--- title: "When the stars Align, the AM market grows" url: https://www.voxelmatters.com/when-the-stars-align-the-am-market-grows/ date: 2025-01-02 modified: 2025-01-08 lang: en author: "Davide Sher" description: "Align Technology, the global leader in clear aligner, systems has revolutionized orthodontics through cutting-edge technologies, with 3D printing playing a major role in production. In an exclusive interview with VoxelMatters,..." categories: - "Decision Makers" - "Dental AM" - "Executive Interviews" - "Medical AM" tags: - "Featured" image: https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/invisalign-640x366.jpg word_count: 711 --- # When the stars Align, the AM market grows [Align Technology, the global leader in clear aligner](https://www.voxelmatters.directory/company/invisalign/), systems has revolutionized orthodontics through cutting-edge technologies, with 3D printing playing a major role in production. In an exclusive interview with VoxelMatters, Srini Kaza, Executive Vice President of Research & Development, dives deep into the company's strategic use of additive manufacturing, the continuing impact of their partnership with [3D Systems](https://www.voxelmatters.directory/company/3d-systems/), and the integration of [Cubicure's Hot Lithography technology](https://www.voxelmatters.directory/company/cubicure-gmbh/). Here’s everything you need to know about Align’s innovations and future ambitions in 3D printing. ![](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/small_Align-Technology_Srini-Kaza_004-1-color-e1734869406495.jpg)Srini Kaza is Executive Vice President of research & Development, leading the global product R&D group. He joined the company in April 1999, most recently serving as Senior Vice President of product Research & Development, with focus areas such as Biomechanics, Advanced Materials, 3D Printing, 3D Computational Geometry, AI, Clinical Affairs, Advanced Simulation and Design, and emerging technologies and processes. Kaza explains that Align leverages advanced 3D printing technologies primarily through stereolithography (SLA) to create molds for its Invisalign aligners. These molds are based on digital scans of patients' teeth, ensuring high precision and customization. The acquisition of Cubicure GmbH has further transformed Align's capabilities, enabling direct 3D printing of orthodontic devices. For some applications, this shift has the potential to eliminate intermediate manufacturing steps, enhancing both efficiency and sustainability. While aligners remain Align’s flagship product, Kaza notes that 3D printing now extends to other devices. "While the primary application of our 3D printing technology has been in producing clear aligners, we are expanding its use to other orthodontic devices, Kaza reveals. "Notably, the palatal expander is our first direct 3D printed orthodontic device, offering a comfortable and clinically effective alternative to traditional expanders. ## Direct vs. indirect 3D printing at Align Traditionally, Align has used indirect 3D printing, where SLA-printed molds are employed to thermoform aligners. However, direct 3D printing is gaining traction. This approach bypasses the mold creation step, significantly improving efficiency and reducing material waste. Kaza highlights that direct 3D printing has the potential to offer unparalleled efficiency by streamlining production cycles. This method reduces material usage, minimizes environmental impact, and accelerates the manufacturing process, making it a promising solution for scaling Align’s operations. https://youtu.be/bKsGNrEKx9M Align Technology continues to rely on 3D Systems for SLA printing operations and materials. Simultaneously, the integration of Cubicure’s Hot Lithography technology is set to expand Align’s capabilities. "3D Systems continues to be a key partner for us for our aligner fabrication operations," Kaza tells VoxelMatters. "Simultaneously – he clarified – we are integrating Cubicure's Hot Lithography technology into our production processes to create new products and enhance our direct 3D printing capabilities. The company effectively balances these partnerships to drive innovation and meet diverse production needs." ## Materials alignment Align leverages 3D Systems’ high-quality materials for SLA printing. At the same time, with the addition of Cubicure, the company is exploring new resin formulations to enhance the performance of directly 3D printed products. This dual approach ensures compatibility, flexibility, and innovation in material use. "Cubicure's patented Hot Lithography technology enables the processing of highly viscous resins to produce tough and temperature-resistant polymers," Kaza explains. "This high-precision 3D printing process allows us to directly manufacture resilient orthodontic devices with superior material quality. ![Discover how Align Technology is revolutionizing orthodontics with 3D printing and its strategic use of additive manufacturing in this exclusive interview with Srini Kaza](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Cubicure-Cerion.webp) Align’s investment in Cubicure reflects a long-term commitment to innovation. According to Kaza, this technology aligns with Align’s goal of scaling its 3D printing operations, enabling the production of millions of custom appliances per day while improving sustainability and efficiency. ## Aligning future growth plans Looking ahead, Align aims to integrate direct 3D printing across its entire product line. By advancing additive manufacturing capabilities, the company plans to deliver an expanded range of customized solutions, enhancing both patient outcomes and operational scalability. When asked about the unparalleled success of its Invisalign products, Kaza explains that "[Our success] stems from continuous innovation, strategic and sustained investments in cutting-edge technologies that can solve key customer needs, and a commitment to quality and patient satisfaction. By integrating advanced 3D printing processes and materials, we have maintained a competitive edge in the orthodontic industry." Align is already exploring new products beyond clear aligners, such as the 3D-printed palatal expander. The company is committed to diversifying its offerings to address various orthodontic needs, signaling a future brimming with possibilities for additive manufacturing in dentistry.