Technology Partner Information

Integration options for CAD libraries

Find detailed information about our CAD Prosthetic Component Integration Service in our Information CAD Component Library Service and Price List.

• 1. Library Creation

  Read our Creating Implant Geometries for exocad to create your prosthetic geometries and Creating Implant Libraries for exocad DentalCAD to create your exocad DentalCAD prosthetic libraries.

  When creating your libraries take the following into account:

  • Use the latest version of the Implant Library Editor to create your data. This can be downloaded here. Please note that an exocad software license is required for its usage.
  • Library updates have to be based on previously integrated data. When you make an update, exchange only data from the last modified library.
  • When using protected copyrights or brand names, it is important to pay attention to the correct use of the symbols indicating existing protection. exocad does not check the correctness of your entries and cannot be held responsible for infringements of trademark rights in this regard.
  • Read carefully the error messages when saving the created library in the Implant Library Editor and correct the issues if possible.
  • Make sure you include an appropriate subject line (manufacturer, library name/type) and compress the data into a .zip folder before sending.
  • Please provide us with a company logo (resolution as high as possible) for our website. In addition, we require the full company name including necessary trademarks and type of company.
• 2. Immediate Load Feature

  To use the immediate load feature in our software, keywords (”connectionIDs”) must be implemented in the prosthetic libraries. These keywords are used to make the prosthetic libraries compatible with the exoplan implant planning libraries.
  Different components that share the same connection and are considered “compatible” use the same connection keyword.
  The connectionID keywords are initially defined by exocad staff in the exoplan implant planning libraries. So if the compatible exoplan implant planning libraries are not yet released, it is not possible to make the prosthetic libraries available for the immediate load feature.
  To make your prosthetic component libraries available for the immediate load feature in our software, we need a list/overview about which implant diameter/length of the compatible exoplan implant planning library is compatible with which implant type/subtype of the exocad DentalCAD prosthetic library.
  After updating your prosthetic libraries, they go through an extensive internal testing and validation process. The testing process can take several weeks depending on the size of the libraries.

• 3. Submitting your libraries
  • As soon as you have finished creating your libraries, send the data in the corresponding ticket (if there is no ticket yet, send the library integration request to [email protected])
  • We provide you with an upload link for submitting your libraries (ticket linked). Note that we may not be able to use download links provided by you.
  • Only send complete libraries, do not send separate meshes or files unless we have asked for it.
  • For updates, always create updates based on the latest checked and signed library version. Only send the libraries that you have changed, not all your libraries.
  • Libraries should always be tested by you before you send them for integration. We cannot release libraries if they have not been finally tested by you.
  • We can only accept fully tested and ready-for-production libraries.
  • Every subsequent request due to issues with the library costs time and also delays other projects.
  • To enable us to process your request quickly and smoothly, please help us by answering the following standard questions directly with your submission:
  • 1. Please indicate whether the libraries should/could be integrated or are only intended for your internal use. If the libraries are submitted according to Option 2 (for your use only), you can ignore the following questions.
  • 2. Based on our ongoing agreement, please confirm that the dataset contains geometries created and distributed by you. You have all rights to distribute the data as agreed upon in our License Agreement.
  • 3. Please confirm that the geometries, especially the implant connections used in the libraries, are ready for production without any special equipment. Our users can manufacture fully working prosthetics with your libraries. The geometries do not have to be replaced during the CAM process.
  • 4. Are any of your submitted components marketed in the U.S. and therefore need to be manufactured in a validated milling center? Are any of your submitted libraries exclusively U.S.-cleared libraries?
  • 5. If you are using any protected brand name in the creation of your library, make sure that it contains the correct trademark or registered trademark symbol. exocad will not check the correctness of your submitted wording and cannot be held responsible for any violation of trademark rights in this context.
  • 6. Does your submission contain stock (pre-manufactured) abutments, where the abutment design is to be performed without an emergence profile and without a screw channel?
  • 7. Are the mesh files from your library submission based on the actual geometry of the existing physical component? Please confirm that the geometries are not modified or scaled to protect your implant system against data theft.
  • 8. Is the dataset an update of an already existing dataset? If yes, please send us the related ticket that was assigned to the previous data submission.
  • 9. Please confirm that any related Model Creator library is still correct regarding the <CompatibleImplants> strings. If not, please also send us the updated Model Creator library.
  • 10. Please confirm that all included scan bodies are used for both desktop and intraoral scanning. If not, please let us know in which libraries you are using scan bodies for desktop scanning only or where both or other scanning methods can be used.
  • 11. Please confirm that all library components are already available for sale and that the library may be published after the encryption and signing of the data.
  • 12. Please inform us if there are any compatibilities with exoplan implants. To make your prosthetic component libraries available for the immediate load feature in our software, we need an overview of which implant diameter/length of the compatible exoplan implant planning library is compatible with which implant type/subtype of the exocad DentalCAD prosthetic library.
  
