145
Table 7.1 (continued)
Description of the
technique
Advantages
Disadvantages
Examples
References
Fused deposition
modeling (FDM): a
thermoplastic
polymer is melted in
a heated nozzle and
extruded through a
small hole on the
building platform.
The nozzle moves
horizontally and the
platform vertically
after each layer
built.
According to the
ASTM it is a ME
technology.
Flexibility in the
handling and
processing of
materials.
Recommended
for amorphous
polymers
compared to
crystalline
polymers.
Relatively cheap
technique.
Low resolution.
Often requires
post-processing
procedures and
support for
complex shapes.
Slow build
speed.
The thickness of
the layer varies
from 0.178 to
0.356 mm.
Thermoplastic
polymers such as
poly(lactic acid)
(PLA) for
complete dentures
and provisional
restorations.
Acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene
(ABS) casting
mold for
prosthetics.
PEEK for
anatomical parts,
customized
implants, models
and prototype
tools for patients.
Allen (1994),
Valentan et al.
(2013), Gross
et al. (2014),
He et al.
(2014), Chia
and Wu (2015),
Deng et al.
(2018),
Honigmann
et al. (2018),
and MolineroMourelle et al.
(2018)
SLS technology
uses a CO 2 or
neodymium-doped
yttrium aluminum
garnet (Nd:YAG)
laser beam to sinter
selected regions of
material powders
from a powder bed
surface, forming a
layer of material.
Upon solidification
of the material, the
powder bed is
lowered by
one-layer thickness
and the next layer is
built in the same
manner.
According to the
ASTM it is a DED
technology.
Good resolution.
It does not
require organic
solvents nor are
toxic compounds
produced.
Unprocessed
powders serve as
a support
material, without
the need for an
additional
support structure
for the model.
Almost
impossible
removal of
powder trapped
inside the small
hole.
Biodegradable
polymer powder
is not reusable
due to the high
temperature in
the powder bed.
More expensive
than FDM.
Shrinkage of the
pieces during
melting/
sintering.
PEEK and HA for
customizable bone
scaffold.
Tan et al.
(2005)
(continued)
7 3D Printing-Processed Polymers for Dental Applications
Table 7.1 (continued)
Description of the
technique
Advantages
Disadvantages
Examples
References
Fused deposition
modeling (FDM): a
thermoplastic
polymer is melted in
a heated nozzle and
extruded through a
small hole on the
building platform.
The nozzle moves
horizontally and the
platform vertically
after each layer
built.
According to the
ASTM it is a ME
technology.
Flexibility in the
handling and
processing of
materials.
Recommended
for amorphous
polymers
compared to
crystalline
polymers.
Relatively cheap
technique.
Low resolution.
Often requires
post-processing
procedures and
support for
complex shapes.
Slow build
speed.
The thickness of
the layer varies
from 0.178 to
0.356 mm.
Thermoplastic
polymers such as
poly(lactic acid)
(PLA) for
complete dentures
and provisional
restorations.
Acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene
(ABS) casting
mold for
prosthetics.
PEEK for
anatomical parts,
customized
implants, models
and prototype
tools for patients.
Allen (1994),
Valentan et al.
(2013), Gross
et al. (2014),
He et al.
(2014), Chia
and Wu (2015),
Deng et al.
(2018),
Honigmann
et al. (2018),
and MolineroMourelle et al.
(2018)
SLS technology
uses a CO 2 or
neodymium-doped
yttrium aluminum
garnet (Nd:YAG)
laser beam to sinter
selected regions of
material powders
from a powder bed
surface, forming a
layer of material.
Upon solidification
of the material, the
powder bed is
lowered by
one-layer thickness
and the next layer is
built in the same
manner.
According to the
ASTM it is a DED
technology.
Good resolution.
It does not
require organic
solvents nor are
toxic compounds
produced.
Unprocessed
powders serve as
a support
material, without
the need for an
additional
support structure
for the model.
Almost
impossible
removal of
powder trapped
inside the small
hole.
Biodegradable
polymer powder
is not reusable
due to the high
temperature in
the powder bed.
More expensive
than FDM.
Shrinkage of the
pieces during
melting/
sintering.
PEEK and HA for
customizable bone
scaffold.
Tan et al.
(2005)
(continued)
7 3D Printing-Processed Polymers for Dental Applications