Align Technology completes the acquisition of Cubicure

Align Technology, a leading global medical technology company, announced the completion of its acquisition of Austrian 3D printer manufacturer Cubicure.

The transaction, which closed on January 2, 2024, strengthens Align’s position in the field of digital orthopedics and restorative dentistry and marks an important step in the evolution of 3D printing.

Cubicure, known for its innovative direct 3D printing solutions for polymer-based additive manufacturing, brings its patented Hot Lithography technology to the Align Digital Platform. This technology enables the processing of highly viscous resins and produces particularly durable and temperature-resistant polymers. This precise 3D printing technology makes it possible to produce durable components with unprecedented material quality.

The acquisition expands Align’s 3D printing capabilities and strengthens its product portfolio, which now includes the Invisalign Palatal Expander System. This innovation represents Align’s first orthodontic appliance produced directly by 3D printing.

Commenting on today’s announcement, Joe Hogan, Align Technology president and CEO said, “The acquisition of Cubicure brings a talented team and unique cutting-edge technology into Align and will enable us to scale our 3D printing operations to eventually direct print millions of custom appliances per day. Direct 3D printing enables Align to create 3D printed solutions without the added step of first creating a mold, making 3D printing more sustainable and efficient. I am excited to take this important step in our relationship with Cubicure, which began several years ago as a joint development program.”

“Align has invested billions of dollars on innovation over the past 27 years, including next-generation 3D printing technologies to process high-performance polymers,” said Srini Kaza, Align senior vice president, product research & development. “We’ve been working with Cubicure for years and I am thrilled that they are now officially employees of Align and members of our R&D organization. We’re at the beginning of this next wave of direct 3D printing additive manufacturing and I believe we’re poised to transform the orthodontic industry again with our unprecedented ability to direct print devices.”