CAD CAM - Where are we going?

CAD CAM - Where are we going?

Although I am a member of the CAD CAM society, I was unable to attend the
gathering at the Academy meeting.

However, I was told it was poorly attended and enthusiasm was low.

Instead of seeing the rapid spread of CAD CAM, it seems we are seeing it
decline.

In my mind this is a technology to be embraced. However, I think there may be
some fundamental errors in our thinking.

CAD CAM should ultimately lead to the solution of massive need in developing
countries as well as the more developed countries

My feeling is that the fundamental road block has been in capturing an
appropriate and accurate image.

We first had the Provel digitizer which has its problems with mechanical
capture especially with corners. The Provel is no longer being supported so
it seems that it is dying a natural death, if my information is correct.

We have had different laser systems that attempt to capture the shape of the
residuum without contact. Sometimes these required the patient to not move
for a relatively prolonged period of time. Then there is the distinct
question in my mind if we even want an image like that, and if it is useful.

Then we have these clever systems of wands that contact the skin directly.
While Tracer and BioSculptor have this feature available, and many
practitioners report achieving satisfactory results with experience, I still
question its value for the majority of practitioners and the needs of the
world. There is a learning curve involved in capturing soft tissue that some
may never achieve. Certainly it takes time and expense that many others
cannot afford.

BioSculptor has produced a non contact laser probe that is capable of
digitizing both a cast and the positive model. In my mind this allows people
to use their existing casting skills and then have that accurately
transferred and carved. As one increases computer skills the socket can be
further refined

The down side is that these are very expensive machines. I would like to see
BioSculptor, Tracer, Capod, and others, not focus on keeping people's hands
free of plaster and focus on inexpensive, reliable, low cost portable laser
probes that are compatible with all the systems.
What if they joined forces? Or perhaps a third party could create the Laser
Probe Digitizer that can interface with all the systems.
Then the standard would be the same and the competition would be for
software, and central fab service and integrated pt management.

While I know there are claims and true capability for tracing the inside of
the socket with both Tracer and BioSculptor, I think it would be far more
efficient to have a laser probe. Anyone who has traced the inside of the
socket with these systems will know that it is possible but it isn't that
convenient.

I envision a Provel sized digitizer that has a non contact laser probe
capable of digitizing the cast or a positive model. Any engineers looking for
a project?

I think this is the next step for CAD CAM to go if it is to be adopted on a
world wide scale.
Furthermore, I envision a system where the practitioner marks the precise
areas he wants reduced with a pen so that he still uses his senses to
determine as much as possible without having to draw on the computer screen
with a mouse.

I think it will be easier and faster and more accurate and less expensive to
teach people to cast properly or utilize their current skills and then put
the cast in an accurate digitizer.

Mark Benveniste CP