CADdent's Christmas workshop: Santa's helpers in the digital age
Once upon a time, in the not-too-distant future, there was a special workshop called CADdent, where innovative dental technology and festive magic came together. Step into a world where precision meets Christmas magic and let's take a look behind the scenes of this unique Christmas workshop.
CADdent: A modern fairy tale of dental technology
At our headquarters, known for a diversified portfolio with LaserMelting of CoCr and milling of zirconia as outstanding specialties, every day is like a chapter from a modern fairy tale. Our goal is to improve processes, strengthen customer relationships and offer a variety of technologies. Our mission goes beyond the ordinary: among other things, we aim to achieve climate-neutral production by the end of 2024. A promise which is reflected in our heat pump, district heating, solar system and our reusable shipping boxes.
Like the hard-working helpers in Santa's post office who sift through wish lists from all over the world, our customer service team works with passion to fulfill the dreams and wishes of our customers. In the picture you can see a list of wish lists, which reflects the care and attention with which our customer service team treats every single desire you may have.
Our customer service team has made a remarkable leap forward this year. With refreshed knowledge from training courses, they are more than ready to fulfill every customer request and handle every inquiry with the utmost care and attention.
They are the beating heart of our Christmas workshop, the keepers of the light, ensuring that every wish is carefully illuminated on the path to fulfillment. Their commitment and dedication is reminiscent of the Guardians of the Northern Lights, who light up the sky and show the way on the darkest winter night.
In their daily work, they go far beyond the ordinary. They take care of complaints processing, record pre-registrations, deal with shipping complaints and offer customer support at the highest level - whether via TeamViewer or on the phone. They are in constant communication with all departments to ensure that every order meets our high quality standards and is processed efficiently.
Thanks to their in-depth understanding of the processes of the entire company, they can intervene immediately if necessary. They are the guardians of our customers' satisfaction, turning every challenge into an opportunity for improvement with their shining commitment and expertise.
In the world of CADdent, they are the silent heroes who keep the customer service light burning brightly and ensure that our customers are not just satisfied, but delighted every day.
The inventor elves in research and development
In the depths of our development department, surrounded by the secrets of the future, not only toys are created, but visions that change the world. Here we see colleagues working on the dsign of a tabletop figure that will not only be an object of admiration, but also a symbol of the precision and innovation that CADdent embodies.
Our research and development team, the tinkering elves of the CADdent workshop, have created true masterpieces this year. Their dedication to ground-breaking projects such as 3D printing with silver and advancements in rapid prototyping are reminiscent of the busy elves inventing and perfecting toys in Santa's workshop. With their combination of high-tech and magic, they are the unseen heroes behind every innovation.
These creative minds are not only inventors, but also problem solvers and optimizers. They work on research projects from organization to implementation and overcome challenges in the development of new materials and processes. With their deep understanding and ability to test, create, implement and develop material and process-specific workflows, they are true pioneers in their field.
Their day-to-day work includes optimizing internal processes and driving the rapid prototyping field forward. From design to the development of production parameters to the printing itself, they work with a variety of materials such as polymers, ceramic and silver. Their tools are as versatile as their expertise: the brain, as an inexhaustible source of creativity and innovation, and design software, as a tool to realize their visionary ideas.
In the CADdent workshop, these inventive elves turn ideas into reality, drive progress and keep the magical fire of innovation burning. They are the invisible architects of our dental marvels, laying the foundations for the future of dental technology with their work.
In the living heart of our "subtractive manufacturing" department, every piece of material is carefully transformed into a masterpiece. Much like the elves planning the route for Santa's sleigh, our experts discuss the exact path which each of our products will take on its journey to customers to ensure that every gift arrives on time and with care.
In the subtractive manufacturing of our Christmas workshop, where digital designs meet materials such as FAB Polymer and our high-quality FAB Zirconia, it is the workshop ghosts who bring true dental works of art to life. These industrious minds are at the heart of our Christmas production, painstakingly and tirelessly crafting every detail to perfection.
Every day in our subtractive production is like a dance of workshop spirits working with dedication and precision. They bring together the latest technologies and materials to produce the highest quality dental prosthetics and implants. And as we prepare to unveil exciting new technology - a secret which we are still not revealing - our workshop ghosts are working behind the scenes to push the boundaries of what is possible.
The magic of the workshop ghosts lies not only in their ability to work with automated processes, but also in their keen, trained eye. When it comes to quality control, they leave nothing to chance. Their eyes take in every detail, checking every contour and surface to ensure that every product leaving our workshop is a masterpiece.
Like Santa's hard-working helpers who make the most beautiful toys in his workshop, our workshop ghosts ensure that every dental work is delivered to our customers on time and in perfect quality. They are the true heroes of our Christmas story, who make the impossible possible, day after day, and turn our customers' wishes into reality.
Additive manufacturing: the alchemists of the North Pole
In the twilight of this modern alchemist's chamber, surrounded by the festive spirit, our specialists forge tangible products from digital design. They transform digital concepts into physical marvels which are not only technically perfected, but also imbued with a soul that carries the joy of the Christmas season.
In our additive manufacturing department, the alchemists in our workshop perform a small Christmas miracle every day. They have expanded their capacities this year, demonstrating the depth of our team's knowledge and expertise. With their CAM program, a tool which seems almost magical, they transform digital ideas into tangible reality - a process reminiscent of the work of alchemists in a secret chamber at the North Pole.
