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Wen A, Xiao N, Zhu Y, Gao Z, Qin Q, Shan S, Li W, Sun Y, Wang Y, Zhao Y. Spatial Trueness Evaluation of 3D-Printed Dental Model Made of Photopolymer Resin: Use of Special Structurized Dental Model. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1083. [PMID: 38675003 PMCID: PMC11053721 DOI: 10.3390/polym16081083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Various 3D printers are available for dental practice; however, a comprehensive accuracy evaluation method to effectively guide practitioners is lacking. This in vitro study aimed to propose an optimized method to evaluate the spatial trueness of a 3D-printed dental model made of photopolymer resin based on a special structurized dental model, and provide the preliminary evaluation results of six 3D printers. (2) Methods: A structurized dental model comprising several geometrical configurations was designed based on dental crown and arch measurement data reported in previous studies. Ninety-six feature sizes can be directly measured on this original model with minimized manual measurement errors. Six types of photo-curing 3D printers, including Objet30 Pro using the Polyjet technique, Projet 3510 HD Plus using the Multijet technique, Perfactory DDP and DLP 800d using the DLP technique, Form2 and Form3 using the SLA technique, and each printer's respective 3D-printable dental model materials, were used to fabricate one set of physical models each. Regarding the feature sizes of the simulated dental crowns and dental arches, linear measurements were recorded. The scanned digital models were compared with the design data, and 3D form errors (including overall 3D deviation; flatness, parallelism, and perpendicularity errors) were measured. (3) Results: The lowest overall 3D deviation, flatness, parallelism, and perpendicularity errors were noted for the models printed using the Objet30 Pro (overall value: 45 μm), Form3 (0.061 ± 0.019 mm), Objet30 Pro (0.138 ± 0.068°), and Projet 3510 HD Plus (0.095 ± 0.070°), respectively. In color difference maps, different deformation patterns were observed in the printed models. The feature size proved most accurate for the Objet30 Pro fabricated models (occlusal plane error: 0.02 ± 0.36%, occlusogingival direction error: -0.06 ± 0.09%). (4) Conclusions: The authors investigated a novel evaluation approach for the spatial trueness of a 3D-printed dental model made of photopolymer resin based on a structurized dental model. This method can objectively and comprehensively evaluate the spatial trueness of 3D-printed dental models and has a good repeatability and generalizability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aonan Wen
- Center of Digital Dentistry/Department of Prosthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Digital Medical Devices & Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology & NHC Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China; (A.W.); (N.X.); (Y.Z.); (Q.Q.); (Y.S.)
| | - Ning Xiao
- Center of Digital Dentistry/Department of Prosthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Digital Medical Devices & Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology & NHC Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China; (A.W.); (N.X.); (Y.Z.); (Q.Q.); (Y.S.)
- Department of Stomatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yujia Zhu
- Center of Digital Dentistry/Department of Prosthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Digital Medical Devices & Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology & NHC Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China; (A.W.); (N.X.); (Y.Z.); (Q.Q.); (Y.S.)
| | - Zixiang Gao
- Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; (Z.G.); (S.S.); (W.L.)
| | - Qingzhao Qin
- Center of Digital Dentistry/Department of Prosthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Digital Medical Devices & Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology & NHC Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China; (A.W.); (N.X.); (Y.Z.); (Q.Q.); (Y.S.)
| | - Shenyao Shan
- Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; (Z.G.); (S.S.); (W.L.)
| | - Wenbo Li
- Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; (Z.G.); (S.S.); (W.L.)
| | - Yuchun Sun
- Center of Digital Dentistry/Department of Prosthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Digital Medical Devices & Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology & NHC Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China; (A.W.); (N.X.); (Y.Z.); (Q.Q.); (Y.S.)
| | - Yong Wang
- Center of Digital Dentistry/Department of Prosthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Digital Medical Devices & Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology & NHC Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China; (A.W.); (N.X.); (Y.Z.); (Q.Q.); (Y.S.)
- Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; (Z.G.); (S.S.); (W.L.)
| | - Yijiao Zhao
- Center of Digital Dentistry/Department of Prosthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Digital Medical Devices & Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology & NHC Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China; (A.W.); (N.X.); (Y.Z.); (Q.Q.); (Y.S.)
- Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; (Z.G.); (S.S.); (W.L.)
