Search Results (169)

This study investigates the capillary performance and wetting behavior of SLA (Stereolithography) 3D-printed porous structures, focusing on TPMS (triply periodic minimal surfaces)-Gyroid, Octet, Diamond, and Isotruss lattice designs. High-speed imaging was used to analyze droplet interactions, including penetration, spreading, and contact angles, with 16 μL water droplets dropping from 30 mm at 0.77 m/s. Results showed variable contact angles, with Isotruss and Octet having higher angles, while Diamond faced measurement challenges due to surface roughness. Numerical simulations of TPMS-Gyroid of 2 mm³ unit cells validated the experimental results, and Diamond, Octet, and Isotruss structures were simulated. Capillary performance was assessed through deionized (DI) water weight–time (w-t) measurements, identifying that the TPMS-Gyroid structure performed adequately. Structures with 4 mm³ unit cells had low capillary performance, excluding them from permeability testing, whereas smaller 2 mm³ structures demonstrated capillary effects but had printability and cleaning issues. Permeability results indicated that Octet performed best, followed by Isotruss, Diamond, and TPMS-Gyroid. Findings emphasize unit cell size, beam thickness, and droplet positioning as key factors in optimizing fluid dynamics for cooling, filtration, and fluid management. Full article

The research was initiated by the Plečnik House gallery (Ljubljana, Slovenia) and focuses on the 3D architectural reconstruction of the unrealised monument of the Czech military leader Jan Žižka, designed by the Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik. In addition, the experience with the 3D reconstructed monument in the exhibition “Plečnik and the Sacred” was analysed. Using the available references and interpretative approaches, a digital and 3D-printed reconstruction was created that retains Plečnik’s architectural style. The experimental phase included a detailed interpretation of the studied references, 3D modelling, 3D printing, exhibition and experience analysis. The dimensions of the finished 3D-printed model are 52.80 × 55.21 × 44.60 cm. It was produced using stereolithography (SLA) for figurative elements and fused deposition modelling (FDM) for architectural components. The reconstruction was evaluated using participant testing, including semantic differential analysis, comparative studies, and knowledge-based questionnaires. The results showed that architectural elements were reconstructed with an average similarity score of 1.97 out of 5. Statues followed with a score of 1.81, and props, though detailed, met audience expectations, scoring 1.61. Clothing received the lowest score of 1.40. This research emphasises the importance of a hypothetical digital 3D reconstruction of never constructed monument for broader understanding of Plečnik’s legacy. Full article

Background/Objectives: Recent breakthroughs in three-dimensional (3D) printing and high-resolution imaging have opened up new possibilities in personalized medicine, surgical planning, and forensic reconstruction. This study breaks new ground by evaluating the integration of high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) with multimodal imaging and additive manufacturing to assess a chronic, infected gunshot injury in the knee joint of a red deer. This unique approach serves as a translational model for complex skeletal trauma. Methods: Multimodal imaging—including clinical CT, MRI, and HR-pQCT—was used to characterise the extent of osseous and soft tissue damage. Histopathological and molecular analyses were performed to confirm the infectious agent. HR-pQCT datasets were segmented and processed for 3D printing using PolyJet, stereolithography (SLA), and fused deposition modelling (FDM). Printed models were quantitatively benchmarked through 3D surface deviation analysis. Results: Imaging revealed comminuted fractures, cortical and trabecular degradation, and soft tissue involvement, consistent with chronic osteomyelitis. Sphingomonas sp., a bacterium that forms biofilms, was identified as the pathogen. Among the printing methods, PolyJet and SLA demonstrated the highest anatomical accuracy, whereas FDM exhibited greater geometric deviation. Conclusions: HR-pQCT-guided 3D printing provides a powerful tool for the anatomical visualisation and quantitative assessment of complex bone pathology. This approach not only enhances diagnostic precision but also supports applications in surgical rehearsal and forensic analysis. It illustrates the potential of digital imaging and additive manufacturing to advance orthopaedic and trauma care, inspiring future research and applications in the field. Full article