  
  • Please note: You can ignore questions that are not relevant to your topic. For libraries under Option 2 of our pricelist, the questions can be ignored for the time being.
• 4. Final integration or feedback with notification of necessary adjustments
  • After reviewing your libraries, we will give you feedback if your libraries can be integrated or if some adjustments are needed.
  • After finally checking and signing, we will pack your libraries into ZIP packages and make them available for download. Various selection filters are available. The naming of the ZIP packages contains some abbreviations for available selection filters (e.g. IL --> libraries are ready for the immediate loading feature, IO --> libraries with scan bodies for intraoral scanning, FDA libraries are also usable in the AbutmentCAD module).
  • After sending our final integration message to you, your encrypted and signed libraries will be available for download within the next 36 hours on our website: https://exocad.com/integration/dentalcad-library-integration/
  • Sometimes, it could be necessary to update your libraries (to add new features or internal changes). In this case, we will inform you.

Since exocad DentalCAD 3.1 Rijeka, it is possible to design implant-based restorations based on stock abutment libraries. Find helpful information in our Creating Stock Abutment Libraries document.
The crown on top of the stock abutments will be designed without an emergence profile and screw channel. Use stock abutments by selecting "on stock abutment" in the DB and selecting "stock abutment" in the scan body-matching step. You can create stock abutment libraries by selecting the "stock abutment" library type in the Implant Library Editor.

Below you will find the minimum required components for the "stock abutment" library type:

• Stock abutment: the stock abutment geometry as a solid.
• Stock abutment support: the stock abutment support mesh is mandatory, even if it is described as "optional" in the Implant Library Editor.
  The support mesh requires only one open boundary curve, because, unlike the "CAD-Prosthetic" libraries, no screw channel is required.
• Scan abutment: please use our latest Implant Data editor to insert the mandatory scan marker files. The geometry requirements correspond to those of the CAD prosthetic library type.

Please note:

• For the stock abutment library type, a compatible exoplan implant library is required to support the complete workflow starting from implant planning in exoplan.
• Stock abutment libraries must include the suffix "_stock" in the library folder name.

Only libraries that contain parts with FDA clearance can be used with our U.S. software for ChairsideCAD and DentalCAD.
To integrate your FDA cleared prosthetic components into our AbutmentCAD module for the U.S., follow the steps below as well as our specifications, Excel sheet and demo library (upon request).

1) Make sure that you separate "non-U.S." from U.S.-marketed components and create dedicated U.S. libraries for those components

2) Add the suffix "_fda" to all U.S. library folder names.

3) Provide 510(k) numbers for each prosthetic part which will be integrated and fill in all 510(k) numbers for each library folder via the prepared Excel sheet.

4) Make sure to use Engine Build 7969 or 7996 version of our Implant Library Editor for usage with an exocad DentalCAD dongle.

5) The library's description must contain the suffix "FDA".

