Adding or upgrading 3D printing to your orthodontic practice shouldn’t be guesswork.
This guide shows which printers connect cleanly with EasyRx today, how those integrations work in your scan, design, and print workflow, and what’s coming next.
In just a few minutes, you’ll find the right fit for your lab or practice and discover the simplest path to get set up quickly.
What You’ll Learn
- Which 3D printers and workflows pair well with EasyRx, plus integrations on the horizon
- Compatibility at a glance: materials, build volume, and use-case fit (models, splints, aligners)
- Tips to reduce remakes and speed turnaround (supports, orientation, resin handling)
- Costs and ROI basics: when in-house printing wins vs. outsourcing, and how to scale responsibly
Why Start In-house 3D Printing Now?
Orthodontic teams are moving production closer to the chair by scanning, designing, and printing appliances under one roof. An in-house lab gives you control over quality and timelines, trims avoidable costs, and delivers a smoother patient experience.
These are the top 5 reasons why more practices are opening their own in-house 3D printing lab:
1. Faster prints with fewer remakes
When you outsource, you inherit someone else’s queue and QC.
Bringing printing in-house enables you to monitor each step (scan, design, preparation, and printing) so that errors are caught early and remakes are minimized. Same-day reprints are possible, which shortens treatment timelines and reduces the need for return visits.
2. Better fit and happier patients
Ill-fitting appliances create discomfort and delays.
In-house production lets you fine-tune designs and validate fit before handoff, improving comfort and outcomes. Fewer shipping cycles and fewer adjustments mean less chair time and a better experience that your patients notice.
3. Clearer costs and stronger ROI
Eliminating shipping, service markups, and back-and-forth handling simplifies your cost structure. You decide when to print, batch, or reprint, so capacity matches demand. As treatment cycles shorten, you can see more patients without adding days to the schedule.
4. More throughput, more growth
Speed and accuracy compound: fewer remakes, quicker starts, and predictable lead times free up staff and chairs. Consistent results fuel word-of-mouth and online reviews, supporting sustainable growth without compromising care.
Where EasyRx Fits
EasyRx streamlines the workflow you already run (capturing scans, organizing prescriptions, prepping models, and handing off to supported printer ecosystems). As additional printer integrations come online, setup becomes even easier, allowing your team to focus on high-value work: planning care and serving patients.
Read now: “The Digital Practice Playbook: How Leading Practices Are Future-Proofing with AI”
Which 3D Printers Integrate With EasyRx?
EasyRx connects your scanner-to-printer pipeline end-to-end. On the capture side, it integrates with leading intraoral scanners (including iTero, Medit, Dexis, and Alliedstar), so cases flow straight into EasyRx without manual shuffling.
On the production side, EasyRx supports common dental 3D printing ecosystems and utilities, such as:
- EnvisionTEC Perfactory
- NextDent 3D Sprint
- MoonRay RayWare
- UNIZ
- RAYSHAPE
- FlashForge
- Formlabs Form 2
Export, prepare, and print with minimal friction.
Add EasyRx 3D’s AI tools (automated STL basing, bracket removal, PTS Trim Line output, and cloud model viewing), and you’ve got a reliable path from prescription to printed part.
Recommended In-house Ortho Lab Workflows
Step-by-step fast in-house aligners:
- Scan (iTero/Medit/Dexis/Alliedstar)
- EasyRx 3D AI (bracket removal, basing)
- Export with the PTS Trim Line file
- Print using your compatible printer software (e.g., NextDent 3D Sprint, RayWare, or Perfactory utilities)
Printing integrations reduce handoffs and speed tray production.
Model and splint production:
Use EasyRx 3D for trimming, basing, labeling, and cloud review, then send to Perfactory/NextDent/UNIZ/RAYSHAPE/FlashForge as supported. Consistent basing, plus integrated case tracking, helps cut down on remakes.
Practice and lab collaboration:
Centralize prescriptions, aligner tracking, and production updates in EasyRx so practices and labs stay in sync while printing in-house or via partner labs. There’s no duplicate data entry across practice management systems like Dolphin, OrthoTrac, Cloud9, TopsOrtho, Wave Ortho, or Oasys.
Note: Printer/software examples above reflect listed integrations and utilities; see the EasyRx Integrations page for the current roster.
