Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 11, 2026
08:04
Customizing a Cryolite Glass Prosthetic Eye
Published on: October 31, 2019
11.4K
Additive Manufacturing Technologies Used for Processing Polymers: Current Status and Potential Application in
Marta Revilla-León1,2, Mutlu Özcan3
1General Dentistry Department, College of Dentistry, AEGD Texas A&M University, Dallas, TX.
Summary
This review covers key additive manufacturing (AM) technologies like stereolithography (SLA) and digital light processing (DLP) for dental polymer applications. It examines their processes, precision, and use in prosthodontics.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
Background:
- Additive Manufacturing (AM) offers diverse methods for creating 3D objects from various materials.
- Polymers are increasingly utilized in dental applications, necessitating an understanding of suitable fabrication techniques.
- Digital dentistry relies on advanced manufacturing for precise and customized prosthodontic solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the primary AM technologies applicable to polymer-based dental applications.
- To analyze the manufacturing processes, accuracy, and precision of selected AM methods.
- To discuss the current and potential prosthodontic applications of these AM techniques.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature focusing on four main AM processes: stereolithography (SLA), digital light processing (DLP), material jetting (MJ), and material extrusion (ME).
- Analysis of process parameters, material compatibility, and achievable resolution for each technology.
- Evaluation of published data on accuracy, precision, and clinical outcomes in prosthodontics.
Main Results:
- Stereolithography (SLA) and Digital Light Processing (DLP) offer high resolution and accuracy suitable for detailed dental models and restorations.
- Material Jetting (MJ) provides excellent accuracy and material versatility, enabling multi-material or multi-color dental components.
- Material Extrusion (ME) is a versatile and cost-effective method, though potentially with lower resolution compared to light-based techniques for intricate dental structures.
Conclusions:
- SLA, DLP, MJ, and ME are pivotal AM technologies for polymer-based dental applications, each with distinct advantages in process, accuracy, and precision.
- The choice of AM technology depends on the specific prosthodontic application, required material properties, and desired level of detail.
- Continued advancements in AM materials and processes will further expand their role in digital dentistry and patient-specific treatments.
Related Concept Videos
02:34Polymers
41.2K
The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the...
41.2K
02:34Polymers
23.4K
23.4K
01:18Formulation and Manufacturing Process: Physical Attributes of Generic Tablets and Capsules
339
Bioequivalence in generic drugs, such as tablets and capsules, refers to their pharmaceutical equivalence to the brand-name counterparts. However, for therapeutic equivalence, manufacturers must also consider physical attributes like size, shape, and weight (FDA Guidance for Industry, December 2003). Discrepancies in these aspects could impact patient compliance and cause medication errors. For instance, swallowing difficulties, often experienced with larger tablets or capsules, can lead to...
339
01:27Conjugate Addition (1,4-Addition) vs Direct Addition (1,2-Addition)
4.4K
α,β-Unsaturated carbonyl compounds with two electrophilic sites, the carbonyl carbon, and the β carbon, are susceptible to nucleophilic attack via two modes: conjugate or 1,4-addition and direct or 1,2-addition.
Conjugate addition results in a thermodynamically stable product. The reaction retains the stronger C=O bond at the expense of the weaker C=C π bond. The process is slow as the β carbon is less electrophilic than the carbonyl carbon.
Direct addition products are...
Conjugate addition results in a thermodynamically stable product. The reaction retains the stronger C=O bond at the expense of the weaker C=C π bond. The process is slow as the β carbon is less electrophilic than the carbonyl carbon.
Direct addition products are...
4.4K
01:26Steel Manufacturing
1.5K
Steel manufacturing is a multi-stage process that begins by smelting iron ore into cast iron in a blast furnace. This initial stage involves layering iron ore with coke, a type of fuel, and crushed limestone within the furnace. The coke is ignited with a high volume of air, leading to the creation of carbon monoxide, which acts to reduce the iron ore to pure iron.
During this smelting process, limestone plays a crucial role by forming slag. Slag captures impurities within the molten iron, such...
During this smelting process, limestone plays a crucial role by forming slag. Slag captures impurities within the molten iron, such...
1.5K
01:08Conjugate Addition of Enolates: Michael Addition
3.7K
The attack of a nucleophile at the β carbon of an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compound is called conjugate addition. Conjugate addition reactions of active methylene compounds, such as β-diketones, β-keto esters, β-keto nitriles, and α-nitro ketones, are called Michael addition reactions.
3.7K