The DentalFab 3D Printer From MicroLay

By on November 17th, 2016 in printer

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 The new DentalFab desktop 3D printer
The new DentalFab desktop 3D printer

Spain-based MicroLay has developed a new 3D printer specifically for the dental market. 

The new machine, the DentalFab, is a resin-based unit that has some impressive specifications. 

  • Build volume of 107 x 60 x 160mm (small, but appropriate for dental applications)
  • Integrated WiFi for far simpler installation and operation
  • XY resolution of 0.055mm using a 1920 x 1080 DLP projector
  • Z resolution of 0.010mm, very fine
  • Integrated camera for remote print monitoring
  • 7 inch color touchscreen
  • Compatible with many third party photopolymer resins

But perhaps the most interesting feature is the integrated post processing UV chamber. The SLA process typically requires a post-print session under an ultraviolet lamp to completely cure the solidifying resin. Normally this is done with a separate machine – sometimes requiring a surprise additional cost. 

But the DentalFab includes a UV light within the build chamber. Apparently you don’t have to remove the print and simply start post-processing within the existing chamber. 

While this seems to be a simpler process for the operator, I must assume that the DentalFab has some way to protect the liquid resin in the build chamber during post processing – or else it will completely solidify under the UV exposure! 

Another interesting feature of the DentalFab I should mention is the ability to print rapidly. Like several other advanced resin 3D printers, MicroLay has developed a quick-release process for their resin vat, enabling far more rapid than typical resin-based 3D printers. It’s not a unique result, but it is an advantage over some of their competitors. They explain their “Dual membrane FlexVat technology”

The bucket of the Microlay DentalFab® is a small masterpiece of technology. Its Rig-Flex® dual membrane with FEP and PMMA allows acceleration of the printing process and easy detachment of individual layers. It also ensures a plane base and repeatability of the initial layers, which are critical.

I admire this company’s strong focus on a single application area: dentistry. Unlike some other 3D printer companies that have been shifting their focus to a target area, it appears that MicroLay has spent some time analyzing the dental market and come up with a solution that should fit well in this area. 

Pricing of the machine is rumored to be around USD$10,000, which is more than prosumer price levels, but far less than many competitive dental units. 

Via Microlay

By Kerry Stevenson

Kerry Stevenson, aka "General Fabb" has written over 8,000 stories on 3D printing at Fabbaloo since he launched the venture in 2007, with an intention to promote and grow the incredible technology of 3D printing across the world. So far, it seems to be working!