Carbon showcases innovative 3D printing solutions to transform dental lab operations at international dental show.
Carbon, the U.S.-based developer of CLIP 3D printing technology, will present its latest advancements in dental lab automation at IDS 2025. The company plans to showcase new features in its Automatic Operation (AO) Suite and introduce Lucentra, a specialized solution for clear aligner production.
“We’ve seen these solutions contribute to significant improvements across North America, and we’re eager to extend that success to Europe at IDS 2025,” said Terri Capriolo, Senior Vice President of Oral Health at Carbon.
The AO Suite includes several key components designed to streamline dental lab operations. The AO Backpack, launched in 2024, automates post-print operations with an automatic separation blade and a parts basket capable of collecting up to 230 parts. Since its introduction, the AO Backpack has processed over 18,000 prints.
Additionally, the Automatic Print Preparation (APP) optimizes laboratory efficiency by automating pre-print tasks such as part orientation and support placement. The new Parts Retrieval Basket allows labs to retrieve completed prints without disrupting ongoing operations, while the AO Polishing Cassette uses light-scattering technology to create smoother prints with less manual finishing.
Carbon’s new Lucentra solution specifically targets clear aligner production, reducing visible layer lines in thermoformed aligners by producing smoother printed models. The system combines specialized software, a new cassette for the Carbon L1 printer, and UMA 20, a material formulated for creating hollow models with an extended shelf life.
These innovations come as other companies also advance digital dentistry technology. Stratasys has introduced TrueDent-D resin to the European market, enabling the production of over 30 dentures in a single print job while reducing costs by more than 50% compared to traditional methods. Meanwhile, 3D Systems received FDA clearance for its multi-material, jetted 3D-printed denture solution that integrates different materials into a single monolithic denture.
