Which 3D scanners are available for the dental industry?

The ability of 3D printing to create highly accurate, fully customizable devices is critical in industries like dental, where perfectly fitting parts are required due to the vast differences between people. Because of this, 3D scanners made specifically for the dental industry are becoming increasingly popular. There are generally two types of scanners: intraoral scanners, which allow dentists to scan directly into the patient’s mouth, and lab scanners, which scan impressions from the patient’s mouth. Both have their advantages as they are used in different ways. However, laboratory 3D scanners are more commonly used for 3D printing. That’s why today we’re introducing you to some of the best lab 3D scanners in alphabetical order.

7 Series by Dental Wings

Dental Wings 7Series model and impression scanner is offered in two versions, Synergy and Productivity. Both models are able to create scans of models and impressions and are suitable for medium to large dental laboratories, according to the manufacturer. The 7Series Synergy offers the advantage that users are also able to scan full dentures and bite splints and to archive orthodontic models. Both versions have an automatic scan and design assistant. The accuracy is 15 µm, with the scan of a model taking around 44 seconds. An STL file is created for export. The device has 5 axes and a scanning volume of 140 x 140 x 140 mm.

AutoScan DS-EX by SHINING 3D

The Chinese manufacturer SHINING 3D is known for its independent research and development of 3D digitizing technologies. Its scanners are suitable for many different industries, with the company also developing some specifically for the dental industry. Digital dental solutions include laboratory scanners such as the AutoScan-DS-EX entry-level model. This scanner uses structured light 3D scanning and can scan a denture in approximately 13 seconds. What’s particularly interesting is that it also comes with a clinic mode that allows it to be used directly in dental clinics for chair-side restorative solutions. Its dimensions are relatively large at 260 x 270 x 420 mm. For those looking for more advanced models, SHINING 3D also has the AutoScan-DS-EX Pro, which works with blue light and is characterized by its high scanning speed, which only takes 8 seconds for one scan.

Ceramill Map 600 from Amann Girrbach AG

The Ceramill Map 600 from the manufacturer Amann Girrbach is a high-performance scanner with three axes and an open installation space, which enables easy handling with an integrated universal carrier plate. The scanner produces an HD scan with an accuracy of 4 μm using blue light technology and a 3D sensor. Thanks to intelligent DNA speed scanning, a full jaw scan can be created as an STL or PLY file in 18 seconds. The Ceramill Map 600 weighs 25 kg and has dimensions of 415 x 424 x 469 mm.

CS.Neo Pro by CADstar

CADstar is an Austrian manufacturer that has developed a range of 3D scanners for laboratories. This also includes the CS.Neo Pro, which was developed for professionals and enables a complete scan of a denture in just 12 seconds. Available in three colors (white, gray or black), the dental scanner offers 5 micron accuracy and the ability to scan colors. Based on the Structured Light process, it offers three export formats: STL, OBJ and PLY. The CS.Neo Pro starts at $15,000.

DScan 5 by EGSolution

The DScan 5 is the latest dental scanner from Italian manufacturer EGSolutions, launched in 2020. Based on the structured light process, the 3D scanner is equipped with a camera that offers a resolution of 13 megapixels. Its recording volume is 90 x 80 x 55 mm. This allows impressions, implants, crowns, etc. to be digitized without any problems. The DScan 5 offers an accuracy of 0.005 mm and four export formats: STL, PLY, OBJ and ASC. It thus meets the needs of dental clinics and laboratories.

E4 by 3Shape

3Shape was founded with the goal of making 3D scanning better. Although the company initially worked in the hearing aid industry, it has since turned to dentistry and is working to improve dental care through digital solutions. 3Shape offers many different scanners, including intraoral ones, but the E4 is the most well-known when it comes to lab scanners. According to the company, the E4 is twice as fast and accurate as its predecessor, the E3, and has twice the number of cameras. The scanning speed for the whole arch is about 9 seconds and the accuracy is 4 microns, which makes it suitable for implants. The scanner has four 5 MP cameras and is suitable for both restorative and orthopedic applications.

Evolution Plus by Zfx

Developed by prosthodontists for prosthodontists, the Zfx Evolution Plus 3D scanner has a scan volume of 140 x 80 mm and an accuracy of less than 9 μm. The Zfx scanner is based on the structured light process and can capture 12 individual segments at the same time. In addition, thanks to the “Ready for 3D printing” function, the scanner generates an stl file that is compatible with any 3D printer. Even if the exact price is not communicated, one can count on € 20,000 for the machine.

inEos x5 from Dentsply Sirona

The next 3D scanner for the dental industry is the inEos X5. This was brought to market by Denstply Sirona, a merger of DENTSPLY International Inc. and Sirona Dental Systems, in 2013. The unique 5-axis scanning technology, the robotic arm and its large range of motion make the inEos X5 an all-round scanner with precise digital capture. Both models and impressions can be scanned digitally, so the scanner, which weighs 40 kg and measures 474 x 735 x 460 mm, can be used for many different indications. The scan data recorded with the inEos X5 can be flexibly integrated into the further workflow – either via STL export or via wireless data transmission to the CAD software inLab. The price of this scanner is between €15,000 and €20,000.

S600 ARTI from Zirkonzahn

With an accuracy of around 10 μm, the S600 ARTI 3D scanner is based on structured light technology. Also intended for the dental field, the 3D scanner from Zirkonzahn offers its users the possibility of scanning in color – a function that can prove to be advantageous when creating dentures. In addition, the machine can export files in STL format, as well as OFF, OBJ and PLY formats. After all, according to some retailers, the S600 ARTI 3D scanner should be available from €10,000.

T series from Medit

The manufacturer Medit is one of the pioneers in the development of oral 3D scanners in the dental industry. He is best known for the Medit T series, which includes the T310, T510 and T710 models. According to the manufacturer, this is one of the most efficient dental solutions available to date. With the included hardware and optimized 3D scanner software, professionals are able to scan complex parts in seconds. With an accuracy of 4 microns (ISO 12836) and the ability to export files in STL format, they can be easily modeled in any design software and prepared for 3D printing. The state-of-the-art technology of the T-Series guarantees high-quality and high-precision models that comply with the strictest international standards, making them ideal for use in the dental field.

Which 3D scanner for the dental industry impresses you the most? Feel free to leave us a comment on this topic, or let us know what you think on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIN or Xing. Would you also like to receive a summary of the most important news in 3D printing and additive manufacturing directly and conveniently in your mailbox? Then register now for our weekly newsletter.