Smile! U.S. Dental Labs Are Now Using Laser Technology to Validate That Their Prosthesis Are Safe
As more manufacturers are outsourcing production around the world it is important for everyone to recognize growing health concerns. Recent reports have announced high levels of lead in many products produced in foreign countries such as clothing, children's' toys, certain foods and much more. The dental industry is now feeling an impact with lead crowns being manufactured in foreign dental labs. The National Association of Dental Labs (NADL) estimates that 15-20% of US dental restorations are fabricated outside of the country. It is likely that over 10% (possibly as high as 25%) of current US dentists are placing foreign-made dental prosthesis. Some dentists may not realize the prosthesis they are purchasing are produced outside the US.
Laser Photonics, a leader in fiber laser technology, has recognized this issue and has been working with major US labs around the country to find a solution. In order to distinguish themselves from the competition and ensure the safety of the public, many US dental labs are using new laser technologies to engrave "Made in the USA" or their company name/logo on their crowns. These dental labs are using marking systems offered by Laser Photonics such as the Fiber Tower Desktop and Fiber Tower XP PLUS to mark their prosthesis. The Fiber Tower XP Plus is perfect for direct part marking applications. It is equipped with a 20 watt fiber laser offering maintenance free operation and its user friendly design and software makes it ideal for these applications. Dental labs are using this fiber laser system to mark on their ceramic, plastic, porcelain and gold crowns and bridges.
In this specific application a US dental lab marked "USA" directly on its ceramic crowns and bridges. Using a simple 20 Watt Q-switch Fiber Laser at 85% Laser Photonics was able to etch the marking at 90% power. The etching depth is <.0001 at and was performed at a speed of 10 inches per second.
Fiber Tower XP Plus Benefits:
The FiberTower XP Plus is ideal for Circumferential Marking applications:
o Handles various flat and oversized parts
o Equipped with foot switch or light curtains
o Replaceable rotary attachment for circumferential marking
o Optional side doors for long parts
o Optional bar code scanner or CCD camera for quality verification
o Exhaust outlet
Laser Photonics is the industry leaders in developing high-tech Fiber and CO2 laser marking, cutting and engraving systems for a variety of industries, such as; aerospace, automotive, medical, solar and semiconductor to name a few. We exceed in manufacturing high quality, performance driven turnkey solutions for these and many other industries.
