Automating Aligner/Retainer Fabrication: Introducing The VHF e3

Here at Voxel, we're passionate about dental technology. Truly great tech has the ability to enhance your workflows in dentistry, and can even impact your bottom line as a practice. We're constantly evaluating the latest and greatest tech to see what may best serve our customers for tomorrow. 

For some time now, our customers have been asking if we're going to get into Milling and start offering milling machines and aligner trimmers as part of our lineup of digital tech. Today, we're excited to introduce our latest in the lineup the E3 from VHF dental milling machines.

VHF is a German manufacturer that specializes in high-quality dental milling machines and digital dental solutions. This manufacturer has established itself as a leading provider of innovative technology for dental laboratories and practices worldwide. We proudly represent VHF in both the restorative dentistry and full arch, offering their full line of mills.

We've been eagerly testing and evaluating their latest E-series lineup of mills to ensure these products match our obsessive level of quality for our customers. Today, we're going to review the future of aligner trimming, and talk about the features of the VHF E3 model - their desktop-size mill designed for aligner/retainer trimming with additional capabilities as well.

But before we dive in, watch our 4 minute video showing you how it's done. I'll be demonstrating the power of the VHF E3, from scan to print to thermoform to trim, and done!

WHY VHF e3?

In orthodontics, clear aligners are a mainstay in teeth straightening. If you're considering or already are producing aligners, retainers, splints, nightguards and other ortho appliances in-office, the VHF E3 was designed specifically to take the load of trimming and helping you automate this workflow.

The E in the new VHF E-series of mills stands for Ease-of-Use.

This means user-friendliness is at the forefront of everything they've designed. VHF wants you to be able to seamlessly introduce occlusal trimming into your workflow, by designing the E3 to be simple to commission and operate.

True to the motto: unpack, connect, start milling!

Next, one immediate difference you'll notice from the VHF E3 is its size. It's lightweight (only 25kg), compact and form factor, designed to fit desktop - giving you countless options of where to set up for trimming. With a simple 110V power cord, you have a true "plug and play" tool at your fingertips. 

Unlike other milling machines we've seen, the E3 does not require any sort of vacuum suction attachment (to attach and hold the model). They developed a tool-free clamping system, this quick workpiece change enables you to produce entire series of aligners quickly and easily.

Also, this device does not require any pressurized/compressed air. Most mills in the milling industry require this to be able to use their devices, but the innovative E3 was designed to avoid the use of compressed air - meaning your device can be set up virtually anywhere in your practice!

No tools are required with this system with it's uniquely designed clamping system. AND no calibration is required in between aligners. The only calibration required is when replacing the spindle, or motor, after prolonged use. This calibration is easy to perform, and replacement parts like the motor are modular and simple to replace. Voxel offers all replacement parts for the VHF E3 for sale on the Voxel store or by contacting us directly!

LEt's Talk about Software

Most mills today require a third-party CAM software to be able to design the trim path - to tell the mill what it needs to do. And, using the third-party software adds up over time. 

The VHF E3 developed its own TRIMCAM software in-house to automatically recognize the trimline on which the occlusal appliance is milled out from the available planning data. It additionally offers functionality to allow you to customize trimlines to your specifications, giving you flexibility to either automate or customize when needed.

And the best part.. this is available with NO FEES! This software comes with every E3 purchase, without any added monthly fees for use.

Having its own simple-to-use software baked right in is a game-changer in dental milling. 

Designed to Save You Time & Effort

With it's automated trimline detection, your technicians no longer need to physically trace. This AI function of automated trimline detection takes about 1 minute per model.

Or, as you or your staff get busy, you can submit an entire case and batch process trimline generation. The program allows you to be able to step away and have a complete case generated for you when you return. We tested this with a 10 aligner case, and the system took 14-15 minutes to generate trim paths for the entire case and you're ready to start trimming!

With the software, you're able to provide basic instructions such as 1mm offset from the gumline, detailed scalloped or smooth gumlines, and more.

