Glidewell to use Objet 3D printers for model production

Glidewell Laboratories, a provider of dental laboratory services to North America, has announced its latest collaboration with Objet Geometries Ltd. (Rehovot, Israel), innovation leader of 3-Dimensional printing systems. Objet provided Glidewell with the ability to manufacturer custom printed models and other precision dental parts using Objet's Eden™ 3-D Printing Systems.

Objet and Glidewell have long held a collaborative relationship for implementing Objet's ultra-thin layer, high-resolution 3-D printing systems on the laboratory production floor. Objet's printed parts were extensively tested and evaluated by Glidewell Laboratories. After comprehensive testing by Glidewell's 66-person R&D team, the printed parts for production were approved and qualified.

"Objet is delighted that a leading U.S. dental laboratory such as Glidewell Laboratories has chosen Objet's dental solution to improve its manufacturing processes," said Avi Cohen – Head of Medical Solutions at Objet. "We both believe that, in order to redefine the dental laboratory industry, we must implement the leading 3-D Printing technology to provide highly accurate and excellent quality models and parts at an affordable cost."

"Glidewell Laboratories has made great strides in case-to-case consistency using Objet's 3-D Printing systems to manufacture dental models for its dentist customers that utilize intra-oral digital scanners like Cadent iTero, Lava COS and Glidewell's own IOS system," said Grant Bullis, Director of CAD/CAM Engineering. "With Objet's technology in-house, we are able to improve our existing processes to not only ensure highly accurate models but also mass-produce them at a faster rate than other printing systems."

Through longstanding collaboration, Glidewell Laboratories' 10-person CAD/CAM engineering team has supplied Objet with constructive critique and input for the strategic dental manufacturing by sharing input and experience. This cooperative effort helps produce highly accurate models and is also focused on refining additional printing solutions. The value of this strong collaboration between Glidewell and Objet provides a very fast customization service as part of the support received.

Objet's 3-D printing solution is an exciting advance for dental technology. Dentists and dental laboratories will electronically submit their cases to Glidewell Laboratories, and the patterns and models are designed and printed. This new process also reduces shipping costs and improves turnaround time.

"Glidewell brings experience, knowledge, vision and the drive to move the global dental restorative technology forward," concludes Avi Cohen. "Glidewell continues to be a great source of inspiration for Objet, and we certainly look forward to working with them on future products."

About Glidewell Laboratories, Inc.

Glidewell Dental Lab is an industry leader thanks to its innovative dental technology, solutions-driven R&D department, and dedication to providing free clinical and technical education to dentists and laboratories worldwide. Glidewell Laboratories, Inc. was founded in 1970 and is based in Newport Beach, Calif., USA.

About Objet Geometries

Objet Geometries Ltd., the innovation leader in 3-Dimensional printing, provides 3-D printing systems that enable manufacturers and industrial designers to reduce cost of product development and dramatically shorten time-to-market of new products.

Objet's ultra-thin-layer, high-resolution 3-D printing systems and materials utilize PolyJet™ and PolyJet Matrix™ polymer jetting technologies to print ultra-thin layers. The market-proven Eden™ line of 3-D Printing is based on Objet's patented office-friendly PolyJet Technology. All Objet systems use Objet's FullCure® materials to create accurate, clean, smooth and highly detailed 3-D models. Objet systems are in use by world leaders in many industries, including dental, automotive, electronics, toy, consumer goods and footwear industries in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and Japan. Founded in 1998, Objet serves its growing worldwide customer base through offices in USA, Europe and Hong Kong, and a global network of distribution partners. Objet owns more than 50 patents and patent pending inventions.