The company Carbon will showcase new developments in additive manufacturing for dental laboratories at the International Dental Show (IDS) 2025 in Cologne. The focus is on the advancement of the AO Suite, an automation platform that includes various features to enhance efficiency and scale production. In addition, new materials and workflow optimizations will be introduced, particularly for 3D printing of dentures, splints, and aligner models.
A key element of the AO Suite is Automatic Print Preparation (APP), which automates essential steps such as orientation, support structures, and labeling. This solution can be used independently or in combination with the existing AO Backpack feature, reducing manual intervention and accelerating the production process. The system is complemented by the new Parts Retrieval Basket, an accessory for the AO Backpack platform, which allows printed parts to be retrieved flexibly without interrupting ongoing print jobs. This feature is particularly beneficial for laboratories that operate continuous multi-shift production.
Another highlight of IDS 2025 is the introduction of the AO Polishing Cassette for the European market. This system is optimized for the M3 and M3 Max printers and enables improved surface quality through integrated light scattering during the printing process. It is compatible with various materials, including Dentsply’s Lucitone Digital Print and Keystone Keysplint Soft Clear. The goal is to minimize post-processing while maintaining high precision and fine details in the printed components.
Additionally, Carbon is introducing Lucentra, a new solution for the production of clear aligner models. This includes optimized software, a specialized cassette for the Carbon L1 printer, and the new UMA 20 material. The combination of these components is designed to reduce visible layer lines and improve the clarity of thermoformed aligners. UMA 20 has been specifically developed for hollow model production and offers a longer shelf life compared to previously used aligner model materials.
“Our push for innovation in this space is built on listening to dental labs and truly understanding the challenges they face every day—whether it’s the pressure to optimize efficiency or their commitment to better serve their patients and improve outcomes. By driving automation with our AO Suite, we empower labs to focus their time and expertise on the highest-value tasks that elevate their operations and deliver the greatest impact on patient care,” said Terri Capriolo, Senior Vice President, Oral Health at Carbon.
“We’re already seeing these solutions drive real transformation across North America, and we’re excited to bring that momentum to Europe at IDS 2025, helping even more labs unlock new levels of productivity and efficiency,” she added.
By presenting these new technologies at IDS 2025, Carbon aims to make its solutions accessible to the European market and demonstrate how digital processes can further advance 3D printing in dentistry. Visitors to the exhibition can learn more about the new systems and their functionality in detail at Carbon’s booth in Hall 3.1, Stand L009.
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