#Startup3D: FIDENTIS Redefines Dentures with Multi-Material 3D Printing

Dentistry is a field where precision, aesthetics and functionality must coexist in perfect harmony. This technically demanding sector has benefited greatly from advances in 3D printing. Among the young companies transforming dental production methods, FIDENTIS® stands out. A spin-off from the Fraunhofer IGCV institute, this start-up has attracted attention with a multi-material 3D printing solution specially designed for telescopic prostheses. Their technology goes beyond current standards: it combines laser powder bed fusion with a robotized system capable of depositing other materials in the same process. We recently spoke to Max Horn, co-founder and CEO of FIDENTIS, to learn more about their approach.

3DN: Can you introduce yourself and tell us how FIDENTIS was born?

FIDENTIS® was born as a spin-off from Fraunhofer IGCV, recognized worldwide as one of the leaders in multi-material additive manufacturing research applied to metals. As a researcher at this institute and doctoral student at TUM, I contributed, alongside my colleagues, to the development of this innovative technology back in 2017. Today, we are using this very process to produce dental prostheses.

The FIDENTIS team. From left to right: Max Horn, Timo Schröder, Lukas Langer and Johannes Lauer.

3DN: Why have you chosen to focus on dentures?

A few years ago, Josef Schweiger—one of Germany’s most renowned dental technicians—discovered our manufacturing technology, originally developed for sectors such as aeronautics and toolmaking. He immediately saw its potential for the dental industry. Since then, we have pooled our skills and, with our respective teams, are continuing to develop this technology to make it compatible with precious metals and capable of meeting the exacting standards of dental prosthetics.