Has anyone attempted on use of additive manufacture for dental ceramics?
Hello mam!
Binder Jetting has been used on an experimental level to fabricate Dental Restorations. Here's a link to one of those: http://sffsymposium.engr.utexas.edu/Manuscripts/2013/2013-27-Yang.pdf
They've used an ExOne M-Lab. Bear in mind that this unit is expensive and they haven't used Zirconia
If this is the study you are referring to: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/26703946_Direct_inkjet_printing_of_dental_prostheses_made_of_zirconia
You should understand that controlling the geometrical accuracy post sintering (especially with low ceramic concentrations) is a TOUGH job and cannot be applied on a commercial scale as of now.
A better alternative would be to go ahead with SLA. Stereolithography offers extremely high feature resolution and can fabricate Polymer (Wax-like) parts which could be cast directly in Ceramic/ Metal (see 'Investment Casting'). Even though the process seems to contain an extra step (that is to print the wax-up), it will pay-off in terms of ease-of-application and end result.
Hope it helps. Please feel free to contact should you require more details.
PS: I'm NOT a doctor, I'm an engineer.
Best Regards,
Mohit
Article Direct Inkjet Printing of Dental Prostheses Made of Zirconia
Hello Sir,
I suppose there is a misunderstanding. Mam's question was on Direct Inkjet 3D Printing. Off course sintering has been used (in fact, it is a necessary step post the CNC Milling/ Dental Wax-ups) but if you refer to the paper (the second link in my previous answer) you will realize that they are trying an alternate method (which again requires sintering at a later stage). Now as is clear, the method uses a ceramic slurry with low concentrations of ceramic particles. With low concentrations, there are problems in debinding and sintering (that is when we try getting a fully dense ceramic part). The previous method is NOT related to what existing dental labs use.
Hope it helps.
Interesting discussion Tomaz & Mohit.
Thank you Mohit... your links were very useful. So you meant to say direct ink jet print of ceramics is difficult..I don't think SLA works for me..but how can you print ceramic with Z Corp or Objet?
I will be glad to contact you on this regard.
I am interested in additive manufacturing and I am learning and looking at how it can be applied in my discipline... your inputs are welcome.
Hello Mam,
Good to know the links were useful.
Objet uses PolyJet technology. In terms of materials, it's pretty similar to SLA. SLA can work on ceramic loaded resin suspension as well. Here, the matrix is the photocurable resins and ceramic nano/micro particles are dispersed in it. Please refer to this paper for a better understanding:
http://sffsymposium.engr.utexas.edu/Manuscripts/1995/1995-05-Griffith.pdf
My research work is on similar lines. I would be more than happy to share over a private conversation.
As far as Z-Corp is concerned, it can work on ceramics but the intricacy levels will not match SLA/ PolyJet/ Milling (used in most CAD/CAM Dental Labs).
Looking forward to your reply
Best Regards,
Mohit
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