Skillbond Direct acquires second TRUMPF Additive Manufacturing machine, named UK dental sector reseller
February 11, 2025
Skillbond Direct Ltd., a dental supply company based in High Wycombe, United Kingdom, reports that following the addition of a second TruPrint 1000 Additive Manufacturing machine from Trumpf, based in Ditzingen, Germany, it has now become an official reseller of the AM machines to the UK dental lab market.
Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB)-based machines have been operational at the company for the past ten years. However, the desire to launch a new product service, namely cobalt-chrome removable partial dentures (RPDs), prompted Skillbond to seek out a metal Additive Manufacturing machine with the necessary size capacity, build speed and surface quality. As a strong metal that is resistant to gum and mouth irritation, cobalt chrome makes for a durable material that is also lightweight, ensuring thinner and less bulky designs than acrylic counterparts.
Khanjan Langalia, Technical Manager of the manufacturing facility in High Wycombe, explained the process, “Dental technicians create a digital dental restoration using CADCAM software. We subsequently use this CAD model to produce a physical dental restoration. Skillbond offers a fast turnaround, high-quality, high-precision dental restoration manufacturing service using the latest production technologies, including metal 3D printing.”
“We looked at various metal 3D printers from a number of manufacturers, but the TRUMPF TruPrint 1000 stood out for its ability to meet our checklist of requirements,” Langalia continued. “We duly invested in our first TruPrint 1000 around 12 months ago.”
An exposure speed up to 2 m/s and build rates of 10-50 cm³/h ensures that the TruPrint 1000 offers short turnaround times, helping Skillbond to produce several RPDs every day.
With its two 200 W Trumpf fibre lasers and automatic substrate plate change capabilities, users of the TruPrint 1000 can maximise productivity. Two lasers simultaneously scan the entire build volume with complete overlap, generating up to 80% more parts with excellent component and surface quality through optimal gas flow and stable laser focus.
SKillbond’s business model means that its manufacturing technology, such as scanners, CNC milling machines, grinding machines and Additive Manufacturing machines, are also available for sale via its capacity as a reseller.
“We’ve been using this business formula for over 50 years and it’s proved very successful,” said Langalia. “Customers can come here and see the machines operating in real-world applications, backed by our support team of highly experienced dental technicians and engineering specialists.”
“Many dental laboratory start-ups use Skillbond in their formative years. But as they grow, some labs want to bring manufacturing in-house, which is where we can also act as a partner. They can buy a new machine and consumables from us – and tap into our know-how. We’re excited to become a reseller of TRUMPF TruPrint 1000 3D printers to the UK dental lab market, and we’re already in discussions with potential customers,” Langalia added.
