3D Printing of Polyamide to Fabricate a Non-Metal Clasp Removable Partial Denture via Fused Filament Fabrication: A Case Report

Reinforcement of 3D-printed resins for denture base by adding aramid fibers: Effect on mechanical, surface, and optical properties

PURPOSE

The present study evaluated the mechanical, surface, and optical properties of 3D-printed resins for removable prostheses reinforced by the addition of aramid fibers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

According to ISO 20795-1:2013 standards, specimens were printed using a digital light processing 3D printer and divided into two groups (n = 06/group): 3D-printed resin for denture base as the control group, and a group with the same 3D-printed resin in addition of 5% aramid fibers as the experimental group. Red aramid fibers were chosen for aesthetic characterization. The specimens were evaluated for their mechanical properties, such as elastic modulus (GPa), flexural strength (MPa), and superficial properties by their surface microhardness (KHN), surface roughness (μm), and surface free energy (mJ/m2). Optical properties were evaluated by the color difference (∆E00) between groups. The statistical test chosen after the exploratory analysis of the data was One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's HSD (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

The results showed statistical differences in elastic modulus (p < 0.0001), flexural strength (p < 0.0001), surface free energy polar variable (p = 0.0322), total surface free energy (p = 0.0344), with higher values for the experimental. Surface hardness and surface roughness showed no statistical difference (p ≥ 0.05). The color difference (∆E00) obtained through the CIEDE2000 calculus was below the perceptibility threshold (≤1.1).

CONCLUSION

Adding aramid fibers to 3D-printed resin for denture bases resulted in better mechanical properties, without major alterations in surface properties. In addition, it is an easy-to-apply choice for mechanical reinforcement and aesthetic characterization, with the expression of small blood vessels in the 3D-printed resin for removable denture bases.

Optimization of Digital Light Processing Three-Dimensional Printing of the Removable Partial Denture Frameworks; The Role of Build Angle and Support Structure Diameter

The optimal three-dimensional (3D) printing parameters of removable partial denture (RPD) frameworks should be studied to achieve the best accuracy, printing time, and least materials consumed. This study aimed to find the best build angle and support structures' diameter of the 3D printed (RPD) framework. Sixty (RPD) frameworks (10 in each group) were manufactured by digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing technology at three build angles (110-D, 135-D, and 150-D) and two support structures diameters (thick, L, and thin, S). Six groups were named according to their printing setting as (110-DS, 135-DS, 150-DS, 110-DL, 135-DL, and 150-DL). Frameworks were 3D scanned and compared to the original cast surface using 3D metrology software (Geomagic Control X; 3D Systems, Rock Hill, SC). Both printing time and material consumption were also recorded. Data were tested for the significant difference by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test at (α = 0.05). The correlations between outcome parameters were also calculated. The 110-DL group showed the least accuracy. Significantly, the printing time of the 150-D groups had the lowest time. Material consumption of group 110-DS presented the lowest significantly statistical value. Printing time had a linear correlation with both accuracy and material consumption. Within the study limitations, the 150-degree build angle and thin diameter support structures showed optimal accuracy and time-saving regardless of material consumption.