SprintRay has recently unveiled the Midas Digital Press 3D Printer to over 250 dental professionals at 3DNext, their summit in Miami, US. According to the company, the new 3D printer aims not only to transform dental restoration practices but also inspire an entirely new understanding of the future of 3D printing capabilities through its new technology.
With Midas, SprintRay revealed what is said to be the first and only Digital Press Stereolithography (DPS) technology and patent-pending Resin Capsule System, enabling the use of previously unworkable and highly viscous resins with 3D printing. The combined product and technology process is said to set an entirely new standard for what has been previously possible in 3D printing.
“Materials, more than anything, have dictated what is possible in the dental restoration field,” said Amir Mansouri, PhD., co-founder and CEO of SprintRay. “The introduction of Midas revolutionises both the manner in which material is transformed and reveals an entirely new paradigm of what can actually be printed. Until now, materials like ceramics were too thick for traditional 3D printers to handle. Midas changes everything. Not only does this innovation handle today’s ceramic-based materials but sets the stage for future advances in composites and ceramics. We are on the brink of a new era in biomaterial innovation, and we’re thrilled to be leading the charge.”
When Midas becomes available to dental professionals later this year, the company said that it will be the first truly new 3D printing methodology to be commercialised in four decades. Combined with SprintRay’s all-new AI Studio design software, chairside design and delivery of restorations aims to be a faster and more seamless experience.
“SprintRay’s Midas, in my opinion, is the biggest breakthrough in dentistry since September 1985, when the first CEREC inlay was milled. SprintRay has invented a new way to 3D print called ‘digital press stereolithography’, easily enabling the chairside fabrication of crowns, inlays, onlays and veneers. Their first Midas resin will have over 70% ceramic filler and can be printed in under eight minutes. And that’s just the beginning. Their announced partnership with Ivoclar for material development sets a tone for a very exciting future. Digital dentistry was just upended,” said Dr Wally Renne, DMD, a global leader in digital dentistry and co-founder of MOD Institute.
According to the SprintRay, Midas is the first 3D printer ever to use DPS technology, thus eliminating the need for large resin vats and other reusable parts. Utilising a vacuum-sealed Midas Resin Capsule that can print up to three units in less than eight minutes, Midas delivers clean, simple workflow without viscosity limitations. The patented process removes the boundaries chemists have previously faced to change the mechanical properties and aesthetics of resin.
The Midas Resin Capsule contains a pressurised resin chamber which houses viscous material that is pressed and dispensed into the build area using hydrodynamic principles. When finished, the build platform is extracted along with the printed restoration.
Complementing the printer, SprintRay has also introduceed AI Studio, a cloud-based design software that automates the creation of dental restorations. AI Studio integrates today with 3Shape, Dexis, and Medit scanners to give doctors the ability to edit and change the design including margin editing, positioning and adaptation adjustments, and edits to anatomy — all without requiring any CAD experience. A single click sends designs to Midas, including any .STL design file from any dental design software or lab for maximum convenience.
“Midas has changed what we view as possible in 3D printed materials. This new open platform allows an entire industry of material science innovators to explore a new galaxy of solutions. Biomaterial has a very exciting future that is going to result in monumental benefits for our customers and patients alike,” said Ehsan Barjasteh, PhD., head of the SprintRay Biomaterial Innovation Lab.
According to the company, Midas and AI Studio, combined with NanoCure, signify an advancement in dental restoration manufacturing, characterised by speed, simplicity, and groundbreaking innovation in restorative materials. The waitlist for Midas is now open, with deliveries set to begin in Q4 2024.
Related: 2024 VISION Summit: SprintRay to unveil next-gen resin portfolio and product roadmap
