Work

Evaluating the accuracy of 3D printing of sintered dental metalwork

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Additive manufacturing is transforming dentistry, enabling the production of custom metalworks with complex geometries. However, the dimensional accuracy of selective laser sintering remains a critical concern for clinical applications. Here, the accuracy of 3D-printed cobalt-chromium transpalatal arches (TPAs) is assessed by comparing three designs (TPA1, TPA2, TPA3) to their original CAD models. Optical scanning and surface deviation analysis revealed that TPA2 exhibited the highest mean deviation (181 ? 131 ?m), significantly differing from TPA1 (71 ? 78 ?m) and TPA3 (48 ? 26 ?m), which were statistically indistinguishable. These deviations arise from complex design and geometry. Despite this, TPA1 and TPA3 remained within clinically acceptable limits, allowing successful placement without extensive modifications. Our findings highlight the impact of design complexity on manufacturing precision and underscore the need for optimized sintering parameters, build orientation, and post-processing protocols.

Source: Science of Sintering

DOI: 10.2298/sos250331031m

Authors: Aleksandra Mitrovic, Tina Pajevic, Milan Travica, Nemanja Maksimovic, Nenad Nedeljkovic, Nenad Mitrovic

Institutions: Univerzitet Union Nikola Tesla, University of Belgrade

Language: English

Topic: Additive Manufacturing Materials and Processes

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Ministarstvo Prosvete, Nauke i Tehnološkog Razvoja

Award: G6598131916