Carbon, a leader in 3D printing technology, today announces the full launch of FP3D, an innovative flexible, removable partial denture (FRPD) resin. The groundbreaking new material is the first dental resin to incorporate Carbon’s proven dual-cure chemistry. Designed to deliver exceptional durability, translucency, dimensional accuracy, and flexibility, all while providing lifelike aesthetics, and significant cost advantages over traditional fabrication methods.
FP3D is the result of a multi-year development effort in collaboration with Keystone Industries, driven by direct feedback from dental labs seeking a printable alternative to labor-intensive traditional methods. The result is an FDA-cleared Class II medical device designed to deliver exceptional levels of durability, flexibility and strength.
At the core of FP3D’s performance is Carbon’s dual-cure chemistry, previously validated in high-performance applications such as protective sports equipment, high-performance footwear midsoles, and customized bike saddles.
Daxton Grubb, President, R-Dent, a leading U.S. dental lab and one of the first customers to deploy the new FP3D material, comments: “FP3D works out from a financial perspective on labor, but also turnaround time. Flexibles have always been a big product of ours, but fabricating them is very labor-intensive, so being able to digitize that product has streamlined workflows considerably. The more we're growing, the more we're putting on these printers - when you're talking about scaling, I don't know how you could do it any other way.”
Key Benefits of FP3D Include:
- Biocompatibility and Safety – FP3D has been cleared for removable partial dentures manufacturing by the FDA and passes ISO 10993 standards for biocompatibility. The material also meets ISO 20795-1 standards for free monomer extraction.
- Optimized Flexibility and Strength – A flexural modulus of 800 MPa, strength and flexibility, engineered for a comfortable fit without compromising structural integrity.
- Exceptional Durability – Validated through over 20,000 fatigue cycles, flexible partial dentures printed with FP3D resin withstands repeated stress surpassing a 3-year lifetime.
- Economic Advantages – Compared to traditional fabrication methods, FP3D offers a simplified workflow that can help reduce time and effort.
- Dimensional Stability in Oral Conditions – Low water sorption (1.82 μg/mm³) aids resistance to swelling or deformation in moist environments, helping to maintain consistent shape, and performance for patients.
- Natural Aesthetics and Polishability – High translucency and improved polishability deliver lifelike appearance and ease of finishing. Available in multiple shades, including original pink, light reddish pink, and dark veined, the material is designed to meet a wide range of aesthetic needs.
- Seamless Workflow Integration – Designed for easy integration with existing digital dentures workflows, including Carbon’s AO polishing cassette.
“FP3D sets a new standard for what digital dentures can achieve, and is already making an impact in dental labs,” comments Terri Capriolo, Senior Vice President of Oral Health, Carbon. “Initial feedback has been overwhelmingly positive – labs are particularly impressed by the material’s translucency, and the ease of integration with existing workflows. By introducing our dual-cure chemistry to dentistry, we’re helping labs to further streamline their operations, reduce costs, and deliver the next generation of flexible partials.”
FP3D is now commercially available in the United States and Canada. With FDA clearance secured, Carbon turns to the process for European regulatory approvals and expects to expand commercial availability across Europe in 2026.
