Invisalign Completes Cubicure Acquisition to Advance Orthodontic Options with 3D Printing - 3DPrint.com

Invisalign, the undisputed front-runner within the clear aligner {industry}, has taken a monumental leap ahead by buying Cubicure, a pioneer in direct 3D printing options for polymer additive manufacturing (AM). Now full, this strategic acquisition by Align Know-how (Nasdaq: ALGN), the dad or mum firm of Invisalign, is a milestone within the evolution of orthodontic options, melding cutting-edge expertise with industry-leading experience. Famend for its revolutionary Scorching Lithography expertise, Cubicure makes a speciality of processing extremely viscous resins to supply sturdy and temperature-resistant polymers, a super addition to Invisalign’s portfolio.

Though the acquisition was introduced within the third quarter of 2023, the deal between Align and Cubicure was accomplished within the first days of January 2024. Valued at roughly €79 million ($87 million), the acquisition is topic to changes based mostly on customary closing phrases and Align’s pre-existing stake in Cubicure’s capital. A decisive transfer to increase Align’s digital footprint within the orthodontic {industry}, this strategic acquisition is predicted to enhance Align’s mental property in direct 3D printing of dental home equipment. Moreover, integrating with Cubicure will increase and elevate Align’s printing, supplies, and manufacturing capabilities for its numerous 3D printed product portfolio.

Strategic Integration

Commenting on the acquisition, Align Know-how President and CEO Joe Hogan stated, “The acquisition of Cubicure brings a gifted group and distinctive cutting-edge expertise into Align and can allow us to scale our 3D printing operations to finally direct print tens of millions of customized home equipment per day. Direct 3D printing permits Align to create 3D printed options with out the added step of first making a mould, making 3D printing extra sustainable and environment friendly. I’m excited to take this essential step in our relationship with Cubicure, which started a number of years in the past as a joint improvement program.”

The combination of Cubicure is predicted to considerably bolster Align’s strategic innovation roadmap and reinforce the capabilities of the Align Digital Platform. This platform helps the model’s superior printing, supplies, and manufacturing processes. A notable inclusion in Align’s 3D printed product vary, facilitated by this acquisition, is the Invisalign Palatal Expander system. This method represents Align’s incursion into direct 3D printed orthodontic gadgets, providing a extra comfy and clinically efficient various to conventional palatal expanders, which assist to widen a slender higher jaw and proper dental situations like crossbites and overcrowding.

Cubicure’s patented Scorching Lithography expertise, which employs a singular heating and coating mechanism, is vital in processing extremely viscous resins. This functionality permits for the creation of exceptionally powerful and temperature-resistant polymers. The precision of this 3D printing course of permits the additive manufacturing of resilient elements, marking a major development in materials high quality and efficiency within the orthodontics discipline.

Legacy of Innovation and Development

Align’s historical past is steeped in innovation and development. Over its 26-year journey, Align has invested billions in state-of-the-art applied sciences, together with superior 3D printing, revolutionizing digital orthodontics. Its portfolio, that includes the Invisalign system, iTero intraoral scanners, and Exocad CAD/CAM software program, symbolizes its dedication to pioneering technology-driven orthodontic options.

The corporate’s inaugural direct 3D printed orthodontic machine, the Invisalign Palatal Expander system, gives a sensible, patient-friendly various to standard palatal expanders. At present utilized by roughly 252,000 medical doctors globally, the corporate’s suite of merchandise goals to enhance affected person outcomes.

“Align has invested billions of {dollars} in innovation over the previous 27 years, together with next-generation 3D printing applied sciences to course of high-performance polymers,” stated Align Senior Vice President of Product Analysis and Growth, Srini Kaza. “We’ve been working with Cubicure for years, and I’m thrilled that they’re now formally staff of Align and members of our R&D group. We’re in the beginning of this subsequent wave of direct 3D printing additive manufacturing, and I consider we’re poised to rework the orthodontic {industry} once more with our unprecedented skill to direct print gadgets.”

Though Align has actively expanded its technological horizons by way of a number of acquisitions since 2011, together with Cadent, GL Dental Couture Restricted, and exocad, that is the primary time the model has integrated a 3D printed firm into its fold. This transfer represents a serious strategic step for Align and suggests a strategic deal with integrating superior 3d printing into its product providing.

Market Dynamics

Whereas Align continues to innovate and increase, significantly its foray into 3D printing expertise, the clear aligner {industry} is experiencing important modifications. Specifically, the closure of SmileDirectClub in 2023 marked a shift within the sector. Identified for its direct-to-consumer mannequin, SmileDirectClub contrasts with Invisalign’s method, which has at all times prioritized skilled, in-person care and fittings. The departure of SmileDirectClub from the market not solely highlights the complexities inherent within the clear aligner market but additionally solidifies Invisalign’s position as a number one supplier on this discipline.

Invisalign’s clear dental aligners, which step by step straighten tooth by way of sustained strain, require altering each one to a few weeks, with complete therapy durations extending over a number of months. The absence of SmileDirectClub from the market additional accentuates Invisalign’s position as a key participant in orthodontic remedies. With its confirmed monitor file and the acquisition of Cubicure now boosting its capabilities, Invisalign might attempt to set new benchmarks in orthodontic care.