Three-dimensional (3D) printing has emerged as a transformative technology in dental splint fabrication, offering significant advancements in customization, production speed, material efficiency, and patient comfort. This comprehensive review synthesizes the current literature on the clinical use, benefits, limitations, and future directions of 3D-printed dental splints across various disciplines, including prosthodontics, orthodontics, oral surgery, and restorative dentistry. Key 3D printing technologies such as stereolithography (SLA), digital light processing (DLP), and material jetting are discussed, along with the properties of contemporary photopolymer resins used in splint fabrication. Evidence indicates that while 3D-printed splints generally meet ISO standards for flexural strength and wear resistance, their mechanical properties are often 15–30% lower than those of heat-cured PMMA in head-to-head tests (flexural strength range 50–100 MPa vs. PMMA 100–130 MPa), and study-to-study variability is high. Some reports even show significantly reduced hardness and fatigue resistance in certain resins, underscoring material-specific heterogeneity. Clinical applications reviewed include occlusal stabilization for bruxism and temporomandibular disorders, surgical wafers for orthognathic procedures, orthodontic retainers, and endodontic guides. While current limitations include material aging, post-processing complexity, and variability in long-term outcomes, ongoing innovations—such as flexible resins, multi-material printing, and AI-driven design—hold promise for broader adoption. The review concludes with evidence-based clinical recommendations and identifies critical research gaps, particularly regarding long-term durability, pediatric applications, and quality control standards. This review supports the growing role of 3D printing as an efficient and versatile tool for delivering high-quality splint therapy in modern dental practice. Full article

Background: Nasal reconstruction requires a balance between aesthetic and functional restoration. Recent advances in three-dimensional (3D) printing have introduced new approaches to this field, enabling precise, patient-specific interventions. This review explores the applications, benefits, and challenges of integrating 3D printing in nasal reconstruction. Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify studies on 3D printing in nasal reconstruction. Peer-reviewed articles and clinical trials were analyzed to assess the impact of 3D-printed models, implants, and bioengineered scaffolds. Results: 3D printing facilitates the creation of anatomical models, surgical guides, and implants, enhancing surgical precision and patient outcomes. Techniques such as stereolithography (SLA) and selective laser sintering (SLS) enable high-resolution, biocompatible constructs using materials like polylactic acid, titanium, and hydroxyapatite. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools improve surgical planning by optimizing nasal airflow. Studies show that 3D-printed guides reduce operative time and improve symmetry. Emerging bioprinting techniques integrating autologous cells offer promise for tissue regeneration. Challenges and Future Directions: Challenges include high costs, imaging limitations, regulatory hurdles, and limited vascularization in bioprinted constructs. Future research should focus on integrating bioactive materials, artificial intelligence-assisted design, and regulatory standardization. Conclusions: 3D printing offers specific advantages in nasal reconstruction, improving precision and outcomes in selected cases. Addressing current limitations through technological and regulatory advancements will further its clinical integration, potentially enhancing reconstructive surgery techniques. Full article

This paper is focused on the modification of commercial resin by using biobased fillers during stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing. This research aims to create a composite material with a matrix made of commercially available photosensitive resin modified with a filler based on secondary raw materials and materials formed as by-products in the processing of biological materials. The research determines the effect of different fillers on the tensile properties and hardness of samples printed using SLA 3D printing, and it also investigates their integrity using SEM analysis. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of using these fillers for producing 3D-printed parts with SLA technology. The results of this study open up new possibilities for designing modified composite materials based on additive SLA 3D-printing technology using biological fillers. Within the framework of research activities, a positive effect on tensile properties and an improved interfacial interface between the matrix and the filler was demonstrated for several tested fillers. Significant increases in tensile strength of up to 22% occurred in composite systems filled with cotton flakes (CF), miscanthus (MS), walnut (WN), spruce tree (SB), wheat (WT) and eggshells (ES). Significant potential for further research activities and added value was shown by most of the tested bio-fillers. A significant contribution of the current research is the demonstration of the improved mechanical performance of photosensitive resin modified with natural fillers. Full article

Stereolithography (SLA) is a popular additive manufacturing (AM) method frequently used in research and various industrial sectors. The acrylate resin used in this research is renowned for its flexibility and durability, enabling the creation of flawless 3D-printed parts with exceptional mechanical properties. This study aims to enhance the thermomechanical properties of 3D-printed hollow glass microballoon (HGM)-filled composite materials by adding minimal HGM into the acrylate resin. We investigated the material properties through uniaxial compression tests, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To validate the results, a numerical investigation and a machine learning (ML) approach were carried out and compared with the experimental results. Adding a small number of microballoons increases compressive strength and stiffness. The viscoelastic behavior of the samples also provides an estimate of resilience at higher temperatures, considering the addition of filler material into the resin. Our study shows that the addition of 0.04% of HGM increased compressive strength by around 99.30% compared to the neat sample, while the stiffness increased by around 31.42% compared to the neat sample at 0.05% of HGM. It can also be estimated that the suitable range of HGM addition for the resin we used exists between 0.04% and 0.05%, where the materials achieve their maximum strength and stiffness. In addition, a predictive machine learning (ML) model, namely Random Forest Regressor (RFR), shows low mean squared error (MSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and excellent R² scores, demonstrating the goodness of the model’s performance. This modern approach can guide us to selecting a suitable filler percentage for the photopolymer resin for 3D printing and making it applicable to different engineering prospects. Full article

