Direct Print Aligners

A seamless workflow for software, printing, and post processing.
Made with ShapeForm Technology - a New Class of Shape-Memory Photopolymers.
Powered by ArchForm's Easy-to-Use Software.
ShapeForm™ Polymer

Shape-Memory Polymer Always Returns Aligner to Original Shape

3D print aligners in minutes with our breakthrough material.

Biocompatible

ShapeForm is formulated for prolonged contract with oral mucosa, and has been extensively tested to ISO 10993 and FDA standards.

High Strength

ShapeForm can withstand biting forces, while also providing a prolonged, consistent force on the teeth to move them efficiently
Software

Seamless Software Workflow

Automatically generate the aligner shells along with the supports for an easier than ever print preparation process

Aligner Shell Generation

Aligners are generated with a consistent thickness and with additional smoothing to generate a perfect fitting tray.

Automated Supports

Easy to tear away supports that are optimized to be printed with ShapeForm resin are generated and are more reliable than printer-generated supports for optimal print reliability and final dimentional accuracy.
Hardware

Everything you need to get started

The direct print aligner process is enabled by specialized hardware to ensure repeatable, high quality results, while being a validated part of the FDA approval.
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High Speed 3D Printer

Print aligners in ~30min with the most powerful UV light in a 3D printer, and ultra high resolution.
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Nitrogen UV Cure Unit

Specifically designed for direct print resin, the light-curing device employs a customizable, high-energy UV LED light source along with a linked nitrogen generator
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Centrifuge

After 3D printing, they are placed in the centrifuge, where centrifugal forces are used to remove the excess material adhering to the surface. Unlike conventional 3D printing resins, the aligners made of direct print resin must not be washed in isopropyl alcohol.
How it works

A Complete Workflow for
Direct Print Aligners

Export from ArchForm Software

Print ready aligners with supports already on them

3D Print

Whether you have a team of 2 or 200, our shared team inboxes keep everyone on the same page and in the loop.

Centrifuge

Remove all excess resin from the printing process by spinning the aligners around in a specially built aligner centrifuge, but leaves a thin, smooth layer on top that will be cured in the next step

Light Cure in Nitrogen Environment

A high intensity UV curing chamber is used to cure the aligners and set the shape memory polymer in possition. The chamber is filled with Nitrogen to prevent an Oxygen-inhibited layer of uncured resin from forming on top. This allows the resin to cure into a tack-free, glossy smooth, and most importantly biocompatible aligner

Remove Supports

Remove tear-away supports. Additional slight polishing is ideal

Wash in Hot Water

Wash aligners in a hot water bath to remove all dust from polishing, and check for any whiteness on the surface of the aligner that would indicate an incomplete cure.
Pricing

Seamless Workflow.
Flexible Pricing.

Direct Print Aligner Export

$4/.STL
FEATURES
Aligner Shell Generation
Auto-Attachments
Aligner Support Optimization
Auto-Alignment
Auto-Labeling
Trimline Customization
Automated Segmentation
Auto-Blockout
Easy-to-use Tooth Movement
Sharable Web Viewer
Learn More
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about the product and billing.
Is there a free trial available?
Yes, you can $200 in free export credits for you to use to try the software. Our friendly team will work with you to get you up and running as soon as possible.
How do Direct Print Aligners (DPA) compare with conventional Thermoformed Aligners (TFA) in terms of time and cost?
Generally speaking, both DPA and TFA workflows have comparable manufacturing times and material costs. Compared to TFA manufacturing, DPA resin is more expensive, but it produces more aligners per liter. Also, DPA printing may take longer, but the post-processing time is significantly shorter than that of TFA manufacturing.
What are the advantages of DPA?
Aligners made with DPA resin have a uniform thickness through the aligner unlike the uneven thickness inherent to the TFA manufacturing process. –  DPA resin has a shape memory similar to NiTi wire where it is soft when immersed in hot water, and become hard when it cools down. It also returns to its original shape in it is hot, similar to NiTi. –  This results in analigner that is a much better fit and easier to insert. –  This is expected to provide better tracking and more control and predictability in treatment.
What are the benefits of shape memory for DPA?
Aligners made from TC-85 deliver a constant force of approximately 1 Newton, which is considerably less than those made with TFA. A classic aligner tends to lose its initial force rather quickly, primarily due to deformation. In contrast, a DirectPrint Aligner can be reactivated by warming it up in hot water. This warming process triggers the Shape Memory effect, which in turn restores the original shape and, consequently, the force applied.
What equipment is necessary for DPA?
ArchForm treatment planning software, a DPA-validated 3D printer, DPA-specific UV curing machine, a DPA-specific centrifuge, and a compressed air connection for the UV curing machine.
What printers are currently validated for DPA?
Sprintray Pro 95, Sprintray Pro 55, Uniz Slash 2,Uniz NBEE, Asiga MAX, Shining Acufab-L4K
How long does post processing (spinning, removal of supports, curing) of Direct Print Aligners take?
Approximately 25 minutes
How many aligners can be direct printed per liter of DPA resin?
A 1 liter bottle of DPA resin can produce about 125-135 aligners.

Still have questions?

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Please chat to our friendly team.