scholarly journals Stereolithographic Additive Manufacturing of High Precision Glass Ceramic Parts

Materials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 1492 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Anna Schönherr ◽  
Sonja Baumgartner ◽  
Malte Hartmann ◽  
Jürgen Stampfl

Lithography based additive manufacturing (AM) is one of the most established and widely used 3D-printing processes. It has enabled the processing of many different materials from thermoplast-like polymers to ceramics that have outstanding feature resolutions and surface quality, with comparable properties of traditional materials. This work focuses on the processing of glass ceramics, which have high optical demands, precision and mechanical properties specifically suitable for dental replacements, such as crowns. Lithography-based ceramic manufacturing (LCM) has been chosen as the optimal manufacturing process where a light source with a defined wavelength is used to cure and structure ceramic filled photosensitive resins. In the case of glass ceramic powders, plastic flow during thermal processing might reduce the precision, as well as the commonly observed sintering shrinkage associated with the utilized temperature program. To reduce this problem, particular sinter structures have been developed to optimize the precision of 3D-printed glass ceramic crowns. To evaluate the precision of the final part, testing using digitizing methods from optical to tactile systems were utilized with the best results were obtained from micro computed tomography (CT) scanning. These methods resulted in an optimized process allowing for possible production of high precision molar crowns with dimensional accuracy and high reproducibility.

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 473-483
Author(s):  
Muhammad Omar Shaikh ◽  
Ching-Chia Chen ◽  
Hua-Cheng Chiang ◽  
Ji-Rong Chen ◽  
Yi-Chin Chou ◽  
...  

Purpose Using wire as feedstock has several advantages for additive manufacturing (AM) of metal components, which include high deposition rates, efficient material use and low material costs. While the feasibility of wire-feed AM has been demonstrated, the accuracy and surface finish of the produced parts is generally lower than those obtained using powder-bed/-feed AM. The purpose of this study was to develop and investigate the feasibility of a fine wire-based laser metal deposition (FW-LMD) process for producing high-precision metal components with improved resolution, dimensional accuracy and surface finish. Design/methodology/approach The proposed FW-LMD AM process uses a fine stainless steel wire with a diameter of 100 µm as the additive material and a pulsed Nd:YAG laser as the heat source. The pulsed laser beam generates a melt pool on the substrate into which the fine wire is fed, and upon moving the X–Y stage, a single-pass weld bead is created during solidification that can be laterally and vertically stacked to create a 3D metal component. Process parameters including laser power, pulse duration and stage speed were optimized for the single-pass weld bead. The effect of lateral overlap was studied to ensure low surface roughness of the first layer onto which subsequent layers can be deposited. Multi-layer deposition was also performed and the resulting cross-sectional morphology, microhardness, phase formation, grain growth and tensile strength have been investigated. Findings An optimized lateral overlap of about 60-70% results in an average surface roughness of 8-16 µm along all printed directions of the X–Y stage. The single-layer thickness and dimensional accuracy of the proposed FW-LMD process was about 40-80 µm and ±30 µm, respectively. A dense cross-sectional morphology was observed for the multilayer stacking without any visible voids, pores or defects present between the layers. X-ray diffraction confirmed a majority austenite phase with small ferrite phase formation that occurs at the junction of the vertically stacked beads, as confirmed by the electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis. Tensile tests were performed and an ultimate tensile strength of about 700-750 MPa was observed for all samples. Furthermore, multilayer printing of different shapes with improved surface finish and thin-walled and inclined metal structures with a minimum achievable resolution of about 500 µm was presented. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to report a directed energy deposition process using a fine metal wire with a diameter of 100 µm and can be a possible solution to improving surface finish and reducing the “stair-stepping” effect that is generally observed for wires with a larger diameter. The AM process proposed in this study can be an attractive alternative for 3D printing of high-precision metal components and can find application for rapid prototyping in a range of industries such as medical and automotive, among others.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (16) ◽  
pp. 7336
Author(s):  
Shummaila Rasheed ◽  
Waqas Akbar Lughmani ◽  
Muhannad Ahmed Obeidi ◽  
Dermot Brabazon ◽  
Inam Ul Ahad

