Lava™ Network Expands to Include Argen®

Design files can be exported for metal laser melted substructures

ST. PAUL, Minn. – (January 12, 2011) –  3M ESPE announces the addition of Argen^®, manufacturer of CAD/CAM designed metal copings, to its Lava™ Network. This partnership gives labs with the 3M™ ESPE™ Lava™ Scan ST Design System the ability to export files for metal laser melted substructures. The move is part of 3M ESPE’s continuing effort to improve lab productivity, and will allow owners of the Lava Scan ST Scanner to reduce expenses incurred during the production of a traditional porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) restoration, including waxing, casting, investing, and metal inventory stocking. 

"We are very pleased with the quality of the restorations coming from the Lava Design System," said Anton Woolf, CEO of Argen. "Argen is proud to be a leader in the digital space, and our connectivity with the Lava Network enables us to collaborate with a world leader in offering superior solutions to our customers.”

"The connection between Argen and 3M ESPE allows us to use our Lava Scan ST scanner to improve output of metal copings and frameworks," said Steve Proctor, owner of New Generation Laboratory. “This gives our laboratory the ability to produce more cases digitally and bill more product each day.”

This expansion of the Lava Network follows the recent addition of 3Shape and Dental Wings scanners to the network, which gave users of these systems the ability to offer clinically proven 3M materials to clients. The opening of the Lava Network to each of these systems is part of an ongoing effort by 3M ESPE to continue to broaden its associations with validated partners and systems. Labs can connect to the Lava Network with no additional capital investment, expanding their material options and workflows.

"This new collaboration between Argen and 3M ESPE provides laboratories with the ability to streamline production of PFM restorations, improving their profitability,” said Dan McMaster, Global Business Director, 3M ESPE. “As these recent developments demonstrate, the Lava Network is continually expanding to give labs more capabilities.”

Labs that currently own the Lava Scan ST Design System should contact your 3M ESPE specialist with requests to upgrade their export functionality to Argen. 

For more information, visit www.3MESPE.com/Lava or call 1-800-634-2249.