Three-dimensional (3D) printing represents a pivotal technological advancement in dental prosthetics, fundamentally transforming the fabrication of provisional crowns and bridges through innovative vat photopolymerization methodologies, specifically stereolithography (SLA) and digital light processing (DLP). This comprehensive scholarly review critically examines the technological landscape of 3D-printed resin-based dental provisional crowns and bridges, systematically analyzing their material performance, clinical applications, and prospective developmental trajectories. Empirical investigations demonstrate that these advanced restorations exhibit remarkable mechanical characteristics, including flexural strength ranging from 60 to 90 MPa and fracture resistance of 1000–1200 N, consistently matching or surpassing traditional manufacturing techniques. The digital workflow introduces substantial procedural innovations, dramatically reducing fabrication time while simultaneously achieving superior marginal adaptation and internal architectural precision. Despite these significant technological advancements, critical challenges persist, encompassing material durability limitations, interlayer bonding strength inconsistencies, and the current paucity of longitudinal clinical evidence. Contemporary research initiatives are strategically focused on optimizing resin formulations through strategic filler incorporation, enhancing post-processing protocols, and addressing fundamental limitations in color stability and water sorption characteristics. Ultimately, this scholarly review aims to provide comprehensive insights that will inform evidence-based clinical practices and delineate future research trajectories in the dynamically evolving domain of digital dentistry, with the paramount objective of advancing patient outcomes through technological innovation and precision-driven methodological approaches. Full article

This research successfully enhances the mechanical properties of the ready-market resin product additively printed by using stereolithography (SLA) reinforced with glass powder. Using Esun Standard Resin (Shenzhen, China), various proportions of glass powder (0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 25%) were mixed to create test specimens. The results indicated that the incorporation of glass powder markedly enhanced tensile strength and hardness. Specimens containing 25% glass powder exhibited a tensile strength of 37.01 MPa and a hardness of 84.5 HV, in contrast to 24.03 MPa and 73.7 HV for those without glass powder. The density rose with the addition of glass powder, attaining 1.338 g/cm³ at 25% concentration. Nevertheless, heightened brittleness and reduced strain values signified a compromise between strength and ductility. Compression testing revealed increased maximum stress but more brittleness with higher glass powder content, while flexural testing demonstrated diminished flexural strength attributed to inadequate filler adherence and dispersion. This study highlights that the addition of glass powder to SLA resins can improve mechanical strength while reducing flexibility and ductility. Enhancing the concentration and dispersion of glass powder is crucial for attaining a balance in mechanical properties, which enhances SLA 3D printing for dependable, high-performance engineering applications. Full article

This study examines the impact of different 3D printing technologies on the accuracy of implant positions in printed dental models, a crucial factor in implant-supported prosthetics. A standardized titanium model with three bone-level implants was scanned using an industrial scanner to create a virtual reference model. Ten intraoral scans of the same model were performed, and the generated STL files were used to design physical models printed with three different 3D printers: two utilizing digital light processing (DLP) technology and one employing stereolithography (SLA) (n = 30). The printed models were then rescanned, and deviations from the reference STL file were analyzed. Results showed that the SLA printer exhibited the highest deviations (0.26 ± 0.17 mm), whereas the DLP printers demonstrated greater accuracy, with one DLP system (0.07 ± 0.02 mm) performing slightly better than the other (0.12 ± 0.13 mm). The SLA printer exhibited the most significant errors in the vestibulo-oral and occlusal-apical directions. The findings suggest that DLP printers offer superior precision for implant-supported restorations in digital workflows. Clinically, the choice of 3D printing technology significantly impacts model accuracy, emphasizing the importance of selecting the appropriate printer based on the required precision. Full article

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting using biocompatible polymers has emerged as a revolutionary technique in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. These biopolymers mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) and enhance cellular behavior. The current review presents recent advancements in additive manufacturing processes including Stereolithography (SLA), Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), and inkjet printing. It also explores the fundamentals of 3D printing and the properties of biocompatible polymers for 3D bioprinting. By mixing biopolymers, enhancing rheological characteristics, and adding bioactive components, further advancements have been made for organ transplantation, drug development, and tissue engineering. As research progresses, the potential for 3D bioprinting to fundamentally transform the healthcare system is becoming obvious and clear. However, the therapeutic potential of printed structures is hindered by issues such as material anisotropy, poor mechanical properties, and the need for more biocompatible and biodegradable architectures. Future research should concentrate on optimizing the 3D bioprinting process using sophisticated computational techniques, systematically examining the characteristics of biopolymers, customizing bioinks for different cell types, and exploring sustainable materials. Full article

Triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMSs) structures are particularly suited for energy-absorbing, light-weight applications in fields such as medicine and engineering due to their ability to achieve maximum stress distribution with minimum density. Advances in stereolithography apparatus (SLA) three-dimensional (3D) printing and hard resins make it possible to fabricate such complex geometries precisely. The present study contrasts the mechanical performance of six geometries of TPMS under com-pressive loading with particular focus on how wall geometry and thickness affect it but at a fixed porosity of 75% and size of 70 × 70 × 70 mm³. Among the structures, the peak compressive stress was the maximum in Gyroid (2.1 MPa), while Neovius demonstrated remarkably good performance (0.9 MPa) despite its low wall thickness. The objective is to analyze geometry-dependent performance trends in order to inform future structural design. These results imply that TPMS geometry can have a significant effect on mechanical response, regardless of wall thickness alone. Full article

This study investigated the role of synthetic mucus coatings in enhancing the physiological relevance of in vitro nasal spray deposition assessments using 3D-printed nasal cavity models. Synthetic mucus solutions, representing normal (0.25% w/v xanthan gum) and diseased (1% w/v xanthan gum) nasal conditions, were developed to mimic the viscoelastic properties of human nasal mucus. Their physical properties, including viscosity, surface tension, contact angle, and adhesivity on dry and synthetic mucus-coated stereolithography (SLA) surfaces, were systematically characterized. Comparative experiments evaluated the behavior of saline drops and liquid films on dry versus synthetic mucus-coated SLA surfaces at inclinations of 30°, 45°, and 60°. Observational deposition experiments using anatomically accurate nasal models were conducted under a 45° backward-tilted head position with gentle sniff airflow across uncoated, 0.25% w/v mucus-coated, and 1% w/v mucus-coated surfaces. Synthetic mucus coatings significantly influenced saline spray deposition patterns. On uncoated surfaces, deposition consisted of scattered droplets and limited film formation, mainly in the anterior and turbinate regions. In contrast, synthetic mucus coatings facilitated broader and more uniform liquid distribution due to diffusion and lubrication effects. These findings highlight the value of synthetic mucus coatings for better simulating nasal environments, offering insights to optimize nasal spray formulations and delivery devices. Full article

The optimization of mechanical properties in acrylonitrile butadiene styrene-like (ABS-like) photopolymer utilizing neural network techniques presents a promising methodology for enhancing the performance and strength of components fabricated through stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing. This approach uses machine learning algorithms to analyze and predict the relationships between various printing parameters and the resulting mechanical properties, thereby allowing the engineering of better materials specifically designed for targeted applications. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) can model complex, nonlinear relationships between process parameters and material properties better than traditional methods. This research constructed four ANN models to predict critical mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, yield strength, shore D hardness, and surface roughness, based on SLA 3D printer parameters. The parameters used were orientation, lifting speed, lifting distance, and exposure time. The constructed models showed good predictive capabilities, with correlation coefficients of 0.98798 for tensile strength, 0.9879 for yield strength, 0.9823 for Shore D hardness, and 0.98689 for surface roughness. These high correlation values revealed the effectiveness of ANNs in capturing the intricate dependencies within the SLA process. Also, multi-objective optimization was conducted using these models to find the SLA printer’s optimum parameter combination to achieve optimal mechanical properties. The optimization results showed that the best combination is Edge orientation, lifting speed of 90.6962 mm/min, lifting distance of 4.8483 mm, and exposure time of 4.8152 s, resulting in a tensile strength of 40.4479 MPa, yield strength of 32.2998 MPa, Shore D hardness of 66.4146, and Ra roughness of 0.8994. This study highlights the scientific novelty of applying ANN to SLA 3D printing, offering a robust framework for enhancing mechanical strength and dimensional accuracy, thus marking a significant benefit of using ANN tools rather than traditional methods. Full article

Background/Objectives: With advancements in technology, three-dimensional (3D) printing has become widely used, offering many advantages. Recently, 3D printing has been utilized for the fabrication of permanent crowns. However, there is still a need for more information regarding the technology, materials, and factors that may affect the properties of 3D-printed permanent crowns. Methods: This review was conducted to collect and assess information regarding the performance of 3D printing technology for permanent crown fabrication. An electronic search was performed using various search engines (Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar) up to December 2024, yielding 123 articles. After screening, 24 articles that specifically investigated 3D-printed crowns were included. Results: Based on the findings, two categories of materials for 3D-printed permanent crowns were identified: ceramic-based and resin-based. Among the technologies used, digital light processing (DLP) was the most common, reported in 11 studies, followed by stereolithography (SLA) in 7 studies, and lithography-based ceramic manufacturing (LCM) in 4 studies. Conclusions: Ceramic-based crowns demonstrated higher performance compared to resin-based crowns. However, resin-based crowns were found to be clinically acceptable. Ceramic-based crowns are recommended for permanent crown fabrication, while resin-based crowns require further investigation to address the limitations of the materials and technologies used. Full article