Case example
Heka Dental: Value in 3D printing—not only as a prototyping tool, but for finished products
One small optimised part delivers savings of up to DKK 200,000.
Measurable results
How much Heka Dental has saved
DKK savings
minutes per product
Heka Dental For several years, they had used 3D printing for prototypes and small finished-part components for their treatment units for dentists worldwide. They therefore knew the technology, but also sensed that the potential was greater.
With a shared understanding within the management team of how 3D printing can reduce production time and purchasing costs while improving product performance, Heka Dental can now make more targeted decisions about where and when the technology makes business sense as a production tool.
The case: Overview and context
Part consolidation was not a concept that had previously been a focus at Heka Dental. However, the company was already relatively advanced in its use of 3D printing, with several components produced in-house.
The next step, however, was unclear. Not all departments were convinced that 3D printing could be aligned with the company’s high quality requirements and long product lifetime.
As in many companies, departments had different success criteria that did not necessarily point in the same direction. This can easily slow the implementation of new technology. By clarifying the departments’ objectives and aligning them with the company’s overall vision, it became possible to identify where 3D printing could genuinely create value.
The case shows how relatively simple strategic tools can create a shared direction and ensure that new technology is implemented as part of the business-not as an isolated project.
Value and impact for the company
Based on the company’s vision, total assembly time on the production line, and unit costs for selected components, the management team chose to focus on one specific part: a manifold.
The original solution arrived unassembled from the supplier in a bag. A production employee spent approximately 15 minutes assembling the 19 individual parts, including sealing rings, before the unit could be installed.
By redesigning the component and consolidating the parts into a single 3D-printed unit, the company went from 19 parts to one assembled component. The result was both a significant reduction in assembly time and a COGS saving of more than 50%, equivalent to up to DKK 200,000 annually.
This made the value of design for additive manufacturing very tangible for the organisation.
“We realised that 3D printing is something more than just a low-cost solution – it is an alternative that opens up entirely new possibilities and can solve previously Gordian knots. We now view 3D printing from a fully commercial and practical perspective.”
Learning and insights
Before the programme with Dansk AM Hub the key question across procurement, development and production was whether 3D printing would make things cheaper and faster, or simply more complex.
Following the work, the departments now have a shared basis for decision-making. They can now systematically assess which components make sense to analyse further, and they have a clear direction for how 3D printing should support the company’s development.
At the same time, they have established a stronger link between technology and customer value: how optimising products can both reduce production costs and create greater opportunities for customer customisation.
The case illustrates that implementing new production technology is not only about machines, but about shared understanding, prioritisation, and strategic choices.
About the company
Heka Dental A/S
Location
Taastrup, East Zealand
Number of employees
70
Info
Development and production of dental chairs
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