Formlabs Form 4B Dental Printer

At the time of this review, the MB1B7 bender was approximately $65,000 and included the first year of software and one roll of wire.

The annual software fee was approximately $8,900, and a replacement roll of wire was approximately $900.

The short answer is that it is very accurate. Based on our experience, I would estimate around 90% on average, depending on the design and appliance.

The machine has struggled more with Adams clasps than with many of the other bends we produce. AOS has said it is actively working to improve that capability.

No. You will still need a skilled wire technician and pliers for final adjustments, complex designs and bends the machine does not currently support.

There is not one universal answer because production depends on the appliance, the operator's experience and whether the operator is creating a new design or running a previously saved design.

In our laboratory, we design and bend throughout the day, so production varies with the workload. Once a design has been saved, the AOS can bend many wire forms in approximately 30 to 40 seconds. AOS reports that previously designed parts can reach approximately 100 to 110 wire forms per hour under peak batch production conditions.

My advice is not to focus only on the number of parts it can produce in a day. Look at how much it increases your laboratory's overall production. For the appliances our AOS supports, we experienced approximately an 80% increase in wire production while also improving consistency and reducing manual wire bending.

Training is one of my favorite things about this machine. Someone with basic computer skills can usually learn the software and begin producing quality wire bends in approximately four to five days.

We have found that people who are comfortable with computers, CAD software or video games may understand the software and begin producing good bends in as little as one to three days. Learning orthodontic terminology and appliance design usually takes several additional weeks.

No. The AOS uses spool wire rather than individual straight wire lengths. Multiple wire sizes are available.

The AOS requires very little routine maintenance. The main responsibilities are keeping the machine properly calibrated and maintaining the air compressor according to the compressor manufacturer's recommendations.

Regular calibration, which takes approximately 20 minutes, helps maintain accurate and consistent bends. Basic air compressor maintenance may include draining moisture, checking filters and monitoring air pressure.

The software is updated regularly with improvements, new features, bug fixes and performance enhancements. One thing I have appreciated is that the AOS team has been open to customer feedback.

When users identify ways to improve the workflow or make the software more efficient, the team is willing to listen and may incorporate those ideas into future updates. From my experience, AOS continues improving the software rather than leaving it unchanged after the sale.

Return on investment will be different for every orthodontic laboratory. It depends on production volume, labor costs, appliance mix, staffing challenges and how much hand wire bending you currently perform.

For the appliances the AOS can bend in our laboratory, we experienced approximately an 80% increase in wire production. That efficiency allowed us to produce more consistent wire bends while reducing the amount of manual wire bending required.

Look beyond the purchase price. Consider easier training for new employees, increased production, improved consistency, reduced dependence on experienced wire benders and the ability to better prepare your laboratory for growth or an eventual sale.

Financing may be available for qualified buyers. Low or no money down options may be available through Orthodontic Lab Solutions, depending on approval and current lending programs.

The AOS MicroBender is designed and built in the United States. AOS is based in Tampa, Florida.