Accuracy of five different 3D printing workflows for dental models comparing industrial and dental desktop printers

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy, in terms of trueness and precision, of printed models using five different industrial and dental desktop 3D printers. Materials and methods Full-arch digital models with scanbodies of 15 patients were printed with five different 3D printers. The industrial printers were 3D system Project MJP2500 (3DS) and Objet30 OrthoDesk (Obj). The dental desktop printers were NextDent 5100 (ND), Formlabs Form 2 (FL) and Rapidshape D30 (RS). A total of 225 printed models were analysed. The printed models were digitized and compared with the reference cast model using the Control X software (Geomagic). The descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA with the post hoc Tukey test were performed (α = 0.05). Results The one-way ANOVA for the trueness and precision of the printed model presented the best results for the 3DS, followed by ND, Obj, FL and RS (P < 0.01). In the scanbody zone, the best results were for the 3DS group, followed by Obj, ND, FL and RS (P < 0.01). Comparing the technologies, the Multijet technology used in industrial printers presented better results than the DLP and SLA technologies used in dental desktop printers (P > 0.01). Conclusions There were statistically significant differences in terms of the accuracy of the printed models, with better results for the industrial than the dental desktop 3D printers. Clinical relevance The industrial 3D printers used in dental laboratories presented better accuracy than the in-office dental desktop 3D printers, and this should be considered when the best accuracy is needed to perform final prosthetic restorations.

Experimental study on dimensional variations of 3D printed dental models based on printing orientation

“…The study concluded that these printers are suitable for clinical practice, exhibiting overall errors within clinically acceptable levels of under 100 microns. 32 Morón-Conejo et al 33 conducted a comparative analysis of the accuracy, trueness, and precision of five different 3D printers utilized for full-arch models of patients. This included both industrial and dental desktop printers.…”

“…Morón‐Conejo et al. 33 conducted a comparative analysis of the accuracy, trueness, and precision of five different 3D printers utilized for full‐arch models of patients. This included both industrial and dental desktop printers.…”

Dimensional accuracy and surface characteristics of complete-arch cast manufactured by six 3D printers

“…The SLA printer likely involves applying a sufficient output of UV light to the vat using a laser beam emitter, and the DLP printer projects a strong output of UV light through a DLP engine, whereas the LCD printer relies on the LED components of the panel, resulting in the observed differences. Morón-Conejo et al compared the accuracy performance of industrial and dental desktop 3D printers and found comparable results for Form 2, a low-budget SLA device [ 43 ]. In a study evaluating the trueness and dimensional stability of abutment die models, the Shuffle, economic LCD 3D printer group showed the least trueness but was still comparable to the stone dies group [ 44 ].…”

Clinical Applications of 3D-Printed Polymers in Dentistry: A Scoping Review

“…Although different types of printers have their relative advantages and disadvantages, it is important to recognize that the accuracy of the final printed product depends on the combination of the printing technology, the particular printer that is used, and the selected material. 5,6 Industrial printers have been reported to be superior to dental desktop printers, 5 and material jetting printers have been reported to be superior to SLA or DLP printers. 6 However, some of these may introduce a level of error that is not clinically relevant.…”

“…5,6 Industrial printers have been reported to be superior to dental desktop printers, 5 and material jetting printers have been reported to be superior to SLA or DLP printers. 6 However, some of these may introduce a level of error that is not clinically relevant.…”