Wear Resistance of Additively Manufactured Resin with Different Printing Parameters and Postpolymerization Conditions

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Additive Manufacturing
• Polymer Science

Background:

• 3D printing offers customization in dental applications.
• Interim resins require optimal wear resistance for clinical success.
• Printing and post-polymerization parameters significantly influence material properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the wear resistance of 3D printed interim resin.
• To investigate the impact of printing orientation and layer thickness.
• To evaluate the effect of different post-polymerization methods and durations.

Main Methods:

• 130 resin specimens were 3D printed with varying orientations (0, 45, 90 degrees) and layer thicknesses (50, 100 μm).
• Specimens underwent post-polymerization using ultraviolet light-emitting diode (LED) or light bulb devices for different durations (5, 15, 30 minutes).
• Wear volume loss was quantified using 3D metrology software after masticatory simulation; statistical analysis employed ANOVA.

Main Results:

• A 45-degree build angle resulted in significantly lower wear volume loss compared to 0 and 90 degrees.
• Post-polymerization with an ultraviolet light bulb yielded greater wear resistance than an ultraviolet LED device.
• Layer thickness and polymerization time did not significantly affect wear, but non-post-polymerized specimens showed the highest wear.

Conclusions:

• Printing orientation at 45 degrees enhances wear resistance.
• Ultraviolet light bulb post-polymerization improves wear characteristics.
• Optimized printing and post-polymerization are crucial for durable 3D printed interim resins.