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Abduo J, Ho G, Centorame A, Chohan S, Park C, Abdouni R, Le P, Ngo C. Marginal Accuracy of Monolithic and Veneered Zirconia Crowns Fabricated by Conventional and Digital Workflows. J Prosthodont 2023; 32:706-713. [PMID: 36321644 DOI: 10.1111/jopr.13618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the marginal accuracy of zirconia crowns fabricated by different workflows (conventional and digital) and designs (monolithic and veneered). MATERIALS AND METHODS A prepared maxillary first molar was used for the study. Four workflow combinations were evaluated: (1) intraoral scanning and monolithic zirconia (IOS-M), (2) intraoral scanning and veneered zirconia (IOS-V), (3) conventional impression and monolithic zirconia (IMP-M), and (4) conventional impression and veneered zirconia (IMP-V). All of the specimens had similar designs. The veneered groups had a buccal cutback for esthetic veneer application. A total of 10 crowns were produced in each workflow. The vertical and horizontal marginal accuracies were measured with a traveling microscope. Depending on the normality of the data, one-way analysis of variance test or Kruskal-Wallis test were applied to evaluate the differences among the groups (α = 0.05). RESULTS The most superior vertical marginal accuracy was observed for IOS-V (mean = 22.5 μm; SD = 6.7 μm), followed by IMP-V (mean = 23.9 μm; SD = 7.8 μm), IOS-M (mean = 28.7 μm; SD = 10.3 μm), and IMP-M (mean = 39.8 μm; SD = 22.0 μm), respectively (p < 0.001). The IOS-M had the greatest mean horizontal discrepancies (mean = 23.9 μm; SD = 4.3 μm) followed by IMP-M (mean = 21.3 μm; SD = 5.7 μm), IMP-V (mean = 19.2 μm; SD = 5.3 μm) and IOS-V (mean = 17.6 μm; SD = 5.7 μm) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Monolithic zirconia crowns fabricated digitally had superior marginal accuracy than monolithic zirconia crowns fabricated conventionally. Esthetic buccal veneering of predominantly monolithic zirconia copings improved the vertical and horizontal marginal accuracies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaafar Abduo
- Restorative Section, Melbourne Dental School, Melbourne University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Grace Ho
- Restorative Section, Melbourne Dental School, Melbourne University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alannah Centorame
- Restorative Section, Melbourne Dental School, Melbourne University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Simran Chohan
- Restorative Section, Melbourne Dental School, Melbourne University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Clara Park
- Restorative Section, Melbourne Dental School, Melbourne University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ramiz Abdouni
- Restorative Section, Melbourne Dental School, Melbourne University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Phillip Le
- Restorative Section, Melbourne Dental School, Melbourne University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher Ngo
- Restorative Section, Melbourne Dental School, Melbourne University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Tanveer W, Ridwan-Pramana A, Molinero-Mourelle P, Forouzanfar T. Applications of CAD/CAM Technology for Craniofacial Implants Placement and Manufacturing of Auricular Prostheses-Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5950. [PMID: 37762891 PMCID: PMC10532239 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12185950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This systematic review was aimed at gathering the clinical and technical applications of CAD/CAM technology for craniofacial implant placement and processing of auricular prostheses based on clinical cases. According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, an electronic data search was performed. Human clinical studies utilizing digital planning, designing, and printing systems for craniofacial implant placement and processing of auricular prostheses for prosthetic rehabilitation of auricular defects were included. Following a data search, a total of 36 clinical human studies were included, which were digitally planned and executed through various virtual software to rehabilitate auricular defects. Preoperative data were collected mainly through computed tomography scans (CT scans) (55 cases); meanwhile, the most common laser scanners were the 3dMDface System (3dMD LLC, Atlanta, Georgia, USA) (6 cases) and the 3 Shape scanner (3 Shape, Copenhagen, Denmark) (6 cases). The most common digital design software are Mimics Software (Mimics Innovation Suite, Materialize, Leuven, Belgium) (18 cases), Freeform software (Freeform, NC, USA) (13 cases), and 3 Shape software (3 Shape, Copenhagen, Denmark) (12 cases). Surgical templates were designed and utilized in 35 cases to place 88 craniofacial implants in auricular defect areas. The most common craniofacial implants were Vistafix craniofacial implants (Entific Medical Systems, Goteborg, Sweden) in 22 cases. A surgical navigation system was used to place 20 craniofacial implants in the mastoid bone. Digital applications of CAD/CAM technology include, but are not limited to, study models, mirrored replicas of intact ears, molds, retentive attachments, customized implants, substructures, and silicone prostheses. The included studies demonstrated a predictable clinical outcome, reduced the patient's visits, and completed the prosthetic rehabilitation in reasonable time and at reasonable cost. However, equipment costs and trained technical staff were highlighted as possible limitations to the use of CAD/CAM systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waqas Tanveer
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Center, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Angela Ridwan-Pramana
- Center for Special Care in Dentistry, Department of Maxillofacial Prosthodontics, Stichting Bijzondere Tandheelkunde, 1081 LA Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Pedro Molinero-Mourelle
