Trends and initiatives in the U.S. market highlight the growing impact of direct 3D printing technology for clear aligners.
Direct 3D printing for aligners is a disruptive technology with numerous benefits — and it’s growing rapidly. In the U.S., companies traditionally focused on thermoformed aligners are now shifting their strategies and investments toward this innovation, signaling strong long-term potential. Industry leaders such as Align Technology, LuxCreo, and 3D Systems are making major investments in this space, highlighting its advantages in precision, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability.
Align Technology, the company behind Invisalign, headquartered in San Jose, California, has completed the acquisition of Cubicure, a pioneer in direct 3D printing solutions for polymer additive manufacturing. The acquisition closed on January 2, 2024 for approximately €79 million. Joe Hogan, Align Technology president and CEO said, “The acquisition of Cubicure brings a talented team and unique cutting-edge technology into Align and will enable us to scale our 3D printing operations to eventually direct print millions of custom appliances per day. Direct 3D printing enables Align to create 3D printed solutions without the added step of first creating a mold, making 3D printing more sustainable and efficient."​
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Align Technology has restructured its leadership to accelerate the development of direct 3D printing capabilities. As part of the restructuring, Wright will oversee Align's initiatives in direct 3D printing for aligner products. The company's next focus is advancing research and development in direct 3D printing for aligner products. To support this goal, Align acquired Cubicure in 2024.
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3D Systems, headquartered in Rock Hill, South Carolina, has announced an expanded focus on the dental industry, including a new technology roadmap for direct 3D printing of clear aligners.
This move follows Align Technology's acquisition of Cubicure, a long-time partner of 3D Systems. Align aims to transition from printing aligner molds to directly producing aligners, and 3D Systems is aligning its efforts to support this shift.
As part of its strategy to expand the digital dentistry market, 3D Systems has secured a multi-year purchase agreement worth an estimated quarter-billion dollars through 2028.
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He stated: 'I believe this will revolutionize our industry. Many companies are already working on this technology due to advancements in materials and optimizations in activations, dimensions, and shapes. Compared to thermoformed aligners, it offers significant benefits. Within five years—perhaps I’m being bold—I predict that 50% of clear aligner patients will adopt this technology at some point.'
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You can access the full interview in audio format or read the podcast transcript by clicking here
Shape-memory polymer aligners, AI, and the U.S. innovation landscape.