6) Set regulatory clearance tag “FDA“ in Library Type > Other restrictions.

7) Fill in all abutment restrictions (red marked) with meaningful information for each component.

8) Provide minimum thickness mesh and minimum thickness as value.

9) Provide part information for all scan abutments, titanium bases and premills:

• Manufacturer = official manufacturer name
• Part number = article number / order code
• Part name = official product name

From the part information, the Implant Library Editor creates the .partInfo file. This file is stored in the library folder.
When sending a library to exocad for signing, this file will be part of the validation process. Please do not change the filename of any .partInfo file.

With DentalCAD 3.2 Elefsina you can design Post & Core and the matching crown within a wizard workflow. Based on the designed anatomy, the new feature helps you to generate "post & core" for fast and functional root canal treatment, as well as the final restoration in one combined workflow.
If you are interested in this topic or if you want us to build & integrate your individual post & core library into exocad, feel free to ask for further information.

For the creation of your post and core libraries the minimum required components are:

• Post substraction geometry: the post geometry as a solid
• Scan marker: the scan marker mesh requires only a surface model with open edges

To create models using our Model Creator module, it is necessary to define separate implant lab analog libraries. This is because Model Creator is an additional module within exocad DentalCAD. The Implant Library Editor does currently NOT support the Model Creator library creation. You need to manually create the config.xml file with a text editor tool.

The following steps guide you through the creation process:

1. 1) For each lab analog, a "hole"-shell-geometry as well a visualizer-geometry as .STL files are needed. Do not use any special characters in the filenames.
   Refer to chapter 4 in the configuration guide and see the demo library to learn more.


2. 2) Editing the config.xml:

• a) Add your manufacturer information by adding the <DisplayInformation> and <Supplier>.


• b) For the compatible Model Creator implants, define a reference by calling the exocad DentalCAD library folder name and keywords. You can use a * selector to refer to all implants in an ImplantType- or ImplantSubtype- group.
  
  Example:
  
• <CompatibleImplants>
• <string>FOLDER_NAME_OF_LIBRARY : ImplantTypeKeyword(can be *) : ImplantSubtypeKeyword(can be *)</string>
• </CompatibleImplants>

Important: do not add unnecessary blank spaces in the <string> this will lead to broken links which make the library unusable! 


• c) Add the file names of your Model Creator analog files.


• d) It is possible to adjust different offset values of the model analogues via a slider in the software. This is a feature to compensate different production methods (e.g. printer material shrinking). Only one mesh is needed for the offset geometry. This is inserted, under <ModelLabAnalogRetentionFile>filename.stl</ModelLabAnalogRetentionFile>.
  
  The offset value can be set using the following values:

1. <OffsetMethod>RadialOffset</OffsetMethod>
2. <OffsetMaximum>0.5</OffsetMaximum>
3. <OffsetMinimum>0</OffsetMinimum>
4. <OffsetProvided>0.035</OffsetProvided>


5. "Offset Provided" describes the offset output value of the initially used mesh. Thus, it refers to the existing distance between the model analog and the retention mesh (i.e. the geometry of the hole that ends up being in the model).


6. Example of how it works in the software:
• If the "Offset Provided" is 0.05 mm, it means that the retention mesh has a distance of 0.05 mm to the real analog already pre-set in the library files.
• In the Model Creator, the "Horizontal Offset" is set to 0, which means the user wants the hole created to exactly match that of the analog.
• When calculating the model, Model Creator will now create a hole that is exactly 0.05 mm smaller than the retention mesh, so that the hole matches the real thickness of the analog.
7. Note:
• The offset entries in the config.xml are not the slider values and represent the physically possible parameters that could be set without errors in the meshes.
• The slider in the software displays values that depend on the entries in the defaultparameters.xml in /DentalCADApp/config.
• If a value is selected in the software that is outside of the defined range (OffsetMinimum/OffsetMaxinimum) of the library, the maximum/minimum value specified in the config.xml library is applied instead of this value. The default parameters are defined as follows:
1. <Parameter>
2. <Type>ModelImplantLabAnalogOffsetHorizontal</Type>
3. style="text-indent:40px;"><Value>0.05</Value>
4. <MinValue>-0.2</MinValue><
5. <MaxValue>0.2</MaxValue>
6. </Parameter>