- Department of Reconstructive Dentistry and Gerodontology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, CHE 3012 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Tymour Forouzanfar
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands;
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Wakamori K, Nagata K, Nakashizu T, Tsuruoka H, Atsumi M, Kawana H. Comparative Verification of the Accuracy of Implant Models Made of PLA, Resin, and Silicone. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:ma16093307. [PMID: 37176189 PMCID: PMC10179293 DOI: 10.3390/ma16093307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Polylactic acid (PLA) has gained considerable attention as an alternative to petroleum-based materials due to environmental concerns. We fabricated implant models with fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printers using PLA, and the accuracies of these PLA models were compared with those of plaster models made from silicone impressions and resin models made with digital light processing (DLP). A base model was obtained from an impact-training model. The scan body was mounted on the plaster, resin, and PLA models obtained from the base model, and the obtained information was converted to stereolithography (STL) data by the 3D scanner. The base model was then used as a reference, and its data were superimposed onto the STL data of each model using Geomagic control. The horizontal and vertical accuracies of PLA models, as calculated using the Tukey-Kramer method, were 97.2 ± 48.4 and 115.5 ± 15.1 μm, respectively, which suggests that the PLA model is the least accurate among the three models. In both cases, significant differences were found between PLA and gypsum and between the PLA and resin models. However, considering that the misfit of screw-retained implant frames should be ≤150 µm, PLA can be effectively used for fabricating implant models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kana Wakamori
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Implantology, Kanagawa Dental University, 82 Inaoka-cho, Yokosuka 238-8580, Japan
| | - Koudai Nagata
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Implantology, Kanagawa Dental University, 82 Inaoka-cho, Yokosuka 238-8580, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Nakashizu
- Division of the Dental Practice Support, Kanagawa Dental University, 82 Inaoka-cho, Yokosuka 238-8580, Japan
| | - Hayato Tsuruoka
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Implantology, Kanagawa Dental University, 82 Inaoka-cho, Yokosuka 238-8580, Japan
| | - Mihoko Atsumi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Implantology, Kanagawa Dental University, 82 Inaoka-cho, Yokosuka 238-8580, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Kawana
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Implantology, Kanagawa Dental University, 82 Inaoka-cho, Yokosuka 238-8580, Japan
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Nagata K, Inaba K, Kimoto K, Kawana H. Accuracy of Dental Models Fabricated Using Recycled Poly-Lactic Acid. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:2620. [PMID: 37048914 PMCID: PMC10096089 DOI: 10.3390/ma16072620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Based on the hypothesis that the fabrication of dental models using fused deposition modeling and poly-lactic acid (PLA), followed by recycling and reusing, would reduce industrial waste, we aimed to compare the accuracies of virgin and recycled PLA models. The PLA models were recycled using a crusher and a filament-manufacturing machine. Virgin PLA was labeled R, and the first, second, and third recycles were labeled R1, R2, and R3, respectively. To determine the accuracies of the virgin and reused PLA models, identical provisional crowns were fitted, and marginal fits were obtained using micro-computed tomography. A marginal fit of 120 µm was deemed acceptable based on previous literature. The mesial, distal, buccal, and palatal centers were set at M, D, B, and P, respectively. The mean value of each measurement point was considered as the result. When comparing the accuracies of R and R1, R2, and R3, significant differences were noted between R and R3 at B, R and R2, R3 at P, and R and R3 at D (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed at M. This study demonstrates that PLA can be recycled only once owing to accuracy limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koudai Nagata
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Implantology, Kanagawa Dental University, 82 Inaoka-cho, Yokosuka 238-8580, Japan
| | - Keitaro Inaba
- Department of Oral Microbiology, Kanagawa Dental University, 82 Inaoka-cho, Yokosuka 238-8580, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Kimoto
- Department of Fixed Prosthodontics, Kanagawa Dental University, 82 Inaoka-cho, Yokosuka 238-8580, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Kawana
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Implantology, Kanagawa Dental University, 82 Inaoka-cho, Yokosuka 238-8580, Japan
