Metal 3D printer FastForm DeskFab X1

Compact 3D Printer for Metal Printing in Dental Laboratories

FastForm DeskFab X1 is an SLM metal 3D printer for additive manufacturing of dental structures using the method of laser melting of metal powder. The printer is equipped with a 300 W laser, providing dimensional accuracy of ±0.05 mm and a build productivity of 10 to 25 cm³/h. The metal 3D printing technology allows for the production of custom dental frameworks, crowns, bridge prostheses, and restoration components, taking into account the geometry of the specific product.

Advantages of FastForm DeskFab X1

• Compact design. The printer dimensions are 615 × 655 × 850 mm. These dimensions allow the placement of the metal 3D printer in a dental laboratory or production facility with limited space.
• High manufacturing accuracy. Dimensional accuracy of ±0.05 mm allows for the reproduction of small geometric elements of dental structures. Laser scanning repeatability ≤4 μrad ensures beam positioning stability during construction.
• Productive laser system. The 300 W laser operates at a scanning speed of up to 7 m/s. A build productivity of 10–25 cm³/h allows for planning the production of individual items and batches of dental components.
• Controlled printing atmosphere. The system maintains an oxygen concentration of ≤100 ppm. Argon or nitrogen consumption does not exceed 1 l/h, reducing the need for protective gas during operation.
• Durable filtration system. The permanent filter is designed for at least 30,000 hours of operation. This resource reduces the frequency of filter element replacement and the number of corresponding maintenance operations.
• Compact powder feed system. The metal powder reservoir volume is 1.5 l. This allows for material feeding within the desktop equipment design without using a large-scale powder storage system.

Laser Melting Technology of Metal Powder

FastForm DeskFab X1 employs the technology of laser melting of metal powder, which involves layer-by-layer formation of products according to a three-dimensional digital model. During printing, a thin layer of metal powder is distributed in the working area. The laser beam selectively melts the material according to the geometry of the current section of the part. After the metal solidifies, the process repeats until the build is complete.

The SLM 3D printer is equipped with a laser scanning system with repeatability ≤4 μrad. Beam movement control is necessary for the consistent formation of complex contours and small elements of dental products. The process occurs in a protective atmosphere of argon or nitrogen. The gas environment control system maintains a low oxygen concentration, limiting its impact on the molten metal.

A permanent filtration system is provided for cleaning the gas environment. It supports the operation of the equipment during laser melting of metal powder and reduces the need for regular filter replacement.

Printing Accuracy and Quality of Metal Parts

DeskFab X1 provides dimensional accuracy of ±0.05 mm, which is significant when manufacturing dental structures with complex geometry and small functional elements. The high-precision scanning system controls the position of the laser beam during the formation of each layer. Scanning repeatability ≤4 μrad characterizes the stability of the optical system's operation but is not a separate indicator of the finished part's accuracy.

The 300 W laser system provides the energy for melting the metal powder. The product formation occurs sequentially according to the specified geometry of the digital model. The accuracy of the finished dental structures also depends on the material, printing parameters, product orientation, and subsequent processing. For parts with high fitting requirements, geometry control after manufacturing is necessary.

Working Area and Productivity

The metal 3D printer FastForm DeskFab X1 has a cylindrical working area of Ø100 × 80 mm, allowing for the production of compact metal parts, including dental frameworks, crowns, and bridge structures. The platform diameter is 100 mm, and the maximum build height is 80 mm.

The 300 W laser system provides a scanning speed of up to 7 m/s. The build productivity is 10–25 cm³/h, allowing for planning the production of individual items and batches of dental components.

The number of parts in one task depends on their dimensions, geometry, orientation, and the necessary space for support structures. The actual manufacturing time is determined by the printing parameters, selected material, and total build volume.

Metal Powders for 3D Printing

The metal 3D printer FastForm DeskFab X1 is oriented towards working with materials used for manufacturing dental structures.

• Cobalt-chromium alloys. Used for manufacturing frameworks of removable dental prostheses, crowns, and bridge structures. Materials in this group are characterized by high rigidity, mechanical strength, and corrosion resistance.
• Titanium and titanium alloys. Used for individual dental components, including structures with implant fixation. Titanium materials combine low density, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility when using appropriate medical grades.

The choice of a specific metal powder grade requires checking compatibility with the equipment and the availability of appropriate 3D printing parameters.

Application of FastForm DeskFab X1 in Dentistry

The main purpose of the equipment is the production of custom metal dental structures according to digital models.

• Frameworks of removable dental prostheses. 3D printing with metal powder allows for the formation of frameworks with complex contours, support elements, and connecting areas. Cobalt-chromium alloys can be used for such products.
• Dental crowns. Laser powder melting is used for manufacturing metal bases of crowns with geometry prepared in a dental CAD environment.
• Bridge prostheses. The technology allows for creating multi-component structures considering the location of support teeth and the required framework shape.
• Restorations supported by implants. The equipment is designed for manufacturing custom metal components from titanium and cobalt-chromium materials. The geometry of such products is determined by the clinical task and prosthetic design.
• Serial production of custom structures. Within one production task, several digital models can be prepared for subsequent printing. The number of parts depends on their size, orientation, and available build area.

Technical Specifications of FastForm DeskFab X1

3D Printing Parameters

Materials and Software

Dimensions and Operational Parameters

Order the Metal 3D Printer DeskFab X1

Purchase the metal 3D printer FastForm DeskFab X1 for organizing additive manufacturing of dental frameworks, crowns, bridge prostheses, and other custom dental structures. Contact our specialists to receive consultation on technical specifications, compatible materials, configuration, and equipment supply conditions.