ENG
In the field of digital dentistry, chairside CAD/CAM technology has gradually become widespread. As an important auxiliary tool for chairside fabrication, 3D printing equipment plays a significant role in chairside applications. With the continuous improvement in the performance requirements of 3D printing materials, the demands on printing equipment have become increasingly challenging.
Challenges in Printing High-Viscosity Resins for Crown and Bridge Restorations
Crown and bridge restoration, one of the primary chairside applications, often requires the addition of fillers such as zirconia and ceramic powder to resin to enhance strength, as material properties increasingly align with those of natural teeth. This results in a significant increase in material viscosity and poor fluidity. Ordinary printers need to reduce printing speeds drastically when working with high-viscosity resin materials, and there are also considerable issues with printing success rates. Some manufacturers offer specialized printing equipment for high-viscosity resins, but these devices are limited in application scope and are usually expensive.
Limitations of Traditional Heating Methods
Heating resin materials can reduce viscosity and improve fluidity, thereby increasing printing success rates. Some solutions involve adding heating wires or heating plates around the resin tank to heat the resin. However, this method often leads to uneven material temperature, with the center being cooler than the edges, and unstable temperature control, resulting in poor printing accuracy. Additionally, heating during printing can lead to lower initial strength of the resin material. Since the pulling force between the printed layer and the resin tank film after each layer is exposed is relatively high, if the oxygen permeability of the resin tank is low, it can cause difficulty in release and printing defects, with uncontrollable printing accuracy. Therefore, for 3D printing equipment handling high-viscosity materials, improving and enhancing the heating system, increasing the initial curing strength of the material with ultra-high power printing, and adopting methods to increase the oxygen permeability of the film are promising directions for development.
Relationship Between Temperature and Resin Viscosity
The Battle of Light – Curing Technologies for Transparent Guides
For other chairside applications such as printing transparent materials for guides and splints, LCD printing devices are prone to over-curing due to the influence of screen-polarized light. The contradiction between the printing forming and fitting of transparent materials leads to poor printing results, whereas DLP printing devices can provide excellent results in this regard.
Shining 3D Dental Printing Solutions
Shining 3D has been at the forefront of digital dentistry, offering comprehensive 3D printing solutions that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and workflow integration for dental professionals. Our range of dental printing solutions is designed to address various clinical and laboratory needs, providing high-precision results for applications such as crowns, bridges, splints, surgical guides, and more.
With advanced resin handling capabilities, precise light-curing technology, and user-friendly operation, Shining 3D’s printing systems help streamline chairside and lab workflows. These innovations align with the evolving demands of modern dental practices, ensuring high-quality restorations with improved material performance and consistency.
Transparent Materials Printing with DLP Device
Summary
As an important digital tool, 3D printing equipment can cover almost all chairside applications. With the continuous development of materials, the ability to efficiently and accurately print high-viscosity materials quickly is highly competitive. By leveraging advanced heating systems, optimized curing technology, and improved resin flow control, modern chairside 3D printing solutions offer a superior alternative to traditional methods. These advancements help dental professionals optimize their workflow, enhance patient experience, and stay ahead in the evolving field of digital dentistry.