Are you an open systems candidate?

If you can answer "yes" to the three questions below, then open architecture CAD/CAM is your best choice.

Determination of whether a lab should pursue open system architecture is a function of CAD/CAM knowledge, preparedness to adopt some level of integrator responsibility, and risk preparedness.


KNOWLEDGE

Do you have suitable integrator skills? This requires either learning, or recruiting, or partnering with an experienced integrator in the dental domain. These skills should include;
• Familiarity with computer systems, network domains, file types (specifically 3D data) and use of application programs.
• An understanding of scanning, Computer Aided Design (CAD), and manufacturing techniques such as NC programming and milling, or rapid prototyping (additive manufacture).
• Ability to define required technical specifications and interfaces, and test those specifications in a production application.
• Shop-floor performance tracking and problem resolution.

PREPAREDNESS

Do you have the desire to become involved in the aforementioned knowledge topics for the benefit of the business, and be fault-tolerant to early implementation issues?
"Rome wasn't built in a day" is a term which comes to mind. Success typically will take more work than the easy route of buying into a closed system.

RISK PREPAREDNESS

Do you embrace the risks that are inherently a part of putting together an open-architecture system?
With thorough research, and adequate purchase specifications, buying open system components is low risk. Without thorough research, it can be a very expensive proposition. If you are prepared to write-off the occasional error, you are a much better candidate. If you are strongly risk averse - and like "cookie-cutter" solutions, then this is not the environment.

- Mervyn Rudgley

3M™ ESPE™ Lava™ Chairside Oral Scanner (C.O.S.).

3D Systems Corporation, a leading provider of 3-D Modeling, Rapid Prototyping and Rapid Manufacturing solutions, announced that 3M has selected 3D Systems’ Viper™ Pro SLA® technology for the digital production of dental models. This Rapid Manufacturing platform will seamlessly integrate with the soon-to-be-released 3M™ ESPE™ Lava™ Chairside Oral Scanner (C.O.S.).

Under an engineering development agreement, 3D Systems is co-developing a proprietary Rapid Manufacturing methodology for the production of accurate, durable models of individual teeth and arches with crisp resolution that combines the 3M ESPE Chairside Oral Scanning technology with the Viper™ Pro SLA® System and a new proprietary Accura® SL Material. Selected by 3M for its accuracy, repeatability, detail and production capacity, the manufacturing capable Viper™ Pro SLA® System converts proprietary materials and composites into solid cross-sections, layer by layer, until three-dimensional models are built.

Additionally, 3D Systems and 3M ESPE developed a proprietary new material specifically for this high-volume, high-resolution application. The new Accura® Material exhibits high detail, higher durability and offers superior resolution and precision. 3M ESPE will introduce the Lava™ C.O.S. to dentists in North America and Europe in 2008. The Lava™ C.O.S. will provide an alternative to the traditional dental impression process and enable the high-speed 3-D motion capture of tooth anatomy used to create PFM and all-ceramic crowns and bridges manufactured by dental labs