Stratasys (www.stratasys.com) reports that laboratories in North America and Europe are successfully driving large-scale production of ‘clear aligner’ moulds using the Stratasys J700 Dental 3-D printer, which is based on the company’s proprietary PolyJet technology.

A popular alternative to traditional dental braces, clear aligners offer patients a more aesthetically pleasing (and more easily maintained) orthodontic treatment.

Customers such as Missouri-based DynaFlex and Malaga-based Ortoplus are increasingly seeking more cost-effective and efficient approaches to compete in the clear -aligner market.

Supporting laboratory production rates of more than 400 moulds per day, the Stratasys J700 Dental — in conjunction with GrabCAD Print — allows users to capitalise on “smart default settings, tips and notifications” for a more seamless 3-D printing process.

Customers can also access detailed model views alongside tray and slice previews to implement intricate adjustments before going to print.