Carbon Unveils Expanded AO Suite and Innovations at IDS 2025

The world of dental technology is set for a major transformation as Carbon, a leading player in 3D printing for digital dentistry, announces its participation in IDS 2025 in Cologne, Germany. Happening from March 12 to March 15, 2025, at Hall 3.1, Stand L009, Carbon is poised to showcase a series of advancements designed to streamline workflows and enhance productivity in dental labs.

Introducing the AO Suite

At the forefront of Carbon's display is the expanded Automatic Operation (AO) Suite. This suite now features a variety of new solutions aimed at optimizing the efficiency of dental laboratories. The enhancements include the Automatic Printing Preparation (APP), new polishing cassettes compatible with all M Series printers, and an innovative parts retrieval basket that allows labs to collect printed parts seamlessly without interrupting ongoing operations.

The new parts retrieval basket is particularly designed for labs that operate with the AO backpack during staffed shifts. By providing the flexibility to access completed prints without halting production, this accessory exemplifies Carbon's commitment to enhancing workflow efficiency based on customer feedback. Since its launch last year, the AO backpack has already processed over 18,000 prints, significantly improving the daily operations of users.

Streamlined Pre-Printing Processes

The Automatic Printing Preparation (APP) feature automates key pre-processing steps such as part orientation, support generation, and labeling, thereby reducing manual intervention time significantly. This not only complements the AO backpack but can also function independently to maintain smooth printing queues, thus improving overall lab productivity.

The Polishing Cassette Expansion

Another highlight at IDS 2025 will be the introduction of the AO polishing cassette, now expanded for availability in the European market. Optimized for dental prosthetics and splints, this cassette utilizes advanced light dispersion technology to polish components directly during the printing process. The result? Smoother, sharper prints with less labor and intricate detail preservation. It is validated for use with leading materials such as Dentsply's Lucitone Digital Print™ and Keystone's Keysplint Soft™ Clear, ultimately enhancing the production of prosthetic bases and splints.

Launching Lucentra

In alignment with its automation advancements, Carbon will also introduce Lucentra™, an innovative offering catering to orthodontic labs and aligner manufacturers. This solution aims to produce clearer final thermoformed aligners with a suite of new tools, including optimized software, a new cassette for the Carbon L1 printer, and a cutting-edge material, UMA 20. Lucentra's technology is set to minimize layer lines on clear aligners, resulting in smoother printed models and improved clarity. Additionally, UMA 20 is specially formulated to create hollow models and offers extended longevity over previously used aligner materials.

Commitment to Innovation

According to Terri Capriolo, Carbon's Senior Vice President of Oral Health, “Our commitment to innovation is built on actively listening to dental labs and understanding their daily challenges, whether it's optimizing efficiency or enhancing patient care outcomes. The automation impetus with our AO Suite allows labs to dedicate their time and expertise to high-value tasks that elevate their operations and patient interactions.”

Terri adds, “We are witnessing tangible changes in North America, and we're excited to bring that momentum to Europe at IDS 2025, assisting even more labs in achieving groundbreaking levels of productivity and efficiency.”

Visitors attending IDS will have the opportunity to see firsthand how Carbon's AO solutions are setting the standard for future dental lab workflows. Carbon's emphasis on developing technology that meets the nuanced needs of the industry reflects its vision of advancing the future of manufacturing in dental health.

About Carbon

Carbon is at the forefront of 3D printing technology, enabling businesses to create superior products at greater speeds. With their revolutionary Carbon DLS™ process, which combines advanced printers, cutting-edge software, and high-quality materials, Carbon empowers engineers and designers to surpass traditional product development expectations. From prototyping to small and large-scale production, Carbon offers robust solutions for on-demand functional parts. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, Carbon passionately drives the future of manufacturing. To learn more, visit www.carbon3d.com.