Compatibility at a Glance
Compatibility & Setup (Quick Glance)
| Ecosystem | Prep Software | Accepts | Typical Uses | EasyRx Handoff |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EnvisionTEC Perfactory | Perfactory RP | STL | Models, splints, trays | Open STL from EasyRx directly in Perfactory RP |
| NextDent 5100 | 3D Sprint | STL (and common dental CAD formats) | Orthodontic models, guides, dentures | Export STL from EasyRx; prepare & slice in 3D Sprint |
| Formlabs (Form 2 / Form 3B) | PreForm (Dental Workspace) | STL, OBJ, 3MF, FORM | Models, splints, surgical guides | Export STL from EasyRx; import to PreForm Dental Workspace |
| UNIZ (NBEE / SLASH 2 PLUS) | UNIZ Dental / UNIZ Industry | STL, OBJ, 3MF, AMF, ZPRJ | Dental models, surgical guides | Export STL from EasyRx; load in UNIZ software & slice |
| RAYSHAPE | ShapeWare 2.0 | Dental CAD / intraoral scan inputs | Multiple indications via presets | Pass STL from EasyRx to RAYSHAPE workflow; prep in ShapeWare |
Setup tips
- From the case in EasyRx, export/launch the STL to your printer’s prep software.
- Apply the vendor’s dental presets (orientation, supports, material profile).
- Slice and send the build (network/USB) per vendor guidance.
Costs and ROI: When In-House Beats Outsourcing
Moving production in-house shifts most of your spend from variable lab fees to predictable, controllable costs. You’ll win on ROI when monthly volume is steady, reprints are common enough to matter, and speed-to-start affects chair time or case acceptance.
Use the framework below to model your break-even and decide when to scale.
Fixed vs. Variable Costs
Fixed (spread over time):
- 3D printer(s), wash/cure, ventilation & accessories
- Software/licensing, training, and preventative maintenance
- Space and basic utilities allocated to printing
Variable (per build or per model):
- Resin/material, trays/bases, supports, IPA/consumables
- Labor minutes for prep, print, post-process, QC
- Scrap/remake allowance (failed prints, design changes)
- Outsourcing equivalents: lab fee per unit, rush fees, shipping/handling, remake shipping
Quick lab costs math:
- Monthly fixed cost = (CapEx + setup + annual maintenance)/useful-life months
- In-house unit cost = (monthly fixed / monthly models) + materials + labor + consumables + remake allowance
- Outsourced unit cost = lab fee + shipping/handling + remake costs
Aim to price in time savings too: faster starts and same-day reprints reduce chair time and second visits (real value even when pure dollars look close).
Case Volume and Capacity Planning
Starter (≤50 models/month):
- ROI depends on your outsourcing fee and remake rate. If rush shipping and remakes are frequent, in-house often breaks even quickly.
- One printer, single shift; cross-train a tech/assistant for 30–60 min/day.
Growth (50–200 models/month):
- Most practices see in-house costs drop as fixed spend spreads across volume.
- Consider two complementary printers (redundancy and different resins).
- Target 60–80% utilization to retain headroom for urgent reprints.
High Volume (200+ models/month):
- Clear economy of scale: batch jobs, resin/material contracts, standardized presets.
- Add a second wash/cure to remove bottlenecks; schedule overnight builds.
- Track reprint rate and first-pass yield—each 1% improvement lifts margin.
Break-even guide (example only)
- If outsourcing averages $X per model delivered, in-house is favorable when:
- ((Fixed/month) / volume) + material + labor + consumables + allowance ≤ X
- Test with your actual numbers for a 90-day pilot and validate against the actual results.
In-house Lab Profitability Checklist
□ Confirm demand: average models per week/month; seasonality swings.
□ Map current costs: outsource fee, rush/ship, remake frequency.
□ Estimate in-house costs: equipment, training, materials, labor minutes, and failure allowance.
□ Run the math: compute unit costs and a break-even volume range.
□ Plan capacity: printers, wash/cure, staff time, overnight batches, backup.
□ Protect quality: presets, orientation standards, QC checklist, version control.
□ Review (60–90 days): track unit cost, first-pass yield, turnaround, patient impact; adjust mix in-house vs. outsource.
Where EasyRx helps: standardized case intake, model prep handoff, and printer integrations reduce prep minutes and cut remake risk, improving first-pass yield and tightening your cost per model.
Common Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them)
Even strong digital workflows stumble on small details. Use these guardrails to keep print quality high and remakes low.
Orientation/Supports, Resin Handling, Version Control
Orientation and supports
- Pitfall: Laying models flat or pointing critical surfaces at supports → warping, surface scars, occlusal artifacts.
Avoid: Tilt 10–30° off-axis; place light/medium supports on noncritical faces; keep occlusal/gingival surfaces clean. Save presets by indication (models vs. splints). - Pitfall: Crowded build plates and inconsistent bases → failed edges, lift.
Avoid: Maintain spacing between parts; standardize base thickness; use rafts where vendor recommends; run a weekly test coupon to confirm exposure. - Pitfall: Default profiles for every job.