This department not only produces dental products, but also true works of art made of metal. The process in which they plan and set digital files in the CAM program and then transfer them to the machines is like a modern form of magic. Here, metal powders are transformed into precise, individually designed dental products which not only meet our customers' expectations, but even exceed them.
This year, they have also seen a significant increase in the number of digital files, a sign that demand and confidence in their skills are growing steadily. These master metalworkers oversee every step of the process: from planning, to building up the file, to heat treatment, to quality control. Every piece leaving their hands is a testament to their skill and dedication.
Additive manufacturing is a place where precision and artistic craftsmanship meet, capturing the spirit of Christmas in every manufactured piece. They are the guardians of an ancient art revitalized by modern technology and play a crucial role in turning our customers' wishes into reality.
The warehouse: the treasure chamber guardian of raw materials and the starting point for the magical journey of gifts
In the warehouse, the heart of our logistical operations, each raw material is guarded like a treasure, ready to pass into the hands of our artistic creators. Here we see an employee carefully selecting the material needed for the next project, as if it were a gift for the best-behaved child on Santa's list.
In our Christmas workshop at CADdent, the warehouse is not only the treasure chamber of precious raw materials, but also the starting point from which the magical journey of our toys - the carefully crafted dental products - begins. This is where materials such as high-quality zirconia and specialized polymers, the crucial ingredients for the manufacture of our products, are carefully stored.
This place is like a magical treasure chamber in the workshop of the North Pole, where every raw material is treated like a precious jewel. Our warehouse guards use a space-saving storage system and a customized Warehouse Management System (WMS) to ensure that every raw material is stored securely, managed precisely and made available quickly when needed.
The warehouse employees carefully monitor stocks and ensure that production does not come to a standstill due to a lack of materials. Every order is processed with the necessary care and precision. After the products have been made with love and expertise in our workshops, they return to the warehouse to be prepared for their journey by our hard-working shipping elves. Here they are carefully packed and made ready for shipment, ready to be sent out into the world and light up the smiles of our customers.
Our warehouse is therefore a crucial part of our Christmas workshop, a place where each dental product's journey both begins and moves on to the next stage. Here, every material and every product is treated as part of the greater miracle we offer our customers every day - turning their wishes into reality with the assurance of the highest quality and satisfaction.
On the left you can see the tabletop figure produced using our LaserMelting process, which is now ready for the next step - preparation for shipping.
A year full of growth and innovation
2023 was a year full of significant milestones and groundbreaking developments for CADdent. We took many important steps to promote our growth, build on our strengths and expand our range of new products and materials.
One particular milestone was the new brand identity of our start-up MINDFAB in March. As part of the CADdent group of companies, MINDFAB's philosophy also underlines our efforts to constantly break new ground in the dental technology industry.
Another highlight was our customer event Evolution DENTAL & DIGITAL, an day that focused on our innovative spirit and customer orientation.
In order to accommodate our growth, the accounting and marketing departments have moved to new, larger offices, and an expansion is also planned for our customer service department. This change reflects our efforts to always create optimal working conditions for our teams and at the same time expand our capacity for customer inquiries and service.
We made significant progress in the area of rapid prototyping, including the introduction of LaserMelting of silver in April and the integration of an order upload on our website in November. We also exhibited for the first time at the PROTIQ joint stand at the Formnext trade fair, a step which strengthens our presence in this dynamic segment.
Rapid prototyping has proven to have great potential in our production to respond more flexibly to the needs of dental technology. While there is often a lot of time pressure in dental technology and the work has to leave the factory as quickly as possible, prototyping offers the opportunity to create a more continuous production process and to load LaserMelting construction plates with prototyping parts in addition to the dental technology work. This flexibility enables us to make optimum use of our machine capacities and further increase our efficiency. This enables us to generate a better workflow, which helps us to continue to combine high “Made in Germany” quality fast delivery times and attractive prices in dental technology.
2023 was therefore a year in which we pushed our boundaries and set new standards in dental technology. We look forward to continuing on this path of innovation and growth in the future.
Cohesion and commitment: the magic of CADdent
Our Open Day and our annual company party are vivid examples of the strong team spirit and commitment at CADdent. These events are more than just social gatherings - they are an expression of our company culture, where team spirit and collective dedication are paramount.
In our community, the heart of CADdent, every employee finds space for personal and professional development. Our shared experiences, whether at official events or in our day-to-day interactions, strengthen our sense of belonging and our shared mission. It is this bond which fills our workshop not only with professional competence, but also with heart and soul.
The enthusiasm and commitment of each and every individual helps to create an atmosphere where innovation thrives and everyone is motivated to give their best. It is this spirit of collaboration and mutual support which makes CADdent an environment where not only exceptional products are created, but lasting relationships are nurtured.
We pride ourselves on providing a working environment where everyone feels part of a greater whole and where shared goals and values are at the forefront. It is this magic of cohesion and commitment which makes CADdent a special place and keeps us together as a team.
Conclusion: A time to say thank you
We would like to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to all our colleagues and customers. Your continued loyalty and valuable feedback are the driving forces which allow us to continuously grow and improve. When you think of CADdent this festive season, imagine our hard-working Christmas workshop, where every team member is working behind the scenes like Santa's dedicated helper to make the impossible possible.
We wish you, your colleagues and families a magical Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year! May the magic and spirit of our Christmas workshop accompany you during this special time and bring you joy and warmth.