In this study, the printing capability of two different additive manufacturing (3D printing) techniques, namely PolyJet and micro-stereolithography (µSLA), are investigated regarding the fabrication of bone scaffolds. The 3D-printed scaffold structures are used as supports in replacing and repairing fractured bone tissue. Printed bone scaffolds with complex structures produced using additive manufacturing technology can mimic the mechanical properties of natural human bone, providing lightweight structures with modifiable porosity levels. In this study, 3D scaffold structures are designed with different combinations of architectural parameters. The dimensional accuracy, permeability, and mechanical properties of complex 3D-printed scaffold structures are analyzed to compare the advantages and drawbacks associated with the two techniques. The fluid flow rates through the 3D-printed scaffold structures are measured and Darcy’s law is applied to calculate the experimentally measured permeability. The Kozeny–Carman equation is applied for theoretical calculation of permeability. Compression tests were performed on the printed samples to observe the effects of the printing techniques on the mechanical properties of the 3D-printed scaffold structures. The effect of the printing direction on the mechanical properties of the 3D-printed scaffold structures is also analyzed. The scaffold structures printed with the µSLA printer demonstrate higher permeability and mechanical properties as compared to those printed using the PolyJet technique. It is demonstrated that both the µSLA and PolyJet printing techniques can be used to print 3D scaffold structures with controlled porosity levels, providing permeability in a similar range to human bone.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noha Hamada Mohamed ◽  
Hossam Kandil ◽  
Iman Ismail Dakhli

Abstract In dentistry, 3D printing already has diverse applicability, and holds a great deal of promise to make possible many new and exciting treatments and approaches to manufacturing dental restorations. Better availability, shorter processing time, and descending costs have resulted in the increased use of RP. Concomitantly the development of medical applications is expanding. (Zaharia et al., 2017)Many different printing technologies exist, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Unfortunately, a common feature of the more functional and productive equipment is the high cost of the equipment, the materials, maintenance, and repair, often accompanied by a need for messy cleaning, difficult post-processing, and sometimes onerous health and safety concerns (Dawood et al., 2015)Low-cost 3D printers represent a great opportunity in the dental and medical field, as they could allow surgeons to use 3D models at a very low cost and, therefore, democratize the use of these 3D models in various indications. However, efforts should be made to establish a unified validation protocol for low-cost RP 3D printed models, including accuracy, reproducibility, and repeatability tests. Asaumi et al., suggested that dimensional changes may not affect the success of surgical applications if such changes are within a 2% variation .However, the proposed cut-off of 2% should be furthermore discussed, as the same accuracy may be not required for all types of indications. (Silva et al., 2008; Maschio et al., 2016)This aim of the present study is to evaluate the dimensional accuracy of the 3D printed mandibular models fabricated by two different additive manufacturing techniques, using highly precise one as selective laser sintering (SLS) and a low-cost one as fused filament fabrication and whether they are both comparable in terms of precision. In addition to evaluation of dimensional accuracy of linear measurements of the mandible in CBCT scans.7 mandibular models will be recruited. Radio-opaque markers of gutta-percha balls will be applied on the model to act as guide pointsTen linear measurements (5 long distances: Inter-condylar, inter-coronoidal, inter-mandibular notch, length of left ramus, length of right ramus; as well as 5 short distances: Length of the body of the mandible at midline, length of the body of the mandible in the area of last left molar, as well as that of the last right molar, the distance between the tip of right condyle to the tip of the right coronoid, as well as that of their left counterparts) will be obtained using digital calliper, to act as the reference standard later. Scanning of the model by CBCT will be next , 3D printing of the scanned image using SLS and FFF printers will be done. Recording of same linear measurment will be done on printed models. Comparison of the recorded values vs reference standard is the last step


Polymers ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 799 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel Caminero ◽  
Jesús Chacón ◽  
Eustaquio García-Plaza ◽  
Pedro Núñez ◽  
José Reverte ◽  
...  

