DACOS: 3D printed models on a magnetic articulator plate
What the DACOS system does: magnetic plates for 3D printed models on a physical articulator, libraries for exocad, 3Shape and Blender for Dental, calibration.
Labs that print their models still want to check occlusion in a physical articulator and plaster mounting brings back the step the digital workflow was meant to remove. DACOS is one of the systems that seats 3D printed models on an articulator with magnets and plates instead of plaster. This post explains how it works, what it needs in the CAD software and where setups usually go wrong. It is written for labs comparing plate systems and it is not sponsored.
How the system works
DACOS has three parts. A plate is fixed to the articulator. A CAD library adds a base to the model, with sockets for magnets in a defined pattern. After printing, the magnets go into the sockets and the model clicks onto the plate in the position defined in the software.
The manufacturer describes the workflow in three steps: calibrate the articulator once, design the model with the right library pattern in CAD, then print, insert the magnets and mount. The current version, called DACOS Omni, uses a pattern of eight magnets on the plate and four per model, with several layouts so the magnets stay clear of implant analogs. Kits come in two heights, 35 and 55 mm.
CAD libraries
The manufacturer lists libraries for exocad, 3Shape and Blender for Dental. In exocad the base is added during model design, in the same place where other plate systems are configured, so the models leave the software ready to print. The Model Creator guide covers model design in general and the Blender for Dental installation guide covers the setup of B4D modules.
Supported articulators
Kits are listed for Artex, SAM, ASA Dental, Bioart and Stratos, plus a Flex kit described as fitting any articulator. The Artex and ASA kits are described as a direct fit. A plate system only works when the plate, the library and the articulator belong together, so the kit has to match the articulator the lab actually uses.
Calibration comes first
Every plate system depends on the articulator matching the geometry the library assumes. DACOS includes a calibration step for this, done once per articulator. Skipping it is the most common reason why printed models sit differently from the design. The post on articulator calibration for printed models explains the causes and a simple check routine.
The printer matters as much. Magnet sockets and bases are printed, so a resin that prints slightly large or small changes the fit. A calibrated resin and full post-curing come before any judgment on the plate system.
DACOS compared with other approaches
| Approach | Position defined by | Needs a mechanical articulator | Main dependency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plaster mounting | The technician’s hand | Yes | Plaster expansion, time |
| Magnetic plate system such as DACOS | CAD library | Yes | Calibration, print accuracy |
| Facebow-linked system such as RotoClick | Facebow scan and library | Yes | Scan quality, calibration |
| Printable joint such as exocad xSNAP | Values printed into the joint | No | Print accuracy, fixed values |
The post on split-cast and magnetic plates compares the plate types in more depth and RotoClick in exocad describes a system that also brings the facebow into the chain.
Help with the setup
Labs introducing a plate system usually need it right on the first case: library installed, model base configured, articulator calibrated and the first printed models checked against the screen. That can be done in a remote support session on the lab’s own case.
Sources
- DACOS, DACOS Omni product page
- Ruthinium, DACOS
Frequently asked questions
What is DACOS?
A transfer system that mounts 3D printed dental models on a physical articulator without plaster. The printed model base holds magnets and seats on a DACOS plate fixed to the articulator.
Which CAD software does DACOS work with?
The manufacturer lists CAD libraries for exocad, 3Shape and Blender for Dental. The model base with its magnet sockets is added in the CAD before printing.
Which articulators are supported?
The manufacturer lists kits for Artex, SAM, ASA Dental, Bioart and Stratos, plus a Flex kit described as working on any articulator. Check the current list before buying, since kits are specific to the articulator.
Does DACOS need calibration?
Yes. The workflow starts with calibrating the articulator once, so the plate position matches the geometry the CAD library assumes. Without it, printed models can sit slightly differently from the screen.