Categories
dental-lab review

SHINING 3D AutoScan-DS-EX

SHINING 3D’s AutoScan-DS-EX is an entry-level desktop dental scanner.  Their website describes it as cost-effective and at $5,000 it is. For that price, you get structured white light, two cameras, a swing arm & turntable, a collection of mounting jigs, calibration plate (more on that later), a USB drive with software, a USB dongle for licensing, and a package of Blu Tack.  You will need an Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GTX 750 graphics card, and Windows 7 or later. Check out Metatooth’s setup!

I had two problems setting up. Each were quickly addressed by my supplier, Bayshore Dental Studio, and SHINING 3D Dental Support.

1. The software version on the thumb drive was not able to connect with the scanner.  I was sent a Google Drive link to download version 2931. It would have been nice to get this information ahead of setup, but it was quickly resolved. The customer service rep used Team Viewer to review my machine, this happened over night for me, given their location.

2. Take off the protective plastic cover before trying to scan the calibration plate!

The case entry form will be familiar to exocad users. I haven’t had reason to scan more than impressions. Additional scans were needed to fill holes; the default scan paths did not give complete coverage. Hopeful for a way to change the scan paths or possibly issue arm/turntable and capture commands to the scan server itself.

Any other AutoScan-DS-EX users out there? What has your experience been? Tell me about it in the comments!

Categories
dental-lab manufacturing

Terry Lorber mentioned on IDT Weekly

Metatooth’s Terry Lorber is mentioned in Episode 26 of IDT Weekly. IDT Weekly highlights articles in the peer-reviewed Inside Dental Technology publication. IDT is a resource and learning tool for dental laboratory owners and managers. This month’s issue (July 2019) includes a Continuing Education article entitled “Does it Scale?”, by Terry Lorber.

The article covers a range of topics, from the mundane (for example, network topology) to the more philosophical (for example, lean manufacturing). The aim is provide concrete examples on a number of ways to bring the latest business technology to the dental lab. For inspiration, the author looks to examples from his experience in dental startups, where the growth expected by investors must be supported by robust and reliable information systems.

Need help with integrating dental & business technologies? Contact us to find out more. Do you have examples of scaling information systems for dental manufacturing? Tell me about it in the comments!