aligner laboratory.”
Can you explain more about how the top-down technology works ?
Éric Sevin: “The top-down technology operates by projecting light from above the resin vat. During the printing process, the platform on which the parts are fabricated descends slightly with each new layer. A wiper spreads a thin layer of resin before the next layer begins printing. At the end of the process, the platform is fully immersed in the vat, and once completed, it rises to reveal the printed parts.
Notably, the projector flash lasts between 0.3 and 0.5 seconds per image (depending on the resins used), making the process very fast.
Layer height is one of the factors influencing productivity: generally, for implantology, our clients work with layer heights of 50 microns, while for crowns and bridges, layers range from 50 to 75 microns. For aligners, our technology allows clients to work with layer heights up to 150 microns.”
What are the advantages of top-down technlogy for dental laboratories ?
Dimensional Repeatability
“First of all, our technology ensures exceptional dimensional repeatability across the entire printing platform. This precision is crucial to maintaining consistent quality, especially in large-scale production.
Thanks to our MOVINGLight® technology, laboratories can maintain high standards in every print.”
Reduced Consumables & Waste
“Unlike traditional methods that illuminate resin from the bottom of the vat, our system illuminates from above. This reduces the risk of parts detaching during printing and the need for supports under the parts, simplifying post-processing and reducing resin consumption. Additionally, our LD10 & LD20 do not require consumables (films and plastic vats), generating significant savings.
One of our clients, who previously used bottom-up technology, experienced a 15% reject rate. Thanks to our technology, they were able to significantly reduce the risks associated with that configuration, improving the efficiency and reliability of their prints.”
How does Pordways optimize production times ?
Éric Sevin: “Prodways’ LD20 machines are equipped with two projectors, allowing for faster printing compared to models with a single projector, like the LD10.
By flashing twice as fast, the LD20 is particularly suitable for laboratories with intensive production needs.”
“Additionally, the Oqcam software, which can control our Promaker LD10 and LD20, optimizes production with its automatic 3D model placement. This automation significantly saves time in pre-processing steps for the operator.”
What are the unique aspects of Prodways’ resins ?
Éric Sevin: “Our resins are specially designed to offer high precision, exceptional dimensional stability, and high yield thanks to their rapid polymerization.
We constantly develop new resins for various dental applications to ensure our clients always have the best materials for their specific needs.
Our advantage lies in the fact that we design and manufacture both our 3D printers and our 3D resins. This allows us to control the entire production chain, guaranteeing our clients 100% commitment to print quality and 360-degree technical support.”
“Prodways machines are particularly suitable for numerous dental and medical applications. They enable the precise design of models for implantology, fixed prosthetics, removable prosthetics, custom impression trays, models for crowns, dentures, and aligner models. For most of these applications, it is possible to print on the same platform using the same resin. This represents a significant time-saving for dental technicians, thus optimizing the production process.”
How does Pordways support its clients ?
Éric Sevin: “We offer dedicated and responsive customer service. Our technical support team is available to assist our clients at every step, whether for usage questions, troubleshooting needs, or advice on optimizing production processes, remotely or on-site.
We also provide regular software updates and organize webinars and training workshops to keep our clients informed about the latest innovations and best practices.”
Can you give us a concrete example of success with your machines?
Éric Sevin: “For example, one of our clients in Brittany started with a single Prodways machine, producing about 40 models per day at the time. Today, with three machines, their production has soared to several hundred models daily, demonstrating how our technologies can significantly support the growth of our clients.”
Why Choose Prodways Machines for your Dental 3D Printing ?
Éric Sevin: “Prodways machines offer a unique combination of high production capacity, dimensional precision, repeatability, productivity, and reliability, supported by exceptional customer service and a commitment to continuous innovation.
No matter the size of your laboratory, we have the solution tailored to your specific needs. We invite you to contact us to discuss your particular requirements or to arrange a demonstration.”
FAQ on Dental 3D Printing with Prodways
Q: What is the accuracy of Prodways machines?
Éric Sevin: “Our machines offer an accuracy of 42 microns in X and Y, allowing for a perfect fit of the printed parts.”
Q: Are Prodways resins biocompatible?
Éric Sevin: “Some of our resins (PEI and complete resin) are biocompatible.”
Q: What is the lifespan of the projectors?
Éric Sevin: “The projectors have a lifespan of several years.”
Q: What are the advantages of Prodways 3D printing over other technologies?
Éric Sevin: “The absence of supports for certain models, precision, production capacity, and reduced consumable costs are among the key advantages.”
Q: How does Prodways ensure user training?
Éric Sevin: “We offer training sessions, webinars, and continuous support to ensure our clients fully master our technologies.”
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