Avoid: Calibrate layer height, exposure, and support density per resin/indication. Lock “golden” presets and train to them.
Resin handling
- Pitfall: Unmixed, expired, or cross-contaminated resin; saturated wash solvent.
Avoid: Mix resin before each session; store at vendor-recommended temps; dedicate vats to each resin family; strain through filters; monitor IPA/solvent saturation and replace on schedule. - Pitfall: Under/over-curing.
Avoid: Cure to the vendor’s IFU (time + wavelength). Log resin lot numbers and cure cycles for traceability.
Version control
- Pitfall: Printing the wrong STL or overwriting files; no trace of changes.
Avoid: Adopt a naming convention (e.g.,PatientID_Case_Step_V##_YYYYMMDD.stl), keep master STLs read-only, and use EasyRx case IDs in file names and labels. Require a pre-print checklist: correct patient, step, resin, preset, and orientation screenshot attached to the case.
Disclaimer
The guidance in this section is for educational purposes for dental/orthodontic professionals. It does not constitute clinical, regulatory, engineering, or legal advice, and may not reflect the latest requirements in your jurisdiction. Always verify printer/resin compatibility and indications with the manufacturer, follow Instructions for Use (IFU), and validate your workflow (orientation, supports, cure) before patient use. You are responsible for your practice’s QA/QC, documentation, and compliance.
FAQs
Which printers work with EasyRx?
EasyRx hands off cases in standard formats (e.g., STL) to supported prep/print ecosystems listed on the Integrations page. If your printer’s workflow accepts STL through its vendor software (e.g., dental prep/slicer), it likely fits.
For a quick check: confirm file type, supported indications (models, splints, guides), build volume, and that your prep software is on the current vendor list.
What materials are supported?
EasyRx delivers your geometry; material choice depends on your printer and resin vendor’s indications. Common dental materials include model resins, splint/occlusal guard resins, and surgical-guide resins. Always follow each resin’s IFU for print and cure settings, and validate any new resin with a short test run before patient use.
Will I need new software or training?
You’ll use EasyRx plus your printer vendor’s prep/slicer. Most teams need a short onboarding for: case intake in EasyRx, preset selection, orientation/supports, wash/cure, and QC. Plan 2 to 4 hours of hands-on training for primary operators, with a short SOP and periodic refreshers.
How do I estimate costs per model?
Use this simple formula and swap in your numbers:
- In-house unit cost
= (Fixed monthly cost / monthly models) + materials + consumables + labor + remake allowance - Outsource unit cost
= lab fee + shipping/rush + remake costs
Example (for illustrative purposes only):
Fixed monthly (equipment/maintenance) $600, models/month 150 → $4.00/model fixed; materials/consumables $3.50; labor 10 min @ $25/hr ≈ $4.17; allowance $0.50 → ~$12.17/model in-house.
Compare your current lab fee and shipping costs to determine the break-even point.
Tip: Track first-pass yield, remakes, and chair-time savings; even small gains in these metrics can swing ROI in favor of in-house production.
Disclaimer
The guidance in this section is for educational purposes for dental/orthodontic professionals. It does not constitute clinical, regulatory, engineering, or legal advice, and may not reflect the latest requirements in your jurisdiction. Always verify printer/resin compatibility and indications with the manufacturer, follow Instructions for Use (IFU), and validate your workflow (orientation, supports, cure) before patient use. You are responsible for your practice’s QA/QC, documentation, and compliance.
Become Your Own Orthodontic Manufacturer Lab
There are limitless possibilities and customization options with in-house 3D printing. With even more EasyRx printer integrations coming soon, you can choose the right tool that will benefit your orthodontic practice’s prescription workflow the most.
With your new tools, you can quickly create high-quality appliances for the best results, saving you money, making patients happier, and growing your business. See your potential ROI.
References
- 3D Printing Applications in Dentistry You Should Know. (2020, September 1). New.parkdentalresearch.com; Park Dental Research.
- Clear Aligners Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Age (Adults, Teens), By End-Use (Hospitals, Standalone Practices, Group Practices, Others), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 – 2030 (2022). Www.grandviewresearch.com; Grand View Research.
- Sanchez, M. S. (2018, February 16). 3D Printing and In-house Aligners. Orthodontic Products.
- Shannon, T., & Groth, C. (2021). Be your own manufacturer: 3D printing intraoral appliances. Seminars in Orthodontics, 27(3), 184–188.
- Tamer, İ., Öztaş, E., & Marşan, G. (2019). Orthodontic Treatment with Clear Aligners and The Scientific Reality Behind Their Marketing: A Literature Review. Turkish Journal of Orthodontics, 32(4), 241–246.