CertainTeed Dental Lab & Consulting: Supporting dentists and dental labs with innovative digital solutions.

In-House vs. Outsourced 3D Printing: What's Right For Your Lab?

Dental labs everywhere are recognizing the advantages of 3D printing in producing precise, efficient restorations. But one big question remains: should you invest in in-house metal 3D printing—or partner with an outsourcing provider?

The answer depends on your lab’s size, resources, and goals. Let’s look at the factors most labs consider, and why more and more are turning to outsourcing solutions like CertainTeed, which act as a seamless extension of your workflow.

1. Cost and Investment

• In-house: Owning a metal 3D printer comes with steep upfront costs: equipment, software, post-processing tools, plus training for staff. The investment is substantial, especially for smaller labs.

• Outsourcing: With CertainTeed, you avoid this financial burden. Instead of committing hundreds of thousands of dollars, you simply pay per print. This means access to high-quality results without carrying the weight of equipment depreciation or maintenance costs.

2. Control Over Workflow

• In-house: Having a printer onsite gives labs full control over production schedules and quality checks. Adjustments can be made instantly, which may benefit high-volume labs.

• Outsourcing: CertainTeed bridges that gap by offering dependable turnaround times and precision results, without the stress of managing every detail. You maintain workflow efficiency, while our team handles the technical side.

3. Volume and Demand

• In-house: High demand can justify the costs of owning equipment, but demand often fluctuates, leaving machines underutilized.

• Outsourcing: CertainTeed scales with you. Whether you have one case or a hundred, you only pay for what you need. No underused machines. No wasted investment.

4. Expertise and Staffing

• In-house: Running a 3D printer requires CAD/CAM expertise, machine operators, and ongoing technical training. Staffing can become a hidden expense.

• Outsourcing: CertainTeed’s specialists manage it all. Think of us as an extension of your team. Our experts ensure your cases are handled with accuracy, freeing your staff to focus on client relationships and case planning.

5. Quality and Consistency

• In-house: Quality is directly in your hands, but it comes with a steep learning curve and potential trial-and-error.

• Outsourcing: Partnering with CertainTeed ensures consistent, reliable outcomes. Our proven processes and advanced equipment guarantee restorations you’ll be proud to deliver, every time.

6. Technological Advancements

• In-house: Staying on the cutting edge means constant upgrades, new equipment purchases, and retraining staff, adding to costs and disruption.

• Outsourcing: CertainTeed gives you access to the latest technology without the upgrade cycle. We invest in innovation so your lab doesn’t have to.

Why CertainTeed? Outsourcing Services, In-House Results.

At CertainTeed, we don’t just provide a service, we become a trusted extension of your lab. Upload your data, and we’ll handle the rest. Our network of advanced printing centers delivers precise, high-quality products directly to you.

When you outsource with CertainTeed, you get:

• Lower costs compared to in-house investments

• Reliable turnaround times that keep cases moving

• Access to the latest technology without the upgrade headaches

• Skilled experts working as part of your extended team

• Consistent quality and precision in every case

The choice is clear: why carry the burden of equipment, staffing, and maintenance when CertainTeed can deliver the same in-house quality, without the risk?

Book a meeting or contact us today to discover how we can help your lab grow and prosper.