#3DExpress: Formlabs Shows Off More Realistic 3D Printed Teeth

2024 is already well underway, and to start the year off on the right foot, we’re introducing a new article format that will be published every week: 3DExpress will take a look back at 5 news items that have marked the sector over the course of the week. Product launches, acquisitions, fund-raising, new applications, 3DExpress aims to bring you the latest news from the additive manufacturing market as quickly as possible! This week, we take a look at the product announcements from Formlabs at CES 2024 where they showed off 3D printed teeth that are even more realistic. CES in Las Vegas is a key event for those interested in consumer goods and 3D printing is increasingly making its mark there. Don’t miss either the recent study on the state of the 3D printing market, news from American manufacturer Velo3D and the meteoric growth of Nano Dimension.

Formlabs Unveils More Realistic 3D Printed Dentures at CES 2024

CES 2024 has officially wrapped up after a week that marked one of the more important tech events in the world. And of course, additive manufacturing was present at the show with several major manufacturers including Formlabs who we want to highlight in this first-ever 3DExpress. The company announced early into the show a few different products, notably a new material, called Premium Teeth Resin, which is the key to 3D printed teeth that are indistinguishable from the real thing thanks to the ability to color match to existing teeth. The material marks the continued advancement from the company in creating a comprehensive dental portfolio and will be able to be used to create digital dentures and temporary full-arch implant-supported restorations (All-on-X appliances). Premium Teeth Resin is a nano-ceramic filled Class II biocompatible material and according to Formlabs has “enhanced aesthetics, superior intraoral mechanical properties, and validated longevity to guarantee optimal clinical performance.”

Teeth made using Formlabs’ new Premium Teeth Resin (photo Credits: Formlabs)

The 3D Printing Materials Market Continues to Grow

Every day, a multitude of reports are published that highlight the current state of different markets. In this week’s 3DExpress, we specifically want to highlight MarketsandMarkets, which has released one centered on the 3D printing materials market. In it, they state that this market is expected to reach $7.9 billion by 2027, with a steady annual growth rate of 25.6%. This expansion is largely due to increased demand for additive technology in sectors such as healthcare, automotive, aerospace, consumer goods and defense. In addition, this report analyzes the materials market in different verticals, such as by form (filament, powder, resin), as well as by type (plastic, metal, etc.) and technology, among others. Finally, Europe stands out as the second most important market in terms of consumption of materials for additive manufacturing. This continent has a significant number of companies developing new solutions and expanding production capacities.

The market for additive manufacturing materials is booming

Align Technology Completes Cubicure Takeover

If the name Align Technology rings a bell, it’s probably because the company is one of the leaders in at-scale 3D printing production in the dental sector. It manufactures 3D-printed molds for mouth trays, which are then thermoformed and adapted to each patient’s anatomy. We’re talking about millions of parts produced every month, proof that additive manufacturing has a key role to play in the industry. Earlier this year, Align Technology finalized the acquisition of Cubicure, a manufacturer specializing in the development of resin machines. The acquisition, worth 79 million euros, is set to boost the US company’s growth.

Align Technology uses 3D printing to design orthodontic devices (photo credits: Align Technology)

Nano Dimension Closes the 2023 Financial Year With Record Sales

Another submission for this week’s 3DExpress, Nano Dimension, a provider of additively manufactured electronics and printing solutions for polymers, metals and ceramics, has reported record sales for the 2023 financial year. The results were communicated at the beginning of January on a preliminary basis and may be subject to change due to more extensive audits. According to Nano Dimension, the fourth quarter was extremely successful and contributed significantly to the pleasing overall turnover in 2023. At 14.3 million, Nano Dimension generated 18% more than in Q4 of the previous year. Furthermore, Nano Dimension was able to increase its total turnover by 29%, which amounted to 56.2 million US dollars in 2023. Just three years ago, Nano Dimension was considered a niche company and its annual turnover in 2020 was USD 3.4 million. With this news, Nano Dimension has once again managed to make headlines just in time for the new year. After all, the year 2023 was characterized by the takeover bid to Stratasys and the numerous changes at manager level at Nano Dimension as well as recent call to acquire 3D Systems.

Nano Dimension specializes in additive manufacturing for the electronics industry

Velo3D Receives NYSE Non-Compliance Notice 

Stock market troubles continue to plague the additive manufacturing market. This time, Velo3D was the victim, as it was announced on January 3rd that the company had received a non-compliance notice from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Similar to Markforged and Desktop Metal in the latter half of 2023, Velo3D is specifically not in compliance with Rule 802.01C of the NYSE’s Listed Company Manual, which relates to the minimum average closing price of the company’s common stock.  

In short, the share price of Velo3D’s stock has gone below $1.00 and, in order to avoid being delisted, the company must regain compliance by having a closing share price of at least $1.00 on the last trading day of any calendar month and an average closing share price of at least $1.00 over the 30 trading-day period ending on the last trading day of that month in the next six months. The news comes shortly after founder Benny Buller was announced to be stepping down and after investors become concerned after Velo3D reported an error in accounting that sharply affected stock prices in November 2023. The company intends to notify the NYSE in the coming days of its intent to regain compliance with Rule 802.01C, but in the meantime highlights the continued challenges that have been affecting 3D printing companies that have gone public in the last few years. 

The Velo3D team in front of the NYSE in 2021 (photo credits: Velo3D)

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*Cover Photo Credits: Formlabs