Align Technology, Inc.
THERMOFORMING MULTIPLE ALIGNERS IN PARALLEL

Abstract:

A system is configured to manufacture an aligner. The system includes a heating section configured to heat a sheet of plastic to generate a heated sheet of plastic. The system further includes a plate configured to secure a mold associated with a dental arch of a patient. The plate includes a keyway and a pin. The mold includes a first feature configured to interface with the keyway and a second feature configured to interface with the pin. The system further includes a thermoforming chamber configured to thermoform the heated sheet of plastic to the mold that is secured to the plate via a first interface of the keyway with the first feature and a second interface of the pin with the second feature to generate a thermoformed sheet of plastic. The system further includes a cutting tool configured to trim the aligner from the thermoformed sheet of plastic.