Midas employs the novel Digital Press Stereolithography (DPS) technology and a patent-pending resin capsule system that together enable the use of previously unworkable and highly viscous resins for 3D printing. The combined product and technology process sets an entirely new standard for what is possible in 3D printing.

“Materials, more than anything, have dictated what is possible in the dental restoration field,” said Dr Amir Mansouri, co-founder and CEO of SprintRay. “The introduction of Midas both revolutionises the manner in which material is transformed and reveals an entirely new paradigm of what can actually be printed. Until now, materials like ceramics were too thick for traditional 3D printers to handle.”

“Midas changes everything. Not only does this innovation handle today’s ceramic-based materials, but it also sets the stage for future advances in composites and ceramics. We are on the brink of a new era in biomaterial innovation, and we’re thrilled to be leading the charge,” he added.

When Midas becomes available to dental professionals later this year, it will be the first truly new 3D-printing methodology to be commercialised in four decades. Combined with SprintRay’s all-new AI Studio design software, chairside design and delivery of restorations will be a faster and more seamless experience than ever before.

Dr Wally Renne, a global leader in digital dentistry and co-founder of the MOD Institute, a continuing education centre for dental professionals, said: “SprintRay’s Midas, in my opinion, is the biggest breakthrough in dentistry since September 1985, when the first CEREC inlay was milled. SprintRay has invented a new way to 3D-print called ‘Digital Press Stereolithography’, easily enabling the chairside fabrication of crowns, inlays, onlays and veneers.”

He continued: “Their first Midas resin will have over 70% ceramic filler and can be printed in under 8 minutes—and that’s just the beginning. Their announced partnership with Ivoclar for material development sets a tone for a very exciting future. Digital dentistry was just upended.”

DPS: No training required and zero maintenance

Midas and DPS eliminate viscosity constraints and create a new platform for material innovation. The patented process removes the limitations that chemists previously faced in altering the mechanical properties and aesthetics of resin. Midas is the first 3D printer ever to use DPS, eliminating the need for large resin vats and other reusable parts. Utilising a vacuum-sealed Midas resin capsule that can print up to three units in less than 8 minutes, Midas delivers an incredibly clean, simple workflow without viscosity limitations.

AI Studio design software

To complement the printer, SprintRay is introducing AI Studio, a cloud-based design software that automates the creation of dental restorations. AI Studio integrates with 3Shape, DEXIS and Medit scanners to give clinicians the ability to edit and change the design, including margin editing, positioning and adaptation adjustments, and anatomy editing—all without requiring any CAD experience. With a single click, dental professionals can send designs to Midas, including any STL design file from any dental design software or laboratory for maximum convenience.

Future of biomaterial innovation

“Midas has changed what we view as possible in 3D-printed materials. This new open platform allows an entire industry of materials science innovators to explore a new galaxy of solutions. Biomaterial has a very exciting future that is going to result in monumental benefits for our customers and patients alike,” said Dr Ehsan Barjasteh, head of the SprintRay Biomaterial Innovation Lab.

Midas and AI Studio, combined with the company’s NanoCure post-polymerisation device, signify a monumental advancement in dental restoration manufacturing, characterised by speed, simplicity and groundbreaking innovation in restorative materials. The waiting list for Midas is now open, and deliveries are set to begin in the fourth quarter of this year.

For more information, visit sprintray.com.