Key Takeaways
- Clean, clearly labeled STL files keep production on track, reduce delays, and prevent rework.
- Direct file transfers, print tracking, and batch printing keep production efficient and organized.
- Clear case tracking helps in-house labs stay ahead of deadlines and avoid production bottlenecks.
- Real-time cost tracking for materials and labor gives orthodontic practices better insight into production expenses.
- EasyRx streamlines in-house lab management with tools for STL file prep, orthodontic 3D editing and printing, case tracking, and cost oversight.
Tackle STL File Management, Orthodontic 3D Printing, and Production with Confidence
If you’ve chosen to run an in-house lab, it’s probably because you wanted more control—over timelines, production, and patient care. But between managing STL files, 3D printing, and tracking case progress for orthodontic treatments, things can get messy fast.
With EasyRx, you can finally take control of in-house lab management. In this guide, you’ll learn practical ways to streamline STL file handling, 3D printing, and case management—so you can run your lab with more confidence and less stress.
1. Start With Smarter STL File Handling
STL files kick off every in-house lab workflow—but disorganized files can bring everything to a standstill. When you’re stuck hunting for the right file, reorienting models, or re-uploading files, valuable time slips away and production slows down.
Here’s how you can take control of your STL file workflow:
Get Models Print-Ready
Instead of spending time manually adjusting models, use tools that let you create hollow, horseshoe, or full bases quickly. With EasyRx 3D, your team can base models in minutes, without relying on a single “expert” to handle it. The result is a more efficient, repeatable process that anyone on your team can follow.
Label Every Model with Patient Info
Chasing down which model belongs to which patient eats up time and causes errors. With EasyRx, you can embed patient names or case IDs directly onto each model using an embossed or engraved label tool. This makes every model easy to identify, clearly marked, and ready for production—no sticky notes or manual tags required.
Keep File Adjustments Quick and Simple
Rotating, orienting, and trimming STL files doesn’t have to be a drawn-out process. EasyRx 3D provides drag-and-drop controls that make it simple to adjust models as needed. You can trim excess material, adjust the model’s orientation, and get it print-ready without extra steps or back-and-forth edits.
Clean, clearly labeled, and print-ready STL files keep your production process moving. Instead of getting stuck in “prep mode,” your team stays focused on printing, production, and patient care.
2. Simplify Your 3D Printing Workflow
Your 3D printing process works best when files from your intraoral scanner, printers, and production are all in sync. But without a connected system, you end up chasing files, tracking down print jobs, and dealing with production slowdowns. By connecting file transfers, print tracking, and batch production, you can avoid those delays and keep everything running smoothly.
Send STL Files Directly to Your 3D Printer
USB drives and manual uploads slow down your workflow. Instead, connect STL files directly to your printer to avoid misplaced files, upload errors, and unnecessary file searches. With a direct transfer, files move from creation to production without extra steps, keeping your process efficient and on track.
Track Print Status Without Guessing
When you’re unsure which models are ready to print, production gets messy. EasyRx’s Print List shows the print status for every model in one view. You can see which models are ready to print and which are still in progress. With this clarity, you can prioritize print jobs and keep production on schedule.
Batch Print for Faster Production
Printing one model at a time wastes printer capacity and slows down production. Instead, batch print models in a single run. Batch printing allows you to handle large production jobs efficiently, meet deadlines, and avoid unnecessary printer downtime.
When you connect file transfers, track print status clearly, and batch models together, your 3D printing workflow moves faster. Instead of dealing with manual uploads or slow, single-model print runs, you can keep production moving without unnecessary slowdowns.
3. Track Cases from Start to Finish
When multiple orthodontic appliances are in progress, it’s easy to lose track of where each case stands. But a clear, organized tracking system can help you stay ahead of deadlines and avoid last-minute scrambles
You can filter cases by production stage—like “checked-in at lab” or “ready to print”—to give your entire team visibility into where the case is in production. Plus, tags like “priority” or “rush” make it easy to flag critical cases that need extra attention. With a system that tracks active cases in one view, your team can prioritize work, meet deadlines, and keep production moving.
4. Control Production Costs in Real Time
Managing production costs is about more than cutting expenses—it’s about having full visibility into where your money is going. EasyRx makes this easier by tracking material for STL-based appliances, like aligners and retainers, as you create prescriptions.
It’s also helpful to see real-time costs as you build a case. This way, you can make informed decisions before committing to production. Plus, you can review production stats, track total spend, and export reports for a clearer view of where your expenses are adding up. With these insights, you can control costs and run a more profitable in-house lab.
Run an In-House Lab That Works as Hard as You Do
Running an in-house lab can be a game-changer for your practice—but it also takes a system that works. When your workflow stays connected, production stays on schedule, costs stay under control, and patient care stays front and center.
With EasyRx, you can manage every part of your lab with less hassle. Base STL files faster, track cases from start to finish, and keep tabs on production costs—all from one platform. It’s a smarter way to run your lab with fewer delays and more peace of mind.
Want to see it in action? Schedule a demo and discover how EasyRx can give you complete control over your in-house lab.
FAQs About Orthodontic In-House Lab Management
How do I avoid production bottlenecks in my in-house lab?
Keep STL files organized, label every model clearly, and track case progress in one place. Use tools that let you see where every case stands so you can spot delays early and prioritize urgent jobs.
What’s the easiest way to track which jobs are a priority?
Tag critical cases (like for aligner treatment) with labels like “rush” or “priority” so they stand out. Filtering cases by production stage (such as “ready to print”) also helps you see which tasks need attention first.
How can I reduce the amount of time my team spends handling STL files?
Use software that offers quick basing, simple orientation tools, and drag-and-drop adjustments. Embedding patient names directly on models also saves time by eliminating the “which model is this?” guessing game.
What’s the best way to prevent lost or mislabeled models in production?
Add embossed or engraved patient names or case IDs directly to each STL file. This way, every model is clearly marked and easy to identify, with no need for sticky notes or handwritten tags.
How does EasyRx simplify case tracking for in-house labs?
EasyRx lets you track every active case in one dashboard. You can see which stage each case is in, tag urgent jobs, and filter for “ready to print” cases. This visibility makes it easy to stay ahead of deadlines and avoid last-minute surprises.