3Shape and Atlantis Abutments – Make it happen, already…

April 28, 2010

I found out today (I’m always the last to know) that 3Shape and Atlantis have been trying to work out a deal that would be beneficial to both companies centered around using 3Shape scanners to scan implant cases and remit to Atlantis for design and fabrication.  I can’t tell you exactly what the issues are that are keeping the two parties from reaching an agreement – I was asked not to discuss the specifics in the blog.  However, I do think there is a compromise position that would work for both companies, and benefit the industry.

I think its plausible that Atlantis sell their abutment design module as an add-on to 3Shape’s existing software.  3Shape could “lock” the output files, so that anything scanned and designed using the Atlantis module would have to be fabricated by Atlantis.  Both companies could receive revenue from the sale of the software module; Atlantis would derive a revenue stream from labs that choose to offer their abutments, and they could in turn give 3Shape a percentage of every abutment designed using the module.

Such a scenario would be a win/win for both companies.  It might also lead to a tiered pricing strategy allowing labs that invest in the system to get Atlantis abutments at a reduced cost – after all, the labs themselves would be doing the designing.  (It was stated that this idea might not be viable due to the complexity of the Atlantis software – I know I shouldn’t take it like this, but it felt like I was being told I was too stupid to being given the keys to Daddy’s car).

It was also revealed in my conversation that we should be seeing an upgrade to Atlantis’ current 3D Viewer which will allow users to “tweak” a design prior to fabrication.

I guess if you can’t have the whole cake, a slice will do…

© 2010, Jeff Saylors. All rights reserved.