The InVision (TM) DP 3-D Printer quickly and efficiently produces castable wax-ups for copings and bridges for up to 16 elements from scans and designs done directly in the dental lab. It provides dental labs with an integrated solution that includes a 3-D Scanner, design software and a customized InVision(TM) 3-D Printer. The system converts digital input data to castable wax-up shapes using a proprietary material designed specifically for dental molding applications.

"We are delighted to be able to deliver to our dental lab customers a revolutionary new rapid manufacturing solution designed to help them improve their bottom line," said Abe Reichental, 3D Systems' president and chief executive officer. "What dental labs need today is the ability to increase their productivity and improve the quality, consistency and delivery of their product to dentists' offices. Our comprehensive, turnkey InVision(TM) DP system solution harnesses our extensive rapid manufacturing experience to enable dental labs to transition smoothly from current legacy techniques to the digital mass customizing age."

With the launch of a system targeted to the dental lab industry, 3D Systems is responding to the growing demand for rapid and affordable dental services. Based on a recent study made by economists at the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, as reported on Fortune.com, Americans spent $84 billion in 2005 on dental treatments. That figure is expected to grow up to almost 7% annually through 2014, when total outlays are expected to be $147 billion. Currently, dental labs in the United States produce approximately 55 million dental prostheses annually, and with the ever-growing emphasis on improved dental health and cosmetic appearance, this volume is steadily increasing.

"As you may recall, several months ago an independent panel of technicians, in the second annual WOW! issue of the Journal of Dental Technology, named our InVision(TM) 3-D Printer one of the most innovative and ground-breaking technologies for the dental industry. We are very proud of the fact that our InVision(TM) 3-D Printer was named one of 13 impressive technologies because of its significant productivity, accuracy and economy," continued Reichental.

"Of significant importance to our dental lab customers is the fact that our integrated InVision(TM) DP 3-D Printer solution is capable of producing readily castable customized master patterns for 150 individual copings in less than six hours.

"Beyond the dramatic increase in productivity, for the first time our dental lab users can identify fabrication conflicts prior to construction, and the reduction in grain sizes and larger number of grains results in improved internal fit and margin adaptation when compared to conventional dental technologies, attributes that result in enhanced overall patient experience."

About 3D Systems Corporation

3D Systems is a leading provider of rapid 3-D printing, prototyping and manufacturing solutions. Its systems and materials reduce the time and cost of designing products and facilitate direct and indirect manufacturing by creating actual parts directly from digital input. These solutions are used for design communication and prototyping as well as for production of functional end-use parts: Transform your products.

More information on the company and its products is available at www.3dsystems.com, or via email at moreinfo@3dsystems.com.

Source: www.tmcnet.com