ClearCorrect enlists Objet printers for 3D printed orthodontic devices

Giving the public a peak into the company's production process, ClearCorrect LLC, recently announced that 3D printers from Objet Ltd. are an integral part of the production of the company's clear orthodontic aligners. The company recently installed a number of Objet 3D printers at its Houston manufacturing center for industrial scale 3D print production of dental models.

The 3D printed models are created for each step of the patient's treatment. The clear aligners are thermoformed on top of the models and then the aligner and the model are sent to the prescribing doctor. This allows the doctor to produce a replacement aligner from the model to replace a patient's lost or broken aligner from right in his or her practice. In a press release ClearCorrect CEO Jarrett Pumphrey said the digital model production will allow ClearCorrect to scale up production quickly without reducing quality to meet any rises in demand.

Read the full press release below:

Houston, TX and Rehovot, Israel, June 12, 2012 – ClearCorrect LLC, a leading manufacturer of clear aligners, today announced collaboration with Objet Ltd., the innovative leader in 3D printing for rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing. ClearCorrect is making Objet’s high resolution, 3D printing systems an integral part of its mass-scale manufacturing of custom-made orthodontic aligners. Together, ClearCorrect and Objet are bringing the advantages of digital 3D printing technology to orthodontics.

The ClearCorrect manufacturing center, located in Houston, Texas, is one of the most advanced digital production centers in the USA. Essential to its operation are a number of recently installed Objet 3D printing systems, making ClearCorrect a major user of the technology in the dental industry. “With the recent implementation of these Objet 3D printing systems, we now have the means to scale rapidly and efficiently in the global market while maintaining the highest quality,” commented ClearCorrect CEO, Jarrett Pumphrey.

The Objet 3D printing systems are a key component of the ClearCorrect process in that they produce the plastic models of each step of the patient’s treatment. ClearCorrect then thermoforms the models to create the clear aligners. Instead of just sending the doctors the clear aligners for the patient, ClearCorrect includes the plastic models along with the clear aligners so that the doctors can use them as needed to fabricate replacement aligners should a patient lose or break an aligner. This way, both the doctor and the patient benefit in costs and saving time as usually a patient would have to wait a couple weeks to receive the replacement aligner.

“Objet and ClearCorrect have worked together to implement Objet's ultra-thin layer, high-resolution 3D printing solutions in the ClearCorrect production process,” said Avi Cohen, Head of Medical Solutions at Objet. "We expect this cooperation will increase overall manufacturing productivity and by bringing together the ClearCorrect system and technology with Objet’s 3D printing systems, we shall achieve top results for the benefit of users worldwide”.

About ClearCorrect LLC

ClearCorrect works with more than 11,000 doctors making it a leading manufacturer of clear aligners. The company offers a more affordable and doctor-friendly approach, including a phase-based delivery system to enhance flexibility and control for doctors. For more information, visit www.clearcorrect.com or call (888) 331-3323.

About Objet

Objet Ltd. is a leading provider of high quality, cost effective inkjet-based 3D printing systems and materials. A global company, Objet has offices in North America, Europe, Japan, China, Hong Kong, and India. Objet’s 3D printing systems and 3D printing materials are ideal for any company involved in the manufacture or design of physical products using 3D software or other 3D content. Companies using Objet’s solutions can be typically found in sectors such as consumer goods & electronics, aerospace & defense, automotive, education, dental, medical and medical devices, architecture, industrial machinery, footwear, sporting goods, toys and service bureaus.Founded in 1998, the company has thousands of customers worldwide including a substantial share of the relevant Fortune 100 and Fortune 500. Its award-winning technology (13 awards in 8 years) is based upon over 110 patents and patent pending inventions. For more information, visit www.objet.com.