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3D Printing in Prosthodontics: Additive Manufacturing Technology
3D Printing in Prosthodontics: Additive Manufacturing Technology
INTRODUCTION
Right from adaptation of lost wax technique in early 20th century for the
fabrication of crowns and bridge to the recent influence of computer aided
design and machining (CAD CAM) technology on digitisation of restorations.
Traditional fabrication of inlays, onlays and crowns uses a multistage process
which involves an indirect technique of an impression followed by laboratory
processing of the restoration. This procedure involves several steps which
increases the possibility of errors in marginal accuracy, time consumed by the
patient as well as the doctor and the treatment costs. As in many other
industries, production stages are increasingly becoming automated in dental
technology.
Subtractive methods such as CAD CAM has some limitations in relation with 3
D printing.
2. Milling tools are prone to heavy abrasion and wear which shortens their
cycling time.
1. Stereolithography (SLA)
2. Digital Light Processing (DLP)
3. Fused deposition Modeling (FDM)
4. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
5. Selective Laser Melting (SLM)
6. Electronic Beam Melting (EBM)
7. Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM)
8. Binder Jetting (BJ)
9. Material Jetting (MJ)
Binder jetting is a 3D printing process that uses two types of materials to build
objects: a powder-based material (usually gypsum) and a bonding agent. As the
name suggests, the “bonding” agent acts as a strong adhesive to attach (bond)
the powder layers together. The printer nozzles extrude the binder in liquid form
similar to a regular 2D inkjet printer. After completing each layer, the build
plate lowers slightly to allow for the next one. This process repeats until the
object reaches its required height.
It’s a 3D printing technique that uses high power CO2 lasers to fuse particles
together. The laser sinters powdered metal materials .It’s a process that repeats
one layer at a time until it reaches the object’s height. SLS is quite similar to
SLA technology with regards to speed and quality.
Invented in 1995.Like SLA , SLM also uses a high-powered laser beam to form
3D parts. During the printing process, the laser beam melts and fuses various
metallic powders together.
As the laser beam hits a thin layer of the material, it selectively joins or welds
the particles together. After one complete print cycle, the printer adds a new
layer of powered material to the previous one. The main difference between
SLM and SLS is that SLM completely melts the powder, whereas SLS only
partly melts it (sinters). In general, SLM end products tend to be stronger as
they have fewer or no voids.
Once the 3D model (CAD file) is uploaded to the printer, the printer adds
molten (heated) wax to the aluminum build platform in controlled layers. It
achieves this using nozzles that sweep evenly across the build area. As soon as
the heated material lands on the build plate it begins to cool down and solidify
(UV light helps to cure the layers). As the 3D part builds up, a gel-like material
helps to support the printing process of more complex geometries. Like all
support materials in 3D printing, it’s easy to remove it afterward, either by hand
or by using powerful water jets. Once the part is complete,no further post-curing
is necessary.