Swiss premium manufacturer for otoplastics and hearing protection OC GmbH and German service provider CADdent achieved a breakthrough in 3D-printed patient specific earmould (“otoplastics”) production. Utilising Lithoz’s LCM technology – the world’s leading system for high-performance ceramic 3D printing – the team serially produces earmoulds made from ATZ (alumina-toughened zirconia) that are ultra-precise in fit, acoustically neutral and perfectly biocompatible. Further expanding the CeraFab printer’s track record of successfully scaling high-end ceramic medical devices to industrial level, the otoplastics’ commercialisation again proves the growing significance of LCM printers for innovation in the MedTech industry. Meeting the stringent requirements of medical OEMs, the project marks yet another go-to-market-milestone for custom-fit ceramic devices.
Using the CeraFab S65 Medical, CADdent produces ATZ earmoulds with wall thicknesses below 1 mm and dimensional tolerances of less than ±50 µm, all the while maintaining the delicate inner channels necessary for optimal sound transmission. Thanks to stress-free sintering, the parts could be manufactured without support structures while ensuring structural stability, even in fragile geometries. Furthermore, the scalability of the process for small-batch industrial production is demonstrated by the fact that up to 15 earmoulds can be produced per build platform, resulting in a low-threshold for innovation.
Jurij Belik, CEO of OC GmbH adds: “These technical achievements demonstrate the distinct advantages that ceramics offer for otoplastics. Unlike polymers or titanium, ceramic earmoulds offer long-term biocompatibility alongside superior durability and wear resistance. ATZ’s acoustic neutrality ensures uncompromised sound quality, and the material’s aesthetic properties allow for customisable, high-value designs.”
This innovation combines the highest possible acoustic precision guaranteed by ATZ as the material of choice, the best possible hygienic behaviour provided by biocompatible ceramics in general, individually optimised wearing comfort given by the design freedom in 3D and economically viable production at an industrial scale ensured by the exact repeatability secured by LCM printers. It signals a new era for patient-specific ceramic additive manufacturing in audiology and far beyond. It also gives evidence of CeraFab printers offering an accessible entry point for SMEs aiming to innovate their products even in strongly regulated markets.
The 3D-printed patient-specific ceramic otoplastics will be on display at the Lithoz formnext booth (Hall 11.1, C35)
About OC Otoplastisches Centrum GmbH:
OC Otoplastisches Centrum GmbH is a Swiss company that manufactures and sells high-quality audiology products. Their offerings include a range of items like hearing protection, earmoulds for hearing aids, and in-ear monitors. They operate a specialized laboratory where they produce custom-made earmoulds to meet demanding specifications. Their products are sold exclusively through specialist retailers.
Contact:
Jurij Belik
+41 56 2103330
jurij.belik@ocgmbh.ch
About CADdent GmbH:
With strong roots in dental technology, CADdent specializes in manufacturing dental products using advanced technologies, including two CeraFab Systems. Their services extend beyond dental technology to include rapid prototyping for various industries, such as electrical engineering, jewellery, aerospace, and other healthcare applications.
Contact:
+49 821 5999965-0
uk@caddent.eu
About Lithoz:
Lithoz is the world and technology leader for high-performance ceramic materials and 3D printers. Founded in 2011, Lithoz is committed to breaking the boundaries of ceramic production and supporting customers in expanding the manufacturing opportunities for the ceramic industry. The company has an export share of almost 100%, around 100 employees and 4 different sites worldwide. Since 2016, Lithoz has been ISO 9001-2015 certified. In 2025, Lithoz secured ISO 13485 certification to qualify their quality management system to the standards of the medical devices industry.
Contact:
Clara Weissflog
+43 660 9128831
cweissflog(at)lithoz.com