The Digital Revolution: Rapid Prototyping: the Next Generation of CAD/CAM

By Kim Molinaro

Posted Apr 28, 2011 in Digital Dentistry


LMT looks at the next generation of automated technology: rapid prototyping, or additive manufacturing. Developed in the 1980s, rapid prototyping technology has been used in the automotive and aerospace industries. Now that a greater degree of precision can be achieved, automated systems for the rapid production of precious metal substructures are being introduced to the dental laboratory market. Here, LMT takes a sneak peek at BEGO USA's new system.



Much of the excitement about CAD/CAM has been focused on milling all-ceramic and non-precious restorations, leaving fabrication of precious metal frameworks to conventional methods--until now. The next generation of CAD/CAM systems on the horizon employs rapid prototyping technology and makes automated production of precious metal substructures a reality.


These new systems* take a different approach to substructure fabrication: instead of milling down a block of material--what's called subtractive...

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About The Author

  • Kim Molinaro

    Managing Editor at LMT Communications, Inc. · West Hartford, CT

    In her 25+ years with LMT, Kim has managed to combine her creative flair—infusing energy into our content and orchestrating some of our most popular theme issues—with the practical focus of keeping our processes...

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