Possibilities of 3D printer Rapidshape D30 for manufacturing of cubic samples

Abstract

The purpose of the present paper is to establish experimentally the possibilities of the 3D printer Rapidshape D30 for the manufacturing of standard cubic samples from different types of monomers and to evaluate their geometrical accuracy and roughness.
Standard cubic samples with dimensions 5mm х 5mm х 5mm were printed from all the materials, given by the producer, in two ways of dimensional orientation according to the base – horizontally and inclined at 45о. They were manufactured with 3D printer Rapidshape D30, working on a stereolithography principle with LED light.
It was established that:
❖❖ The samples, made of NextDent Surgical Guide, have the highest dimensional accuracy and the lowest deviation interval in both ways of placement. This polymer is characterized with the highest thickness of the polymerization layer – 0.100 mm, but it is transparent, thus ensuring the entire polymerization throughout the depth of the whole layer. NextDent C+B, intended for manufacturing of temporary crowns and bridges, occupies a middle position in comparison to the other 6 materials.
❖❖ Nearly in all the materials the surface roughness of the cube with horizontal placement is lower than that of the cube printed inclined (average values of Ra 0.46-2.69μm and Ra 1.74-2.77, respectively).
❖❖ In 3D printing the surface roughness depends on the thickness of the polymerization layer and the inclination to the printing direction. The thicker the polymerization layer and the larger the slope, the higher the surface roughness.