Ricoh has developed a 3D inkjet printing technology that creates full-color resin components with high mechanical strength and biocompatibility. The technology, announced May 1, 2025, addresses limitations in existing 3D printing methods for custom products in dentistry and eyewear. This system combines the aesthetic benefits of full-color printing with improved durability and safety features.
The new process uses material jetting with proprietary ink containing fillers that enhance mechanical strength. High-strength clear and white inks form the base structure, while concentrated color inks provide detailed color expression. According to Ricoh, the formulation passes JIS T 10993-1 testing standards for medical devices, making it suitable for clinical applications.
Core Dental Lab Yokohama has already adopted the technology and is evaluating it for clinical use. The printing system can produce dentures combining teeth and gum areas in a single process, creating natural transitions between materials. Its ability to replicate tooth color gradients makes it applicable for long-term dental restorations, not just temporary prosthetics.
Beyond dentistry, Ricoh identifies potential applications including custom eyeglass frames and epitheses—prosthetic parts that replace body elements lost to injury or congenital conditions. The combination of strength, aesthetics, and biocompatibility positions the technology for both industrial and medical uses.
Ricoh reports they are continuing to refine the platform while exploring expansion into European and North American markets. The technology aims to address inefficiencies in traditional manufacturing of custom products, which often relies on time-consuming manual labor.
Source: ricoh.com