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Purchasing your first 3D dental printer may not be as straightforward as you believe. There are a few crucial things to check before purchasing such a printer.
What you plan to print, how much you plan to publish every day or week, how quickly you need your parts, your budget, and how automated or easy-to-use you want the process to be all influence your choice of printer for biocompatible dental parts.
We've produced a list of some of the most frequent characteristics to think about while narrowing down your selections!
Technology
You want a printer that can provide you with a competitive advantage in printing technologies. Some of the three-dimensional printers on our list employ SLA technology, while others use FFF.
Take a closer look at the differences between the two:
- Stereolithography (SLA) is the most common and oldest 3D printing used in dentistry. SLA-based goods are appealing because of the printed parts' great dimensional precision and flawless surface quality.
- Fused filament fabrication (FFF), also known as Fused Deposition Modeling, is fused filament manufacturing (FDM). Dentists can utilize the FFF approach for prototype and quick production, which is a cost-effective option.
Resolution On The Y-Axis
The smallest horizontal plane created by a printhead on each layer is the Y-axis resolution. A smaller value, in theory, implies a better resolution, which means more information in print.
A decent 3D printer must produce high-quality prints in all three dimensions. For that reason, always look for a lower layer resolution if the label does not provide the Y-axis resolution.
Resolution Of The Layers
The layer thickness, also known as layer height, is the most negligible thickness the printer can generate in a single pass. Most dental 3D printers have a layer thickness of 10 to 300 microns.
For example, the Cameo AC-3 3D Printer is in the 0.1–0.4 mm range, while the layer height on the ANYCUBIC Photon Mono SE printer is 0.01 – 0.15mm. While some printers allow you to modify the resolution, a lower resolution will always result in a smoother, higher-quality outcome.
Open Vs. Enclosed
The build plate of an open model printer is not covered. It allows you to watch and monitor the printing process firsthand. However, the disadvantage of such printers is that they enable the printer's toxic gasses to escape into the room.
On the other hand, an enclosed printer comes with a cover, preventing contaminants from entering the printing area. It also keeps dangerous fumes from entering the room.
Speed Of Printing
Dental printing requires a high-speed printer that can produce high-quality dental models. In an emergency, when you need to print a dental model right away, high-speed printing comes in useful.
For example, the Cameo AC-3 can print at a maximum speed of 18mm/h, whereas the ANYCUBIC Photon Mono SE can print at 80mm/h.
Power
The higher your 3D dental printer's wattage, the better. The Ultimaker S5 3D Printer features an astounding 500 watts, which is very useful if you're printing in large quantities.
Other printers need 120 watts, such as the ANYCUBIC Photon Mono X.
Volume Of Printing
Don't assume that all 3D printers can print products of various sizes. It would help determine the size of the objects you'll be printing while considering the printing volume.
The ANYCUBIC Photon S, with a printing volume of 4 x 2,5 x 6 inches, and the ANYCUBIC Photon Mono, 5 x 3 x 6 inches, are the smaller alternatives. Consider the Ultimaker S5 3D Printer, which has a printing volume of 13 x 9 x 11 inches.
Connectivity
Most 3D dental printers use a USB to connect to your computer. Before beginning a printing task, test the cable to verify no communication issues between your computer and the printer.
Use the same USB port as much as feasible. Printers that use a USB connection are the ANYCUBIC Photon Mono SE and ANYCUBIC Photon S. The Ultimaker S5 3D Printer, for example, may connect by USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi.
Precision And Accuracy
The most crucial concern for any dental clinic or laboratory is verifying that the finished parts are precise and of good quality. Unfortunately, not all 3D printers can deliver the precision and accuracy required for orthodontics.
Accuracy depends on various factors, including technology, quality, materials, post-processing, software settings, and calibration level. So you can only determine the accuracy of the 3D printer by the final dental products.
It is helpful to compare accuracy research with a sample component to check your fit or compare your measurements with the initiatory design.
Because you must fit the dental model in your patient's mouth, it must be precise, which is why this is one of the most important aspects to look for when choosing the best dental 3D printer for dental models.
User-Friendliness
It would help if you also considered operating a device and evaluating its ease of use. You can find many videos online, contact the sales team, or ask a colleague about his experience.
After the printer is up and running, think about the features it will provide. For example, the Formlabs 3D printers come with PreForm 3D printing software to prepare 3D models for printing.
Warranty
When acquiring a warranty, the essential factor to consider is whether or not you may extend it. Is it possible to add the camera later? Is there a warranty?
The industry norm for technology purchases is a one-year manufacturer warranty. The distributor and manufacturer will verify a damaged product and issue an RMA.
Here are some questions people often wonder when buying a dental 3D printer. Let's check as you may have the same questions.
Do dentists use 3D printers?
More and more dental clinics use the best dental 3D printing technology in their workflow.
From manufacturing precision dental models by the chair to fabricating painless dentures, high-speed scanners to printed instructions and models, the world is rapidly approaching a market where local dentists will operate their own "personalization factory" behind their physical office.
How much does a 3D dental printer cost?
A 3D printer can range from $500 to $100,000.
How long does it take to 3D print a dental model?
A 0.05 print takes about 2-2.5 hours to complete.
How does a dental 3D printer work
The most common orthodontic and dental 3D printers function by selectively exposing the liquid resin to a light source—a laser in SLA and LFS, a projector in DLP—to build skinny solid layers of plastic that stack up to make a solid product.
Can you make veneers with a 3D printer?
ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 4K transforms composite resin into veneers, crowns, and other restorations.
We hope that our thorough examination of the ten best dental 3D printers has provided you with some much-needed insight into the wide range of solutions available. If you are still undecided on which choice to pursue, let's go through our top three again.
Each of these 3D printers for dental models has its selling feature, and this article serves as the definitive buyer's guide for you. We hope you're feeling good and confident about your purchase!