Requirements

To integrate your teeth we need:

• Each tooth as a single STL file in high triangulation quality
• The mold charts as high-quality PDF file
• Information regarding official library name, supplier, website link

Your acrylic teeth must have similar measurements so that the tooth pockets that we digitally cut out of the denture base fit to the acrylic teeth. For this reason, it is required that you are using CAD/CAM systems (CNC-milling of tooth molds) for your acrylic tooth production process. This determines the measurement accuracy of the tooth shapes. The quality of scanned teeth is not sufficient. 

Tooth setups and presets

If you have recommended tooth setups as digital scans, we can use them to create tooth setups and/or presets if you have multiple setups for the same teeth.

Otherwise, we will create a compelling tooth setup in full occlusion and create the necessary denture tooth library set for you.
The posterior teeth will be fixed in their setup and will be loaded into our software in perfect occlusion.
The anterior teeth will be loaded into the software in their "perfect setup" but can be repositioned by the customer.

If you have multiple setups for one tooth combination we can integrate predefined tooth setups in preset files. Presets enable quick and easy tooth setups in the software. For this we simply need the scans of all your setups.

Design and production options

There are several design and production methods for digital dentures, as you can see in the overview of our currently integrated tooth shapes.

We recommend enabling support for 3D-printing of tooth shapes with tooth material and milling teeth in (original) tooth material discs.The tooth shapes will then be integrated as open files so that printing/milling software can read the data for production. This decision determines our integration workflow and priorization of each integration project. With open files the user has the full flexibility in production options. The support of tooth shape scaling enables the user to optionally scale the teeth to fit the situation of the individual patient.

If you do not want to enable open files, only pre-manufactured acrylic teeth can be used. In this case there is also the possibility to only allow an export of a monoblock for try-in export that exports a merged open STL file of the tooth shapes and denture base fused together. The users can e.g. 3D-print the monoblock and use it as a try-in for the final denture that will get created afterwards (with the acrylic teeth).

• 1. How long will it take for my libraries to be signed and available on the download portal?

  Please note that we take every integration request seriously and our entire team works hard to complete your project as quickly as possible. We understand that you would like to know an approximate time frame for your integration project.

  Unfortunately, it is difficult to give one, because of many factors like:

  • Number of ongoing requests
  • Scope of your project
  • Type of your request

  Due to quality regulations, each library for our medical device software has to go through our profound internal test and validation process. This can be rather time consuming. However, there is the possiblity for you to become an official exocad reseller. This elevates your projects to a different level of service, allowing us to prioritize the project.

• 2. Is there a possibility to store multiple scan bodies in a single implant library?

  There are the implant library "type" and "subtype" as hierarchy options. Depending on the quantity of scan bodies, it may make sense to place them in the subtype level.
  A further selection option via an additional dropdown for the scan body is currently not possible.

• 3. What is a support mesh?

  This geometry is used as the bottom part of the designed abutment.

  • For direct screw retained abutments: abutment-to-implant contact geometry with screw channel is when the screw channel length defines the minimum abutment height.
  • For cemented abutments with titanium base: includes the outer shell of a titanium base with cement gap, tool diameter compensation and screw hole cut out.

  In prosthetic libraries this mesh is called "connection geometry."

• 4. How do I make my prosthetic library compatible to exoplan and use the immediate load feature?

  Contact us via [email protected]. We will gladly inform you about the procedure.

• 5. What is the minimum thickness mesh?

