Formlabs introduces new medical photopolymer resins for 3D printing

Formlabs, in cooperation with BEGO, has created a new series of light-cured resins for medical and dental applications. BEGO is a leader in the field of prosthetics and dentistry, and for some time has also been active in the field of materials used in 3D printing.

Thanks to the close cooperation of both companies, new types of resins have been introduced: BioMed created for medical applications, and dental Dental materials. In addition, Formlabs introduced Flexible thermoplastic materials with high flexibility.

Formlabs BioMed biocompatible medical resins

BioMed resins have a class VI biocompatibility certificate, which means they are safe in prolonged contact with skin and mucous membranes. It is a series of rigid and strong materials intended for medical applications. They can be used to print elements of medical devices, surgical instruments or other accessories that are in long-term contact with the patient’s skin or mucous membranes.

Items printed from these resins can be sterilized using conventional methods, while some 3D prints made of other materials cannot withstand sterilization temperatures. What’s more, BioMed resins are not cytotoxic, do not cause allergic reactions, and have low water absorption.

BioMed resin can be purchased in two versions:

• BioMed Clear, a stiff and strong material in white or transparent, for medical devices and surgical instruments
• BioMed Amber, flexible and resilient, available in beige shade with transparency for printing surgical templates and medical accessories.

Formlabs Temporary CB photopolymer resins for 3D printing crowns and dental bridges

The range of dental materials has expanded to include the Formlabs Temporary CB photopolymer resin, used for printing temporary crowns and bridges (up to 7 elements). The thermoplastic is available in four shades of the VITA dye, which allows you to match the color to the natural color of the patient’s enamel. Thanks to the high dimensional accuracy, smooth surface finish, the use of prosthetic products is convenient and safe.

Formlabs Temporary CB has a biocompatibility class IIa, which means that they can be in safe contact with the patient’s tissues for up to 12 months. It is recommended to print from this material using a stainless steel work table, and a layer thickness of 50 microns. The resin is compatible with Formlabs Form 2 3D printers and dental Formlabs Form 3B 3D printers.

Formlabs Custom Tray resin for impression trays

Custom Tray resin for the production of dental impression trays (for implants, crowns and bridges) was also developed. Using 3D printing, the impression spoon can be made in less than an hour, which allows you to have a tool adapted to the needs of the dentist. Thanks to the additive technology, the created accessory is convenient to use, both for the doctor and the patient, and the impressions taken are repeatable and accurate. Like other Formlabs dental resins, Custom Tray is biocompatible.

Formlabs Dental LT Clear V2 transparent resin

Formlabs has also refined some previous materials. These include Dental LT Clear V2 resin, used for printing transparent occlusal overlays or occlusal splints. In order to achieve full transparency, the element can be additionally polished. Dental LT Clear V2 resin is fully biocompatible according to ISO 10993-1: 2018.

New Flexible Resins

Formlabs Flexible is a series of flexible resins that are intended to replace the company’s previous options. New materials include:

• Flexible 80A resin is a modified previous flexible material with a Shore Hardness Index of 80A. It has high bending strength in repetitive cycles.
• Flexible 50A resin, a new resin with high resistance to bending and compression. After removing the load, it returns to its original shape without any deformation.

Cooperation of the giant 3D printing industry Formlabs with the leading manufacturer of dental materials BEGO resulted in a range of new, biocompatible materials for medical and dental applications. Thanks to the certificates held, the new resins can be used in applications that require contact with human tissues. The use of incremental technologies will increase the quality of products while reducing costs. The new materials are compatible with Formlabs Form 2 and Form 3B 3D printers.