The dental industry is rapidly shifting toward digital manufacturing, and 3D printed dentures, also referred to as “digital dentures,” are at the center of this transformation. As labs embrace additive manufacturing to produce precise, detailed, patient-specific dental restorations, one challenge remains: achieving a smooth, durable, and consistent surface finish without extensive manual labor. With MFI’s HZ-40 and its smaller counterpart HZ-12 barrel tumbling machines, labs can achieve a premium surface finish in less time and with greater consistency than hand finishing.
Streamline the Finishing Process for 3D Printed Parts
Traditional denture finishing requires skilled technicians to hand polish each piece, which is a time-consuming process that can lead to inconsistencies and higher labor costs. With MFI’s HZ-40 and HZ-12, dental labs can automate the entire process with one operator, achieving a uniform finish across multiple parts at once. The centrifugal barrel tumbling system uses water, tumbling media, and MFI’s proprietary finishing compounds to gently but effectively smooth out surface imperfections left behind during printing.
This approach both eliminates visible striation lines common to layer-based 3D printing and ensures that even hard-to-reach areas receive equal attention. The result is a true isotropic finish that’s smooth and consistent in every direction, rather than the directional marks that can result from manual buffing.
A Safer, Gentler Alternative to Chemical Finishing
In many current digital denture workflows, labs use chemical processes such as caustic soda baths to remove support material or smooth printed surfaces. MFI’s tumbling systems replace those hazardous steps with a safe, mechanical alternative. By combining mechanical action with MFI’s specialized tumbling soap and multi-step media progression, the HZ-40 and HZ-12 provides a high-quality surface finish without using harsh chemicals or putting the operator at risk.
Finishing Durable, High-Quality Printed Materials
Modern FDA-cleared resins for 3D printed dental applications are engineered to provide a realistic look and better durability for everyday wear. These advanced polymers allow for natural shading and gum-like translucency; however, they can often be challenging to finish by hand without accidentally damaging the details. The controlled tumbling process of MFI’s HZ-40 and HZ-12 protects the fine features and color layers while removing support residue and achieving a smooth, patient-ready polish.
Comfort for Patients
A smooth finish is about more than just the aesthetics; it’s about comfort. With the MFI barrel tumbling technology, labs can ensure both the visible and gum-contact surfaces are precisely contoured for a natural feel. This reduces the need for dental adhesives and helps improve overall comfort for patients. The evenness of the finish also ensures that the final product stays true to the original 3D print design, preserving critical patient-specific details and fit.
Better Efficiency and Scalability for Dental Labs
Labs can polish up to 40 arches in a single run with the HZ-40 and 20 with the HZ-12. All can be finished with only one operator, which empowers dental labs to boost output and efficiency, all without sacrificing valuable floor space. Its plug-and-perform setup (in fact, the smaller HZ-12 uses a standard 110V outlet) and user-friendly operation make it ideal for dental labs of all sizes.
As dental technology evolves, MFI remains committed to supporting labs with reliable, cost-effective finishing solutions that bring them the best results without inviting risk to the end product. The HZ-40 and HZ-12 showcase our decades of experience and readiness to meet the new era in digital dentistry.