Korean J Dent Mater.  2022 Mar;49(1):1-14. 10.14815/kjdm.2022.49.1.1.

ffect of 3D print orientation and layer thickness on the accuracy of printed models by DLP and SLA printers

• Kim YS
• Song JC
• Baek SH
• Kim RJY

• KMID: 2528135
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14815/kjdm.2022.49.1.1

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of print layer thickness and orientation of two 3D printers on the trueness of printed models. Two different models (cube and tooth form models with class II cavity) were printed with a DLP printer (IMC, Carima) and an SLA printer (Form 3, Formlabs) with different layer thickness and printing orientation (n=12). The printed models were scanned to obtain STL datasets. Trueness of the printed models relative to the reference dataset was obtained using the superimposition technique. The surface of the 3D printed models was evaluated by SEM. One-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc were performed. For the cube model, the overall mean trueness values were lowest by the DLP printer at 0-degree orientation in 50 µm layer thickness (20.49 µm), while the highest deviation was observed with the SLA printer at 45-degree orientation in 100 µm layer thickness (61.03 µm) (p<0.001). For the tooth-shaped model, the lowest deviation was observed with the SLA printer at 0-degree orientation in 50 µm layer thickness (25.63 µm), while the highest deviation was found with the DLP printer at 45-degree in 100 µm layer thickness (47.56 µm) (p<0.001). In SEM image, the SLA printer exhibited a relatively smoother surface compared to the DLP printer. In conclusion, the trueness was affected by the type of 3D printer, the geometry of the printing model, the thickness of the printing layer, and printing orientation for each printer.

Keyword

Three-dimensional printing; Trueness; Surface analysis; Layer thickness; Printing orientation