The integrated software also automatically creates the locator attachment with every model. This can be sent to any 3D printer so your trimming model is immediately ready for use - again with no suction or compressed air required.

Once you've approved the automated trimline, or customized to your specifications, the trimming occurs in 45-55 seconds.

Wide Variety of APPLIANCES

One of the most exciting parts of the VHF E3 to us is the wide variety of clinical applications it has. This machine is not just for aligners and retainers, the E3 can trim nearly any occlusal appliance, including nightguards and splints. Because it can fit up to 3mms for trimming, you can save time on any appliance trimming with this machine.

Match With Quality Thermoforming

To get the best possible results for your patients, we recommend choosing quality thermoforming material. Here at Voxel, we represent Taglus as our choice aligner and retainer sheets.

Taglus PU(polyurethane) Flex Aligner Material has elastomeric qualities and flexural modulus perfect for aligner cases, leading to improved case tracking and a more enjoyable patient experience. With industry leading clarity and comfortable fit, Taglus PU Flex is the next step in plastic thermoforming technology. We offer Taglus PU Flex with two sizes .030x124mm round and .040x125mm round starting at $350/box - available for purchase directly through the Voxel store.

For retainers, we recommend Taglus TUFF. Taglus TUFF is a leading retainer material for crack-resistant durability, patient comfort and aesthetic clarity. TUFF's durability and shape memory make it ideal for both retention and aligner tooth movements in the .030 thickness. We offer Taglus TUFF .030x124mm round for $169/box - available for purchase directly through the Voxel store.

Tips About 3D Printing For Best Results

So, we're excited about the VHF E3 as a game changer in aligner trimming - for good reason! It has many features that its competition simply does not, and is made as easy-to-use as possible.

One pro tip we'd like to offer came from our testing of a variety of systems to help find the most efficient method from scan to print to trim. As you may already know, we offer a full range of intraoral scanners and 3D printers, not to mention our pan/ceph and CBCT on the X-Ray side, and we're constantly evaluating how these work together for a complete and effective digital workflow.

When printing for the VHF E3, we recommend printing your models vertically. This helps in two ways. First, this method prints more at a time. Second, and particular to the E3, the locator attachment required to attach to the jig will be printed as accurately as possible.

We tested the speed, quality and overall efficiency of this 3D printing method with our UNIZ NBEE printers. This is also a product we've recently been excited about introducing because of its unparalleled speed and accuracy. Using our UNIZ printers with the VHF E3 aligner trimmer, we completed a 10 aligner case from scan to completion in 70 minutes.

If that got your attention, let's talk more about a streamlined workflow for aligners - giving you the ability to provide patients with true same-day aligners, retainers and other appliances.

Get to know Voxel! We have a team of dental technology experts ready to help you find the right equipment for your practice. And, because we’re an authorized dealer of many top technology brands, we’ll be able to help you find the best solutions for your practice at the best value and support you throughout the lifespan of your equipment.

Today, we're offering the VHF E3 aligner trimmer for only $16,900 - available at the Voxel store for purchase or by contacting us directly. See product page for ordering and more information.

Interested in enhancing your 3D printing speed? Ask us about the UNIZ NBEE, what we believe to be the fasted dental 3D printer on the market. We have the UNIZ NBEE [Voxel Signature Series] available for purchase for $10,999. We also worked directly with the manufacturer to develop and be the exclusive carrier of UNIZ Model V resin - developed to match speed with accuracy. Model V resin is exclusively offered through Voxel and can be purchased for $139 per 1KG bottle through the Voxel Store.

We’ve worked with thousands of dentists across the US. We know what it takes to get up and running quickly, especially with new technology. That’s why we back all of our products with a comprehensive warranty, 24/7 product support, installation, and perhaps, most importantly, online and on-site training to help get you and your staff started with your new technology as quickly as possible.

Ready to begin? Give us a call at (281) 789-7270 or fill out an online inquiry form here. We look forward to earning your business.