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Nagata K, Muromachi K, Kouzai Y, Inaba K, Inoue E, Fuchigami K, Nihei T, Atsumi M, Kimoto K, Kawana H. Fit accuracy of resin crown on a dental model fabricated using fused deposition modeling 3D printing and a polylactic acid filament. J Prosthodont Res 2023; 67:144-149. [PMID: 35466158 DOI: 10.2186/jpr.jpr_d_21_00325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Purpose We considered the possibility of reducing industrial waste by fabricating and reusing dental models prepared using a fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printer and polylactic acid (PLA) filaments. The purpose of this study was to verify the accuracy of models fabricated using FDM and PLA.Methods The same provisional crown was used to check the marginal fit on PLA models prepared using an intraoral scanner (IOS) and FDM, plaster models made with silicone impression material and plaster, and resin models prepared using an IOS and stereolithography apparatus (SLA) 3D printer. The marginal fit was measured using micro-computed tomography at four points on the tooth: the buccal center (B), palatal center (P), mesial center (M), and distal center (D) points.Results At point B, the marginal gaps were 118 ± 21.7, 62 ± 16.4, and 50 ± 26.5 μm for the PLA, resin, and plaster models, respectively, with a significant difference between the PLA model and the other two. However, the marginal gap at all other measurement points was not significantly different between the models (P > 0.05).Conclusions We compared the accuracy of the models fabricated using the FDM, SLA, and conventional methods. The combination of FDM and PLA filaments showed no significant differences from the other models, except at point B, indicating its usefulness. Therefore, FDM and PLA may become necessary materials for dental treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koudai Nagata
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Implantology, Kanagawa Dental University, Yokosuka, Japan
| | - Koichiro Muromachi
- Department of Pulp Biology and Endodontics, Kanagawa Dental University, Yokosuka, Japan
| | - Yusuke Kouzai
- Department of Education Planning, Kanagawa Dental University, Yokosuka, Japan
| | - Keitaro Inaba
- Department of Oral Microbiology, Kanagawa Dental University, Yokosuka, Japan
| | - Erika Inoue
- Division of the Dental practice support, Kanagawa Dental University, Yokosuka, Japan
| | - Kei Fuchigami
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Implantology, Kanagawa Dental University, Yokosuka, Japan
| | - Tomotaro Nihei
- Department of Clinical Biomaterials, Kanagawa Dental University, Yokosuka, Japan
| | - Mihoko Atsumi
- Department of Fixed Prosthodontics, Kanagawa Dental University, Yokosuka, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Kimoto
- Department of Fixed Prosthodontics, Kanagawa Dental University, Yokosuka, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Kawana
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Implantology, Kanagawa Dental University, Yokosuka, Japan
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Systematic Review of Clinical Applications of CAD/CAM Technology for Craniofacial Implants Placement and Manufacturing of Orbital Prostheses. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111349. [PMID: 34769865 PMCID: PMC8582823 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This systematic review was aimed at gathering technical and clinical applications of CAD/CAM technology for the preoperative planning of craniofacial implants placement, designing of molds and substructures and fabrication of orbital prostheses. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, an electronic search was executed. Human studies that utilized digital planning systems for the prosthetic rehabilitation of orbital defects were included. A total of 16 studies of 30 clinical cases, which were virtually planned through various digital planning and designing software, were included. The most common preoperative data required for digital planning were CT scans in 15 cases, the 3DSS-STD-II scanning system in 5 cases, an Artec Color 3D scanner in 3 cases and a NextEngine Desktop 3D laser scanner in 2 cases. Meanwhile, the digital designing software were Ease Orbital Implant Planning EOIPlan software in eight cases, Geomagic software in eight cases, Simplant software in four cases and Artec Studio 12 Professional in three cases. Surgical templates were fabricated for 12 cases to place 41 craniofacial implants in the orbital defect area. An image-guided surgical navigation system was utilized for the placement of five orbital implants in two cases. Digital designing and printing systems were reported for the preoperative planning of craniofacial implants placement, designing of molds and substructures and fabrication of orbital prostheses. The studies concluded that the digital planning, designing and fabrication of orbital prostheses reduce the clinical and laboratory times, reduces patient visits and provide a satisfactory outcome; however, technical skills and equipment costs are posing limitations on the use of these digital systems.
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Current Status of Liquid Metal Printing. JOURNAL OF MANUFACTURING AND MATERIALS PROCESSING 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/jmmp5020031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
This review focuses on the current state of the art in liquid metal additive manufacturing (AM), an emerging and growing family of related printing technologies used to fabricate near-net shape or fully free-standing metal objects. The various printing modes and droplet generation techniques as applied to liquid metals are discussed. Two different printing modes, continuous and drop-on-demand (DOD), exist for liquid metal printing and are based on commercial inkjet printing technology. Several techniques are in various stages of development from laboratory testing, prototyping, to full commercialization. Printing techniques include metal droplet generation by piezoelectric actuation or impact-driven, electrostatic, pneumatic, electrohydrodynamic (EHD), magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) ejection, or droplet generation by application of a high-power laser. The impetus for development of liquid metal printing was the precise, and often small scale, jetting of solder alloys for microelectronics applications. The fabrication of higher-melting-point metals and alloys and the printing of free-standing metal objects has provided further motivation for the research and development of liquid metal printing.
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