SolFlex Series - Industrial-Grade 3D DLP Dental Printers
Inside Dental Technology delivers updates on digital workflows, materials, lab techniques, and innovation in dental technology through expert articles and videos.
November 1, 2017
Volume 8, Issue 11, November 2017
Page(s): p. 1
VOCO introduces its SolFlex series of industrial-grade 3D printers, which offer innovative features for easier and more efficient workflow within the dental laboratory while ensuring higher process reliability.
SolFlex 3D printers have proven performance for 24/7 mass production in the hearing aid industry and possess the robustness necessary for the dental laboratory.
Three key innovations make VOCO and its series of SolFlex 3D printers leaders in DLP printing technology.
With their patented Flex-Vat, SolFlex 3D printers differentiate themselves from others on the market with the flexible SolFlex tray, made out of one piece of state-of-the-art silicone. Through this innovative technology, the peeling forces during manufacturing are significantly reduced, enabling the printer to work more quickly. Additionally, the number of required support structures is reduced, saving post-processing time and material.
Another innovative SolFlex feature is Pixel Stitch Technology (PST). Most 3D printers have one light source mounted in the middle of the printing platform. VOCO’s SolFlex 350 and 650 printers have an advanced Texas Instrument DLP light source that moves into different positions in order to keep an equal distance between the light source and the build object. With PST, build quality and precision remain high regardless of where the object is placed on the platform. This is especially important for high-precision objects like crown and bridge models with dies.
VOCO also offers Sensor Monitored Production (SMP) as an optional feature on each SolFlex model. SMP is performed by a sensor that measures the peeling forces emerging on the Flex-Vat surface. This information is used by the SolFlex printer to control and optimize the build speed, which increases process efficiency and reliability and reduces time and material-consuming print failures. In fact, for most print jobs, SMP reduces print time by up to 40%.
SolFlex 3D printers are open source. That means they can use other companies’ print materials (385 nm) and utilize the open STL file format for processing.
Nonetheless, VOCO minimizes the variables and potential incompatibilities involved in the entire process by producing both 3D printers and 3D print material. Currently, VOCO offers a model material and an FDA-approved clear orthodontic material that can be used for splints and other orthodontic appliances, as well as for surgical guides. Additional 3D printing materials will be available in the coming months.
VOCO’s SolFlex 3D printers offer speed, precision, reliability, and innovation, all from a trusted dental company. Different service packages offer 24-hour loaner exchange, as well as job continuation solutions with professional dental laboratory technicians on-call to provide answers and support.
VOCO
vocoamerica.com
