3D Systems, one of the world’s largest 3D printing companies with a vast portfolio of machines and materials, just launched its smallest 3D printer, the NextDent LCD1. Measuring about the size of a drip coffee maker, this resin 3D printer can sit comfortably on any dental office countertop.
The compact footprint, combined with basic touchscreen operation, makes this an attractive printer for small operations looking to enter dental 3D printing to produce low volumes of parts, such as molds, trays, guides, full and partial dentures, splints, and long-term temporaries. The NextDent LCD1 aims to “accelerate the adoption of additive manufacturing as part of every dentist’s workflow and provide opportunities to improve the patient experience,” the company says.
Don’t let the size and ease of use fool you, 3D Systems has decades of experience in dental 3D printing, and it has loaded some of its proven technology from the NextDent 5100 into this small package.
3D Systems is squarely addressing the accessibility hurdle in dental 3D printing with this entry-level machine, which it hopes will create life-long 3D Systems customers who move up to the company’s other, larger dental machines as their practices expand.
“We have a rich history as a leading innovator in both 3D printing technology and dental materials,” says Stef Vanneste, vice president & general manager of dental at 3D Systems. “We firmly believe that these products will further enable the adoption of 3D printing in dentistry and improve the patient experience.”
Another giant amount 3D printer makers, Stratasys, launched what it calls an entry-level dental 3D printer in February 2023. The Dental J3 DentaJet, however, is multi-material and larger.
LCD1 Features
The NextDent LCD1, as you might guess, features LCD (liquid crystal display) technology, also called masked stereolithography (MSLA), which is uncommon among dental 3D printers. It’s faster than other types of resin 3D printing. The LCD1 has a print speed of 4.5 cm per hour, an XY resolution of 49 μm, and a small layer height (30 – 150 μm).
All resin 3D printing requires post-process washing and curing parts. The NextDent LCD1 has companion machines to handle these tasks.
The NextDent Resin Wash is a two-container washing system using Ethanol, IPA, or washing solvent featuring a magnetic stirrer. The small LED NextDent Cure Station can accommodate a typical LCD1 batch.
Compatible with New and Legacy NextDent Resins
3D Systems launched two new dental resins alongside the LCD1 that are also compatible with the company’s other dental 3D printers. The LCD1 is compatible with all 12 of 3D System’s dental resins.
NextDent Base resin is suitable for printing all types of removable denture bases. This material is the third generation of the 3D System’s denture base material for 3D printing and is comparable to conventional denture base materials, the company says. It’s designed to provide patients with long-lasting, impact-resistant dentures. NextDent Base will be available in four colors to match a variety of aesthetics and is planned to be available for ordering in select markets later this year.
NextDent Cast is a residue-free, easy burn-out 3D printing material suited for a variety of casting applications, including RPDs, crowns, and bridges. The latest version, which produces parts in blue color, enables improved printability and easier burn-out and provides a castable part that is stable and strong, the company says. NextDent Cast is available for immediate ordering.
The NextDent LCD1 is available for immediate ordering. Price? 3D Systems says it won’t reveal the price just yet, but All3DP estimates are in the $10,000 – $15,000 range.
Tech Specs
- 3D Printing Technology: LCD
- Printing Volume: 128 x 80 x 140 mm
- Machine Size: 271 (W) x 292 (L) x 416 (H) mm
- Pixel Size: 49 μm
- Printer Wavelength: 405 nm
- Printing Speed: 4.5 cm/hr.
- Material System: NextDent resins / open platform
- XY Resolution: 49 μm
- Slice Thickness: 30 – 150 μm
- Resin Wavelength: 385 ~ 405 mm
- Price: ~$10,000 – $15,000
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