  The minimum thickness mesh is a hull curve between implant connection platform and screw channel around the support geometry. This cannot be violated during the design process in exocad DentalCAD/AbutmentCAD.
  The minimum thickness mesh must have one open boundary curve. The open boundary curve of the minimum thickness mesh must match the lower boundary curve of the connection support geometry.

• 6. How can I integrate abutments for one-piece implants?

  In this case of one-piece implants the library type "stock abutment" is usable. You can create a stock abutment library by selecting the "stock abutment" library type in the Implant Library Editor.

  Here is an overview of the required library components:

  • Stock abutment: Ideally, you should use a geometry that represents the upper part of the one-piece implant. For this purpose, you can "cut off" the implant geometry at a characteristic level (e.g. bone level).
  • Stock abutment support mesh: The support mesh requires only one open boundary curve, because, unlike the "CAD prosthetic" libraries, no screw channel is required. Please note that the stock abutment support mesh is mandatory, even if it is described as "optional" in the editor.
  • Scan body: Unfortunately, it is currently not possible to add scan bodies to stock abutment libraries via the editor. However, we will be happy to do this for you. Therefore provide us with corresponding .stl files. The same mesh requirements apply as for the usual "CAD prosthetic" libraries.
• 7. What is the suffix "_conid" in folder names?

  The suffix "_conid" in folder names is not used anymore. It was added by exocad to indicate that the library is compatible to exoplan. The intention was to help the customers to identify compatible libraries right away from the folder names.

• 8. Are my geometries accessible to everyone after publication in the download portal?

  No, the data is converted into a proprietary file format and thereby protected.

  Exception: The simplified geometries used to match the scan markers in exocad DentalCAD remain in .stl file format in order to ensure compatibility with a variety of different scanner software systems.
• 9. How do you remove the "WARNING - INOFFICIAL EXTENSION OF IMPLANT LIBRARY" dialog box?

  In order to make the warning dialog box disappear, it is necessary to have the libraries officially signed by exocad. A signed library has been checked/validated by exocad. An unsigned library is a library that you have created yourself, without exocad being involved in any way. The Implant Library Editor only performs a basic test as to whether the meshes are correct. Self-created libraries can contain errors that lead to software malfunctions. Therefore, it is strongly recommended not to use unsigned libraries, except for testing purposes. The software will display multiple warning messages if you use an unsigned library.

  
  Please note: exocad does not accept any bug reports for any datasets that were created using unsigned libraries. Moreover, exocad does not provide support for creating libraries that are not intended to be signed later.

• 10. Is it possible to have encrypted and signed libraries but not make them available on the download portal?

  This procedure is possible with integration "Option 2: Dummy geometries, compatible with your milling center."

• 11. What are "dummy" geometries?

  "Dummy" geometries are geometries that must be replaced before production or that can only be used for fabrication with special tools.
  "Real" geometries are geometries that can be used by end users for direct production.

• 12. Why is it so important to name folders and files correctly?

  The folders and file paths are referenced in the exocad software and used by downstream software systems (e.g. CAM software) to identify the library. The use of special characters or excessively long character strings can lead to error messages in the software.
  Please note that we can only integrate libraries that follow our naming conventions defined in our manuals.

• 13. Are there any mesh requirements?

  Yes, refer to our Instruction Manual for Creating Implant Geometries for more details.

• 14. What is the difference between checking and testing data?

  Libraries associated with any of our medical device software require due to quality regulations an internal validation process, performed by our expert testing team.
  For this reason, the integration of pure DentalCAD libraries is usually faster than the integration of AbutmentCAD libraries.

• 15. How do you remove the Implant Library Editor message "Library Folder Not Loaded"?

  To avoid this message follow our Instruction Manual for Creating Implant Geometries for exocad on page 7 and set up the directory of your software as follows:

  ...*directory of your DentalCAD software if available*\DentalCADApp

  ...*directory of your exoplan software if available*\ImplantPlanning