The 3D Printing optimised Production (3DoP) project is a benchmark of innovation, offering groundbreaking solutions to identified bottlenecks across various industries. This article delves into the insights gleaned from an illuminating interview with Ignacio Mestre, the CEO of the Phibo Group, a vital partner in Work Package 4 (WP4) of the 3DoP consortium. WP4 focuses on revolutionising the dental sector, and Mr. Mestre provides a fascinating glimpse into Phibo’s role, origins, ambitions and its remarkable journey in the realm of 3D printing.
Phibo Group, under the visionary leadership of Ignacio Mestre, is a trailblazer in the field of 3D printing, particularly in the dental sector. They have been at the forefront of adopting 3D printing technologies when the world was skeptical about its applications. Mr. Mestre proudly shares how Phibo has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation for over 35 years. The company’s commitment to this revolutionary technology is demonstrated by its capacity to produce a staggering 700,000 dental implants annually. Situated in Sentmenat, a quaint village 35 kilometers from Barcelona, this state-of-the-art facility is a testament to their dedication.
Furthermore, the company boasts a second facility co-located in Sentmenat, which specializes in producing prosthetics. The combination of cutting-edge CAD/CAM technology and additive manufacturing sets Phibo apart. Their CAD/CAM business encompasses three factories, with two more located in Galicia and Madrid. The acquisition of Signal Dent in 2019 expanded their product range. This strategic move allowed them to cater to a broader market, aligning with the evolving landscape of the dental industry.
Phibo’s commitment to digitalisation is driving the transformation of an industry once reliant on manual processes
Phibo Group is actually a group working in different areas of the medical market, such as implants and prosthetics. However, besides that, they also try to form strategic alliances with innovative and digital companies. Examples include BX Technologies (US) with the first hit protocol saving 80% of time, and Custom Implants for the dental and trauma market. Their unique approach and innovative thinking enables them to compete with large multinationals by offering good solutions from root to teeth.
A Unique Approach to Dental Solutions
What truly distinguishes Phibo is its unyielding focus on industrialising tailor-made solutions and digitalisation. The company prides itself on crafting custom-made dental products that redefine traditional implant procedures. In contrast to standard dental implants, Phibo’s custom implants offer a level of precision and efficiency that was previously unimaginable. Their commitment to digitalisation is driving the transformation of an industry once reliant on manual processes.
Phibo’s journey aligns seamlessly with the 3DoP project’s mission. As Mr. Mestre points out, they recognised the innovative approach that the project brings to the industry. 3DoP presents an opportunity to optimise processes, industrialise tailor-made products, and address bottlenecks, a shared vision that resonates with Phibo’s core values. By participating in WP4, Phibo aims to streamline its production processes further, with a particular focus on reducing bottlenecks.
The Role of Phibo in the 3DoP Project
Phibo Group is not merely a participant in the 3DoP project but holds a leadership role in WP4. Their extensive experience and know-how in the field of additive manufacturing makes them a valuable asset to the consortium. Beyond leadership, Phibo actively contributes to the project by serving as a testing ground for new ideas and innovations. Their involvement, as Mr. Mestre emphasises, isn’t just about knowledge-sharing; it’s about actively shaping the future of 3D printing in the dental sector.
Anticipated Benefits for Phibo
Looking ahead, Phibo anticipates several advantages from its engagement in the 3DoP project. Firstly, the project promises to drive further automation in their processes, replacing repetitive and mundane tasks with efficient, innovative technologies. This shift is not only in line with industry trends but also enhances the job satisfaction of employees who can focus on more value-adding tasks.
Furthermore, Phibo hopes that the project will lead to time savings and increased production efficiency. As their customised implants gain wider adoption, the reduction of bottlenecks in their production line will be a significant achievement. The 3DoP project aligns with their objective of becoming more efficient and competitive in the market.
Positive Collaborative Experiences
Despite the project being in its early stages, Phibo’s collaboration with consortium partners has been promising. Marta Sanz, the company’s Operations Director, has been actively engaged in project meetings, and her feedback has been consistently positive. The sense of synergy and mutual understanding among the partners is evident, making it a rewarding collaborative effort.
Conclusion
In the interview, Mr. Mestre reminisces about the early days of introducing 3D printing to the dental industry. It was, as he describes it, a cultural transition. Dentists were accustomed to traditional techniques, and introducing innovative technology required time and patience. However, as more practitioners embraced digitalisation and custom implants, the shift gained momentum. Phibo’s pioneering role played a vital part in bringing about this change.
Phibo Group’s journey is an exemplar of innovation and adaptability. Their commitment to revolutionising the dental sector through 3D printing is testament to their pioneering spirit. As the 3DoP project unfolds, it is evident that Phibo will continue to be a driving force in the evolution of dental technology. The collaborative spirit among the consortium partners bodes well for the project’s success. As Mr. Mestre aptly sums up: “Let’s keep working. Let’s get a good output of the project.” Phibo’s enthusiasm and innovative prowess are sure to propel the 3DoP project towards groundbreaking achievements in the field of dental 3D printing.
