Principal Director, Charlie Sara
Macono is an established and highly successful lab that has grown over time through a constant dedication to seamless customer experience and the development of its team, products, and service. This focus has earned Macono an outstanding reputation amongst its customers across Sydney, Australia, and internationally.
Macono’s focus on the highest quality in appliance product delivery is exhibited through precision, durability, and patient comfort. Digital technology and product and service innovation have consistently driven the business’s advancement.
We spoke to the owner and director, Charlie Sara, about how laser welding has contributed.
Why use a Laser Welder?
Charlie explains: “Part of Macono’s growth story has been our focus on growing our fixed appliances business. These require a lot of soldering and welding”.
“The first point is that Laser welders are incredibly versatile. Our team uses them to join metal components in orthodontic appliances such as buccal tubes, bands and wires; expansion screws; retainers; Herbst appliances; palatal expanders; and brackets or tubes.
“We use them to make cost-effective repairs to damaged removable appliances and to tack components such as rests and arms onto frameworks for soldering. This technique prevents misalignment due to the movement of the parts that can occur when using wax, which is affected by the flame's heat.
“The versatility adds up to near-constant use, a great use of a significant asset.
“Laser welding is very, very precise. The defined and accurate targeting of the joining weld brings a raft of benefits to our appliances and, in turn, our customers. The joins are contained and clean, aiding patient fit, comfort, and durability. For example, a traditional solder joint, if on an over-soldered band, can displace the gingiva, resulting in an ill-fitting appliance. This affects the durability of its fixing and, at worst, can cause a recession of the gingiva.
“Another example of the benefits of the Laser joints is due to the reduced surface area of the weld relative to the band. It allows for more flexibility of the band to be seated on the tooth, making it easier for the practitioner to fit.
“Also, the narrow targeting of heat allows us to weld in areas immediately adjacent to sensitive materials such as acrylics and ceramics. There is also an absence of the deforming effect that heat can have on surrounding wires and other components.
“Compared to soldering, Laser welding uses only the base metal, from Chrome to Titanium – whatever is being used. So, the join exhibits no tarnishing of the material like silver solder, plus 100% materials compatibility is assured. That’s the main thing that makes the joint so much stronger and durable.
“The list of uses and the benefits we realise are surprising – much more than we had first imagined.”
An unsoldered RME that has had components tacked on with the laser prior to soldering so that they do not dislodge during the soldering process.
The neatness and compact and clean weld points on a band.
Laser double up
Macono was an early adopter of Laser Welding technology over 15 years ago. In 2022, Macono upgraded to a pair of Dentaurum desktop Compact Laser Welders.
The immediate impact was the ease and speed at which the lab could perform its existing laser welding tasks. The Dentaurum laser welders are placed on a regular desktop, are very compact, quick starting and comfortable to use.
Charlie continued: “How the team adapted instantly to the new devices was the first thing to be very pleased about. A happy team is a big part of our success because happiness drives care and care drives quality. Plus, productivity didn’t take a backward step; in fact, gains were realised almost instantly”.
“Before too long, we started to use the Dentaurum Laser Welder as the basis of product expansion because it removed barriers that had existed before. For example, we adopted the Dentaurum tomas TAD system for MARPE – Mini Screw Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion. Our Dentaurum Laser Welder is central to precisely and efficiently manufacturing these fixed appliances.
“Exactly what we expect from Dentaurum”
“Macono has been a long-term user and advocate of Dentaurum products and materials. The quality is the best available. Every material behaves in the lab with absolute consistency. For us, it enables our best work – the best fitting and most comfortable appliances- resulting in happy patients and satisfied practitioner customers. Durability and reliability are near perfect in every Dentaurum product and material we’ve ever used. The consistency breeds confidence and allows a refinement of our craft so we work faster”.
“In a service business like ours, every gain in productivity has a material impact on the sustainability of our business”.
“Our Laser Welders continue that Dentaurum experience. They are precise, easy to use, and reliable. But this now exists at a new level. The Laser Welders are a significant asset that work hard in our business. They need support and maintenance, and here again, Dentaurum shines. Support comes quickly and seamlessly”.
MARPE appliance
MARPE appliance
The last word
Charlie, as he always does, sums up the situation neatly. “Our Dentaurum Laser Welders have contributed to the advancement of our business by supporting the highest levels of precision across existing and new business areas, with greater workflow efficiency”.
It doesn’t get much better than that.
Featured Dentaurum products
Related article: Macono Orthodontic and Dental Laboratories - embracing digital dentistry technologies
