3-D Printing Increases Production Capacity, Streamlines Workflow

"Rapid prototyping is the future," says Dennis Lanier, co-owner, Lab2000, a 30-person operation in Columbus, Georgia. "It's more material efficient and cost effective than milling. When printed zirconia copings and bridges come to market, they will replace the base metalwork with metal-free options that are affordable to everyone and with turnaround times that will bring the work back from overseas."

Although Lanier has been using CAD/CAM since 2004, his foray into rapid prototyping began about a year ago when he purchased the EnvisionTec Perfactory® Mini DDP printer which he's using with Zahn's Dental Wings scanner. The addition of the EnvisionTec DDP, which "prints" 3D wax/resin patterns that can be used for both pressed and cast restorations, has had a dramatic impact on his laboratory's productivity and workflow.

He's using the printer to extend his production hours without overtime and producing over 500 patterns per week, almost...