Roland DG Launches New Dental 3D Printer and Automated Dental Mill to Advance Lab Workflow Efficiency

To shorten production timeframes and lower costs while maintaining the quality and consistency of dental restorations, an increasing number of dental laboratories are installing digital systems consisting of CAD/CAM software, digital scanners and milling machines to replace conventional casting methods. Since its launch in 2010, Roland DG’s DWX series dental mills have gained industry recognition for their desktop size, user-friendliness, robust reliability and open architecture, which has contributed to the widespread digitalisation of dental restorations such as crowns and bridges. The DWX-52DC adds exciting new features to further automate and expand the formerly labour-intensive process.

With a newly developed Automatic Disc Changer (ADC) capable of storing up to six discs, the DWX-52DC is fully equipped to mill a variety of precision dental restorations overnight to increase lab productivity. The included pin-type material adapter enables the setting up and milling of seven pin-type blocks consecutively. With the DWX-52DC’s expanded production capacity, a variety of dental restorations, including copings, crowns, full bridges, abutments, surgical guides and models can be produced. The 15-station Automatic Tool Changer (ATC) automatically replaces milling burs without interruption for the efficient milling of a wide range of materials, including zirconia, wax, PMMA, composite resin, PEEK, gypsum, CoCr sinter metal and fibre-reinforced resin.

The DWX-52DC is capable of simultaneous 5-axis machining which supports complex restorations with undercuts. Rather than being locked into one manufacturer, open architecture allows users to integrate the unit into their existing workflow with popular scanners, software and the latest materials. For continuous, reliable production, an air pressure system automatically changes the volume of air for the type of material being milled. The Virtual Machine Panel (VPanel) allows users to quickly configure settings for up to four machines from a single computer for high-volume production.

Roland also launches the DWP-80S today, as its first 3D dental printer, to assist in the production of dentures. According to Kohei Tanabe, Roland DG’s general manager of medical market development, denture production is still mostly carried out manually and requires an advanced level of skill. “Dental labs are seeking a more efficient, flexible digital solution to expedite the production of denture applications to accommodate the increasing demand from patients and clinics,” he said. To meet those demands, Roland DG developed the DWP-80S 3D printer to streamline the denture fabrication process.

The DWP-80S uses a proprietary projector lens to cure resin materials with UV-LED light. Bundled with the DWP-80S, new Quick Denta software provides a remarkably simple solution for the 3D printing of custom trays, base plates and frameworks. Using the easy-to-follow workflow wizard with pre-configured parameters, applications required for dentures can be printed in three simple steps, eliminating the need for time-consuming learning or editing time. The DWP-80S analyses the precision and fit required to choose the ideal number and layout of support points while adjusting for material shrinkage factors. The 80mm square work area is ideal for simultaneous printing of multiple units*.

“The DWP-80S 3D printer expands the field of digital dentistry with advanced 3D printing technology, while the DWX-52DC mill introduces a new level of automation for the production of dental restorations,” Tanabe said. “Together, the machines share the common mission of DGSHAPE, our new 3D business brand, to make life better through innovation with digital technologies that bring ideas to life, revolutionise business processes and shape a better future. We believe that our products combined with our extensive customer support will continue to revolutionise fabrication processes in the dental market,” he added, “while creating a more comfortable working environment.”

Roland will be showcasing both devices at the upcoming International Dental Show (IDS) in Cologne, Germany. Visitors to the Roland booth (Hall 3.1, Booth L030 / M029) will be able to see the machines up close and in action and discover for themselves the exciting commercial and clinical benefits the DWX-52DC and DWP-80S can bring to their laboratories. Roland will also be demonstrating the complete end-to-end digital workflow, including scanners, CAD/CAM, a range of Roland wet and dry milling devices, plus finishing equipment. For visitors looking to get the low-down on the latest industry trends, innovations and techniques, Roland is running more than 20 free seminars at its on-booth Seminar Zone. Hosted by internationally renowned speakers and experts in digital CAD/CAM, these sessions will give you valuable insight to help you move your business forward. To reserve your seminar place and get the latest news about Roland at IDS, visit RolandIDS2017.com.

* Approximate number of simultaneously printed components: up to 3 custom trays, up to 4 base plates, and up to 4 frameworks (quantities may vary depending on the size of components).