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Let’s talk about resources
Up to 85 per cent of the material is lost in the milling process. By contrast, 3D printing only uses the material that is actually needed – to build the workpiece itself and the support structure required for the building process. The light-curing resins are applied layer by layer and cured with light. This way, the design data can be used to produce the particular workpiece using a minimal amount of resource material.
Depending on the size of the build platform, several workpieces of the same material can be printed simultaneously per print job. Material usage is manageable, and the acquisition costs for 3D printers are comparatively low. In addition, printers do not incur costs for the regular maintenance and replacement of tools, unlike milling machines. The light-curing auxiliaries can be printed quickly, cost effectively and accurately without a model. In contrast, milling machines can only process one job per run.
Only a few restorations can be milled from a material block or disc before they have to be replaced. It needs to be mentioned, however, that many mills are equipped with a built-in material and tool changer for automatic changes so that several jobs involving different types of materials can be processed in sequence without manual involvement on the part of the operator.
Individual factors are decisive
Ultimately, the question of how far you should go to digitalize your laboratory is a matter of interfacing dental technical knowledge with digital technologies. Both the milling procedure and 3D printing come with their own unique advantages. If a laboratory knows how to use these technologies to its best advantage, new possibilities in the design and production of restorations will emerge. Laboratories can increase their efficiency and put themselves in an even better position to meet the demands of patients for affordable, esthetic and functional tooth replacements.
So, you may wonder which path to digitalization is best for you. The answer depends on your individual circumstances: What is the focus of production in your laboratory? Are you already using some digital technology? Are you looking towards optimizing the manufacturing methods and processes you are currently using or do you want to replace them and go completely digital? Do you produce a large number of models, drilling templates and splints? Do you do a lot of jobs that require the use of lithium disilicate or zirconium oxide
Given the comprehensive selection of material and the correspondingly wide range of applications, milling technology often dominates the considerations. As the number of jobs implemented with the milling machine keeps growing, machine utilization increases and profitability improves. 3D printing, on the other hand, offers a high level of efficiency and a fast route to profitability, not least due to the fact that several workpieces can be printed simultaneously. If you want to digitalize the press technique or produce splints and drilling templates using an efficient method, using a 3D printer offers advantages.
However, the choice of materials is significantly less varied at the present. Combining both manufacturing technologies is also an option worth considering. If a mill is already in use, the scope of production and the added value for the laboratory can be increased by the additional use of a 3D printer. While the milling machine produces the crowns, inlays or bridges using ceramics or metal alloys and thus specifically processes those jobs that account for a large share of the laboratories value creation, the 3D printer can cover the need for all additional process-supporting workpieces. The result: The laboratory benefits from a faster, easier and more reliable workflow.
