Virtual design and 3D manufacturing in dental applications

Abstract

The study’s subject is a complex manufacturing process creating precise fit of fixed bridge prostheses. The materials and technologies used in our field are the sum of the most modern processing methods in the trade. The idea for the complex utilization possibility of both additive and subtractive technologies has emerged first at the University of Győr. Six years later, the ideal was realized as an optimized process in our laboratory. The role of virtual design has increased in dentistry; along with the penetration of implant prosthetics grew the qualitative requirements. The complex precision manufacturing process makes the required surface fitting possible for dual-phase implants.

Methods used in the process

Optical scanning, surface digitalization

The spatial coordinates of the model’s surface points are defined with a non-contact projected line 3D scanner. From the processed information, the spatial locations of the surface’s specific digitizable points can be determined.

Computer modeling and production planning

Product design is made in virtual environment using softwares developed for this express purpose. Manufacturing includes applied IT methods, procedures and services related to the operative phase of production execution.

Additive manufacturing with laser metal fusion (LMF) printer

LMF technology is the melting of the automatically layered metallic powder with the energy of a scanning laser beam. At each layer melting occurs at certain regions where needed, according to the cross-sectional area of the model at the given height.

Subtractive technology

At the 5-axis machining centers using special positioning clamping-desk, an automatic tool magazine is expected. The most important part of the follow-up work is fixing the 3D printed pre-product and locating the exact zero point.