News Release
For Immediate Release

Contact:
(603) 429-9700

Summary: T.O.P. Service Introduces 3D Design and Rapid Tooling in Lingual Brace Production

March 7, 2003 (Merrimack, NH) - Traditionally, braces on the inside of the arch are based on standard brackets and an arch wire adapted to the customer's needs. T.O.P. Service für Lingualtechnik, a leading company in lingual orthodontics, has developed a fundamentally different production method using CAD/CAM technology. The customized brackets are much smaller and lead to magnificent results.

At T.O.P. Service, each bracket is individually designed and positioned in the computer. State-of-the-art rapid prototyping technology is used for the actual manufacturing of the lingual brackets.

In the start-up phase of this development, T.O.P. Service used the Solidscape^® ModelMaker II system to produce the wax patterns of the brackets. The patterns were then directly investment cast (lost wax casting) in dental gold. T.O.P Service is in the process of ramping-up production and has recently purchased a second Solidscape system, the new T66, a system highly suitable for small, intricate patterns.

“The accuracy and surface finish of the wax patterns is extremely important to us, and so is removing the support structure without damage”, said Dipl.-Ing. R. Paehl at T.O.P. Service. "Without an exceptional surface finish, patients will feel every irregularity in their mouth. Another major requirement is residue-less melting out at 700 degrees Celsius. We performed benchmark testing with several RP suppliers, but the Solidscape technology is the only one that meets our specifications.”

David Bothwell, President and CEO of Solidscape, said that T.O.P. Service provides an outstanding example of a highly effective solution using the right tool for the given task. “Solidscape's systems deliver intricate feature detail, dimensional accuracy and superior surface finish making them ideal for the dental industry.”

Solidscape, Inc., a privately held company, manufactures the PatternMasterTM and T66TM systems at their facility at 316 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, NH 03054 USA.

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