At LMT Lab Day Chicago 2025, Carbon unveiled FP3D, a new resin designed for flexible, removable partial dentures that could mark a turning point for digital dentistry. The material is the first in the dental sector to use Carbon’s dual-cure chemistry, a process that has already transformed industries such as footwear, cycling, and sports equipment.
Unlike traditional single-cure dental resins, FP3D incorporates a secondary heat-activated step that strengthens parts after printing. This approach makes it possible to combine print accuracy with long-term durability, offering dental professionals a resin that can better withstand the demands of daily use. As the company explains, the result is “engineering-grade” performance from a 3D printed dental device.
Carbon has a track record of validating its materials in demanding environments. The same dual-cure technology behind FP3D helped create Riddell’s 3D printed football helmet liners, running shoe midsoles for top athletic brands, and bike saddles that balance comfort with mechanical performance. Applying this science to dental appliances is a natural next step, especially as dental labs continue to adopt digital workflows.
In addition to introducing FP3D, Carbon announced updates to its automation suite, including no-code print preparation software and an expanded polishing system compatible with its M3 printers. These tools are designed to streamline lab operations, reduce manual labor, and improve part consistency.
While FP3D is still under FDA review and not yet available in the United States, its debut highlights how 3D printing and advanced chemistry are reshaping the future of dental manufacturing. By combining automation with breakthrough materials, Carbon is positioning digital dentistry as a faster, more reliable, and more innovative alternative to conventional methods.
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*All Image Credit: Carbon