Comparison 3D Printing Techniques for Anatomical Mandibular Models

Swiss researchers are investigating how 3D printed mandibular models can help offer improved, patient-specific treatment by investigating the best technology possible. Detailing their findings in ‘Evaluation of the Dimensional Accuracy of 3D-Printed Anatomical Mandibular Models Using FFF, SLA, SLS, MJ, and BJ Printing Technology,’ we learn how a variety of different techniques may benefit both medical professionals and patients.

As 3D printing continues to infiltrate a wide range of industries—and medical applications too—many different methods and materials are available to create 3D printed models that assist in the diagnosis of health conditions, treatment, education, and surgery. Models and implants are being 3D printed more often today with good success, helping patients recover and enjoy a better quality of life after surgery to remove tumors in the jaw area; however, challenges still exist in creating fully functional anatomical models without a variety of inaccuracies and deformations.

During this study, the researchers skipped straight to creating the .stl file on a high-precision scanner, noting that their process resulted in ‘significant reduction of error sources.’ Their overall goal was to compare 3D printed mandibular models created through different techniques. Ten different samples of a dry human bony mandible were fabricated on five different types of 3D printing technology.

“To leave the occlusal plane untouched for later analysis and to minimize the number of support structures required, all models were aligned vertically,” explained the researchers.

“Minor adjustments were made in the 3D slicer software before 3D printing. These adjustments ensured that the printing conditions corresponded to a clinical routine with a reasonable printing time and printing costs for a single model. According to the applied 3D printing technology, an adequate post-processing was conducted.”

Results regarding each method of technology were as follows:

• FFF 3D printing – Small pieces of support structures were noted, and ramus region markings were ‘quite blurred.’
• SLA technology – surfaces were smooth, although interdental space was ‘not adequately shaped.’ Ramus region markings were noted as well-defined.
• SLS technology – ‘subtly recognizable layer lines’ were displayed, and the ramus region exhibited clear markings.
• Material-jetting 3D printing – Produced glossy and matte surfaces, but ramus region markings were ‘clearly visible’ no matter what.
• Binder-jet 3D printing – Resulted in a porous surface. Ramus region markings were ‘not very clear’ because of the rough surface.

“The findings here showed that all of the five evaluated printing technologies are very accurate. The SLS printer has the highest overall trueness (RMS 0.11 ± 0.016 mm), whereas the FFF printer has the highest overall precision (RMS 0.05 ± 0.005 mm). Despite the existing statistical significance of the differences in accuracy between all the 3D printers studied, when regarded separately, all are minor and acceptable for medical–surgical applications,” concluded the researchers.

“A broad range of cost-effective in-house desktop 3D printers based on simple AM technologies, e.g., FFF technology, offer both high accuracy and the ability to process a wide range of different printing materials, including a growing number of biocompatible materials. This qualifies them for most medical–surgical applications, such as the fabrication of anatomical models for the pre-bending of osteosynthesis plates, for surgical drilling and cutting guides, for implants, or simply for educational purposes.”

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[Source / Images: ‘Evaluation of the Dimensional Accuracy of 3D-Printed Anatomical Mandibular Models Using FFF, SLA, SLS, MJ, and BJ Printing Technology’]