QuantAM Dental Software from Renishaw Reduces Build Preparation Time

Renishaw’s QuantAM Dental software automates additive manufacturing (AM) build preparation for hundreds of dental frameworks in a single operation. The software can cut preparation time from two hours or more with existing build preparation software to around 30 minutes, the company says. The 75 percent reduction enables dental production facilities to produce patient-specific frameworks with a reduced workload for staff, enabling cost reductions.

Dental production facilities typically receive hundreds of custom design files daily from multiple customers. According to Renishaw, QuantAM consolidates the number of software packages required to produce batches of frameworks. This reduces licensing overhead, decreases training requirements and reduces build times.

QuantAM Dental automatically imports dental frameworks, repairs the .STL files if necessary and automates the orientation so that framework cavities face upwards, avoiding supports on the fitting surfaces. It also automatically adds an identification tag to each framework to allow reconciliation to designs and finally, generates supports.

The software then groups framework types according to manufacturing requirements. For example, frameworks that require heat treatment, such as bridges, are grouped separately from those that do not. Frameworks not requiring heat treatment can quickly and easily be identified before that step in the process is completed.

Finally, QuantAM Dental reviews the files and gives a list of potential errors for any sub-optimal frameworks. The systems operator can then slice the build files ready to transfer them to the AM system.