Fused filament fabrication (FFF) is a promising additive manufacturing (AM) technology due to its ability to build thermoplastics parts with advantages in the design and optimization of models with complex geometries, great design flexibility, recyclability and low material waste. This technique has been extensively used for the manufacturing of conceptual prototypes rather than functional components due to the limited mechanical properties of pure thermoplastics parts. In order to improve the mechanical performance of 3D printed parts based on polymeric materials, reinforcements including nanoparticles, short or continuous fibers and other additives have been adopted. The addition of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) to plastic and polymers is currently under investigation as a promising method to improve their working conditions due to the good mechanical, electrical and thermal performance exhibited by graphene. Although research shows particularly promising improvement in thermal and electrical conductivities of graphene-based nanocomposites, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of graphene nanoplatelet reinforcement on the mechanical properties, dimensional accuracy and surface texture of 3D printed polylactic acid (PLA) structures manufactured by a desktop 3D printer. The effect of build orientation was also analyzed. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images of failure samples were evaluated to determine the effects of process parameters on failure modes. It was observed that PLA-Graphene composite samples showed, in general terms, the best performance in terms of tensile and flexural stress, particularly in the case of upright orientation (about 1.5 and 1.7 times higher than PLA and PLA 3D850 samples, respectively). In addition, PLA-Graphene composite samples showed the highest interlaminar shear strength (about 1.2 times higher than PLA and PLA 3D850 samples). However, the addition of GNPs tended to reduce the impact strength of the PLA-Graphene composite samples (PLA and PLA 3D850 samples exhibited an impact strength about 1.2–1.3 times higher than PLA-Graphene composites). Furthermore, the addition of graphene nanoplatelets did not affect, in general terms, the dimensional accuracy of the PLA-Graphene composite specimens. In addition, PLA-Graphene composite samples showed, in overall terms, the best performance in terms of surface texture, particularly when parts were printed in flat and on-edge orientations. The promising results in the present study prove the feasibility of 3D printed PLA-graphene composites for potential use in different applications such as biomedical engineering.


Author(s):  
Vittoria Laghi ◽  
Michele Palermo ◽  
Giada Gasparini ◽  
Stefano Silvestri ◽  
Tomaso Trombetti

The present work aims at providing the first considerations upon the application of innovative manufacturing technology for civil engineering purposes. In particular, among the 3D printing processes currently available, Weld-Based Additive Manufacturing (WAM) results to be the most suitable technique for the realization of innovative structural forms in metal material. The great potential of taking the printing head "out of the box" allows for the construction of innovative shapes by adding layer upon layer of welded steel. In particular, the study is focused on the realization of the first 3D-printed steel footbridge by a Dutch company held in Amsterdam, called MX3D, and its Additive manufacturing process, which results in specific constraints and limitations to be taken into account for design purposes. First, the design issues are described, by considering the printing parameters to be adopted for the realization of large-dimensions structures, and then the implications in terms of specific geometrical and mechanical characteristics are studied. These first engineering evaluations are intended to pave the way towards the development of a ground-breaking technology for the fully-automated design and construction of novel 3D-printed building structures through innovative robotic manufacturing processes whose parameters are still not fully known


2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 478-482
Author(s):  
Steven R. Manchester

Abstract—The type material on which the fossil genus name Ampelocissites was established in 1929 has been reexamined with the aid of X-ray micro-computed tomography (μ-CT) scanning and compared with seeds of extant taxa to assess the relationships of these fossils within the grape family, Vitaceae. The specimens were collected from a sandstone of late Paleocene or early Eocene age. Although originally inferred by Berry to be intermediate in morphology between Ampelocissus and Vitis, the newly revealed details of seed morphology indicate that these seeds represent instead the Ampelopsis clade. Digital cross sections show that the seed coat maintains its thickness over the external surfaces, but diminishes quickly in the ventral infolds. This feature, along with the elliptical chalaza and lack of an apical groove, indicate that Ampelocissites lytlensis Berry probably represents Ampelopsis or Nekemias (rather than Ampelocissus or Vitis) and that the generic name Ampelocissites may be useful for fossil seeds with morphology consistent with the Ampelopsis clade that lack sufficient characters to specify placement within one of these extant genera.


