So I have been thinking about getting a Forms 2, but was wondering about software to couple with it. Currently getting a lot of trios scans, seems to make sense to add a station to receive scns and possibly build and print models? I thought I could lean on the expertise of the people whom have been doing this for a bit longer. I expect to print full models for bleach trays, splints, and quads with single dies to check wk. occasionally. In the future, I would like to print the implant models, with abut./ti base in place. My questions are who are the resellers of the 3shape software in midwest and cost for model builder and design? Also, where will I get the best support with the printer and is 25$ a full arch enough to make profit for ROI on printer and software before they are junk.
Thanks so much in advance for any advice.
Hi Mike,
Do you currently have a scanner and CAD software? The reason I ask is that it will change what options you will have to get printing models in-house.
If you have a 3Shape scanner and CAD you will just need to add the model builder software, there are three different versions of the model builder for 3Shape. I can dig into the differences if it's helpful.
If you are using another CAD software like ExoCAD you will need to purchase a TRIOS inbox from 3Shape and maybe add the ExoCAD model builder.
If you don't have any CAD at all, well that can start getting pretty deep.
Without totally understanding your lab and it's current CAD CAM status I'll try to answer what I can.
Having a station to accept and build models from incoming IOS totally makes sense, especially if you have a few people in your CAD CAM department.
All the indications you listed are totally doable on the Form 2 printer and it's very easy to switch between materials on the printer once you start adding more printable products. The CAD software is a big variable, the more indications the more modules you might need to purchase. I'd recommend making a priority list together of indications you want to print. Lastly, if you are for example only doing a few splints it might make sense to check out a CAD outsourcing company like FullContour.com, this way you can manufacture the product without the learning curve and cost of the CAD to start.
Almost every Dental Lab CAD CAM reseller sells 3Shape so you have lots of options but it is also not always clear who is the best. Regretfully the midwest reseller I would have recommended is no longer selling and supporting 3Shape. But a few sellers to check out (in no particular order, sorry if I miss anyone): 3DBio CAD out of Seattle, CAP or Zahn Dental out of Boston, Whipmix out of Kentucky, and Argen out of San Diego.
CAP or Zahn Dental is a reseller of the Form 2 and they also sell 3Shape, so if you are looking for a one-stop shop they might be a good option. We also sell The Form 2 directly, regardless you are backed by our 75+ person support and service team if you buy from us or CAP.
Lastly and most importantly ROI. Like you mentioned outsourcing models can cost from $25 to sometimes as much as $50 depending on the case. In the Form 2 printing a simple quad model kit with die will cost you about $3 in material, a full arch model kit with die is about $6. Without labor or equipment cost if you are doing 20 models a month with an outsourcing bill of around $500 per month printing those parts in-house will be around $100 in material cost, saving around $400.
I hope this helps. If you give me some more info on your CAD situation I'd be happy to help you fill in the blanks.