Thanks to the use of 3ntr’s A4v4 3D printer, Xline has revolutionized the way of developing some details in its dental imaging solutions. The reduction in production times and costs is also significant.
The appointment with the dentist has always been a difficult moment for patients: being able to reduce the resulting stress thanks to the use of innovative instrumentation, accessible to practices of all types and sizes is a welcome step forward. Credit also goes to companies such as Xline srl (formerly Fona srl), which in over 20 years of activity has been able to innovate dental imaging technology like never before.
Xline’s numbers are significant: the company can boast over 11,000 panoramic units worldwide and more than 65,000 intraoral generators. The ISO 9001:15 and ISO 13485:16 certifications are fundamental, while the FDA certification for the American market is being registered.
How was it possible to achieve such results? The recent introduction of 3D printing technologies into the company, in particular the 3ntr A4v4 printer, has contributed decisively.
A4v4, a technological breakthrough
Additive manufacturing is not a new technology for Xline, but the real turning point comes in 2019. “During a visit to a technical exhibition we came across 3ntr’s solutions”explains Stefano Fassina, head of mechanical design at Xline. “Since we were looking for a technology that would allow us to become independent in the prototyping of the components used in our devices through 3D printing, we decided to evaluate the potential offered by these machines”.
From the first contact we then moved on to the analysis of the needs, up to the identification of the most suitable machine: the A4v4 3D printer. “We were struck by the excellent relationship between quality and price, also supported by the good references received from our contacts active in this field who were already using it” added Fassina.
3D printing revolutionizes processes
Today the 3ntr A4v4 printer is not used in Xline only for the prototyping of plastic parts, but, being so powerful and compact, the A4v4 is also excellent for research and for production in the workshop. The printing volume of 300x171x200 mm is able to handle medium-sized parts, thus responding to the needs of companies of all types.
“Grazie alle buone caratteristiche meccaniche del polimero prescelto – nello specifico, utilizziamo bobine di ABS – l’abbiamo sfruttata anche per sostituire alcune parti fino ad allora realizzate in metallo”, prosegue Fassina: “Inoltre, ci è utile per la creazione di maschere di montaggio dei prodotti finiti”.
“Thanks to the good mechanical characteristics of the chosen polymer – specifically, we use ABS coils – we also used it to replace some parts that had previously been made of metal”,continues Fassina: “Furthermore, it is useful for creating assembly jigs for finished products”. Such an evolution was possible thanks to several factors. First of all, the simplicity of use of the 3D printer, which proved to be easy to set up and use. This is also thanks to the SSI slicing software, which allows us to obtain high-performance and geometrically optimal parts. This, combined with the wide availability of preloaded print profiles, allows users to immediately use the best parameters without wasting material or energy. Finally, in case of doubts in facing new challenges, the 3ntr support team proved to be available and prepared.
Benefits everywhere
Additive manufacturing has therefore proven to be ideal for Xline in order to improve process flows, but not only.“The first objective, that of obtaining pieces always in line with our expectations, was achieved immediately”, concluded Fassina:“We then obtained other benefits, such as a significant reduction in production times and tangible improvements in terms of reduction of costs and, consequently, greater revenues. Today the A4v4 printer supports us in multiple applications, it has really improved our working life.” ”.