2020 ◽  
Vol 110 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 752-757
Author(s):  
Lukas Weiser ◽  
Marco Batschkowski ◽  
Niclas Eschner ◽  
Benjamin Häfner ◽  
Ingo Neubauer ◽  
...  

Die additive Fertigung schafft neue Gestaltungsfreiheiten. Im Rahmen des Prototypenbaus und der Kleinserienproduktion kann das Verfahren des selektiven Laserschmelzens genutzt werden. Die Verwendung in der Serienproduktion ist bisher aufgrund unzureichender Bauteilqualität, langen Anlaufzeiten sowie mangelnder Automatisierung nicht im wirtschaftlichen Rahmen möglich. Das Projekt „ReAddi“ möchte eine erste prototypische Serienfertigung entwickeln, mit der additiv gefertigte Bauteile für die Automobilindustrie wirtschaftlich produziert werden können. Additive manufacturing (AM) offers new freedom of design. The selective laser-powderbed fusion (L-PBF) process can be used for prototyping and small series production. So far, it has not been economical to use it on a production scale due to insufficient component quality, long start-up times and a lack of automation. The project ReAddi aims to develop a first prototype series production to cost-effectively manufacture 3D-printed components for the automotive industry.


Author(s):  
Zhonghua Sun

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is increasingly used in medical applications with most of the studies focusing on its applications in medical education and training, pre-surgical planning and simulation, and doctor-patient communication. An emerging area of utilising 3D printed models lies in the development of cardiac computed tomography (CT) protocols for visualisation and detection of cardiovascular disease. Specifically, 3D printed heart and cardiovascular models have shown potential value in the evaluation of coronary plaques and coronary stents, aortic diseases and detection of pulmonary embolism. This review article provides an overview of the clinical value of 3D printed models in these areas with regard to the development of optimal CT scanning protocols for both diagnostic evaluation of cardiovascular disease and reduction of radiation dose. The expected outcomes are to encourage further research towards this direction.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-11
Author(s):  
Marcia Borba ◽  
Paula Benetti ◽  
Giordana P. Furini ◽  
Kátia R. Weber ◽  
Tábata M. da Silva

Background: The use of zirconia-based ceramics to produce monolithic restorations has increased due to improvements in the optical properties of the materials. Traditionally, zirconiabased ceramics were veneered with porcelain or glass-ceramic and were not directly exposed to the oral environment. Therefore, there are several doubts regarding the wear of the monolithic zirconia restoration and their antagonists. Additionally, different surface treatments are recommended to promote a smooth surface, including glaze and several polishing protocols. To support the correct clinical application, it is important to understand the advantages and limitations of each surface treatment. Objective: The aim of this short literature review is to investigate the factors that may affect the wear of monolithic zirconia restorations in service and their antagonists. Methods: Pubmed/Medline database was accessed to review the literature from a 10-year period using the keywords: zirconia, monolithic, prosthesis, wear. Both clinical and in vitro studies were included in the review. Results: Studies investigated the effect of several surface treatments, including grinding with diamond- burs, polishing and glazing, on the surface roughness, phase transformation and wear capacity of monolithic zirconia. The wear behavior of monolithic zirconia was frequently compared to the wear behavior of other ceramics, such as feldspathic porcelain, lithium disilicate-based glassceramic and leucite-reinforced glass-ceramic. Human tooth, ceramics and resin composites were used as antagonist in the investigations. Only short-term clinical studies are available (up to 2 years). Conclusion: Literature findings suggest that zirconia monolithic restorations are wear resistant and unlikely to cause excessive wear to the antagonist, especially when compared to feldspathic porcelain and glass-ceramics. Monolithic zirconia should be polished rather than glazed. Yet, none of the polishing systems studied was able to completely restore the initial surface conditions of zirconia after being adjusted with burs. More clinical evidence of the antagonist tooth wear potential of monolithic zirconia is needed.


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