Objet, Clearstep enter collaboration for digital orthodontic solutions

Dec 8 2010

Objet Geometries Ltd., the innovation leader in 3D printing for rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing, today announced collaboration with Clearstep Laboratories, a leading provider of digital orthodontic solutions. Objet's high resolution, 3D printing systems will facilitate Clearstep™ to become more efficient in manufacturing custom-made orthodontic clear aligners on a mass scale. Working together, Clearstep and Objet will bring the advantages of digital printing technology to orthodontics.

The Clearstep Solution is a series of clear, removable aligners designed to align the patient's teeth, which both orthodontists and dentists use as an alternative to traditional metal braces. The clear aligners consist of individual parts vacuum-formed using Objet's printed models. The Clearstep manufacturing center is one of the most advanced digital production center in the UK. The production is heavily supported by Objet 3D printing systems, which help to reduce the time required for the clear braces production process.

"Objet and Clearstep have teamed up to implement Objet's ultra-thin layer, high-resolution 3D printing applications in the Clearstep production process," said Avi Cohen, Head of Medical Solutions at Objet. "We expect this cooperation will increase overall manufacturing productivity and offer significant benefits to Clearstep customers."

Alistair McCance, Managing Director of Clearstep commented: "The Clearstep solution was developed  by one of the country's leading orthodontists, Dr Andrew McCance, who understands the unique treatment and compliance needs of advanced orthodontic solutions. The digital production center combines the unique benefits of the Clearstep solution combined with a series of Objet's 3D printing systems. We are continually looking for ways to increase productivity and expect that our all-in-one digital workflow will help to improve the service to our customers and to augment the productivity of our highly skilled local lab technicians."

"We see this as a significant orthodontic solution that teams together two leading technologies. We recognize the high value of Clearstep's solution and we believe that by bringing it together with Objet's 3D printing systems, we shall achieve top results for the benefit of users worldwide," concludes Avi Cohen.