“We’ve been working with XJet NanoParticle Jetting technology for some time. Up to now it has been used for developing product iterations and providing proof of concept,” says Straumann VP Stephan Oehler. “Now we’re scoring the first product development project to reach the next level of bringing this technology to production of ceramic end-use parts. We believe this technology can scale up for production effectively; there’s a large print bed and with the soluble support material, we find post-processing simple and efficient.”
Recognized as a leading innovator enhancing the standards of dental patient care, Straumann was an early adopter of ceramic additive manufacturing as one of the first companies to invest in XJet NPJ technology. According to Oehler, Straumann was won over by the technology because of the accuracy of parts, shorter overall production cycles, and the game-changing soluble support material that allows unique ease-of-use.
“We work with ceramic in a lot of our products, so when we learned there was a new technology in the field, we looked into it. XJet convinced us with the quality of parts, the fine details and accuracy. In addition to that, the density of the material is extremely high, close to 100%, so it’s not like working with an ‘AM material.' We’re well-versed with the benefits of AM, so we knew that the freedom of design and complex geometries delivered by the technology, now for ceramic materials, could open up new product and application possibilities for the business,” states Philippe Chavanne, Head New Technology Competence Center, adding, “We were very impressed with the outstanding dedication and support provided by the XJet team, particularly Avi Cohen, Vice President, Healthcare and Education, who supported us in this collaboration from the very first moment.”
Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Straumann Group develops, manufactures, and supplies dental implants, instruments, biomaterials, CADCAM prosthetics, digital equipment, software, and clear aligners for applications in replacement, restorative, orthodontic, and preventive dentistry. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Straumann has been able to keep its XJet Carmel 1400 AM System running throughout.
“There’s already a demand for the ceramic parts produced on the Carmel 1400, and social distancing is viable because operation of the system is very simple, so we’ve been able to keep the system running even through the global pandemic,” states Oehler.
“It’s incredible working with global leaders such as Straumann who are passionate and innovative about the products and services they provide. Working with them to move into production parts is hugely motivating and we’re delighted to see our partnership go from strength to strength,” enthuses XJet CBO Dror Danai.
