Snapshot of Invisalign’s 3D printing production process (3)<\/p>\n To further develop their AM capabilities in the short-term, Align Technology developed a multi-year partnership with 3D Systems, pioneer of additive manufacturing technology, to develop customized solutions for their production line. One such example of customization is the addition of a unique patient ID to the device design that is then directly printed into the aligner to avoid confusion between different patient\u2019s units. In September of this year, 3D systems announced Align has increased its investment in the AM company\u2019s SLA technology that supports Invisalign maker\u2019s expansion. As the company grows and enters new markets, it is scaling its operations by opening local production facilities in key regions like China, where the company anticipates a 15-20% annual growth rate.<\/p>\n Besides strategic alliances, material science is a big focus for the company as well in the medium term. Development of highly innovative materials in the future would allow the aligners to be printed directly (instead of having to 3D print the molds and then thermoform the aligners). Direct printing could further streamline Align\u2019s operations and waste from all the sacrificial molds currently produced.<\/p>\n Invisalign\u2019s massive market potential is quickly attracting competition. Currently, clear aligners represent 15% of the existing orthodontic market with Align holding an estimated 10% market share. In 2017, this amounted to close to $1.5 billion in revenue with a little over $230 million in profit. Large competitive players like ClearCorrect and a myriad of startups such as Candid Co and SmileClubDirect are establishing themselves in the clear orthodontics space, making the competitive landscape tougher. Combined with expiring patents, Align needs to strengthen its position. One way to do so would be to optimize their supply chain and reduce transportation costs by moving to a decentralized 3D printing process consisting of multiple mini production plants. This would also help reach international markets faster. Another way to cut down costs would be to improve the current 3D printing so the aligners are produced in one step. Currently, the gum line trim happens after thermoforming in a separate step. If aligners were to be printed to exact specs, a one-step production process would eliminate the need for material handling equipment and other factory capital costs.<\/p>\n So far, mastering AM has been one of Align\u2019s main competitive advantages. As technology evolves, is the company prepared to adapt to newer methods? How would it respond if the competition adopts faster, more flexible, more cost-efficient or higher resolution technologies? Can it leverage the data of its over five million dental plans created to date to improve not only treatment creation but also the production process?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n (712 words)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n References:<\/strong><\/p>\n (1) Press release: 3D systems’ SLA 3D printers enable align technology’s unprecedented use of 3D printing in manufacturing. (2018, Sep 11).\u00a0Dow Jones Institutional News<\/em>\u00a0Retrieved from http:\/\/search.proquest.com.ezp-prod1.hul.harvard.edu\/docview\/2102197772?accountid=11311<\/a><\/p>\n (2) Invisalign Clear Aligners | Invisalign. (n.d.). Retrieved from https:\/\/www.invisalign.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n (3) Retrieved from\u00a0https:\/\/3dprintingindustry.com\/news\/3d-printing-impact-on-dentistry-121284\/<\/a><\/p>\n Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n Press release: 3D systems’ SLA 3D printers enable align technology’s unprecedented use of 3D printing in manufacturing. (2018, Sep 11).\u00a0Dow Jones Institutional News<\/em>\u00a0Retrieved from http:\/\/search.proquest.com.ezp-prod1.hul.harvard.edu\/docview\/2102197772?accountid=11311<\/a><\/p>\n Align technology, inc. : Medical equipment – company profile, SWOT & financial report.<\/em>\u00a0(2014). (). London: Progressive Digital Media. Retrieved from Business Premium Collection Retrieved from http:\/\/search.proquest.com.ezp-prod1.hul.harvard.edu\/docview\/1553152365?accountid=11311<\/a><\/p>\n Zhang, F. (2014).\u00a0Stereolithography and jetting based colorful 3D printing\u00a0<\/em>(Order No. 1561685). Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (1562508972). Retrieved from http:\/\/search.proquest.com.ezp-prod1.hul.harvard.edu\/docview\/1562508972?accountid=11311<\/a><\/p>\n Kieviet, A., & Alexander, S. M. (2015). Is your supply chain ready for additive manufacturing?\u00a0Supply Chain Management Review,\u00a019<\/em>(3), 34-39. Retrieved from http:\/\/search.proquest.com.ezp-prod1.hul.harvard.edu\/docview\/1683366714?accountid=11311<\/a><\/p>\n McCue, TJ. \u201c3D Printing Moves Align Technology Toward $1.3 Billion In Sales.\u201d\u00a0Forbes<\/em>, Forbes Magazine, 14 Sept. 2017, www.forbes.com\/sites\/tjmccue\/2017\/09\/14\/3d-printing-moves-align-technology-toward-1-3-billion-in-sales\/#5ca4276a5378<\/a><\/p>\n How 3D printing has changed dentistry, a billion dollar opportunity. (2018, October 19). Retrieved from https:\/\/3dprintingindustry.com\/news\/3d-printing-impact-on-dentistry-121284\/<\/a><\/p>\n Tindera,\u00a0M. (2018, May 3). Bracing For Competition? Cheaper Challengers Enter Invisalign’s $1.5 Billion Market. Retrieved from https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/michelatindera\/2018\/05\/02\/bracing-for-competition-cheaper-challengers-enter-invisaligns-1-5-billion-market\/#4da5c57f2392<\/a><\/p>\n ALIGN TECHNOLOGY Q2 2018 CORPORATE FACT SHEET. (n.d.). Retrieved from https:\/\/www.aligntech.com\/documents\/Align%20Technology%20Corp%20Fact%20Sheet%202018%20Q2.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/d3.harvard.edu\/platform-rctom\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/11\/Invisalign.gif\")
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