3D printing from light-cured resins in prosthetics and medicine

3D printing using light-cured resins plays a key role in prosthetics and medicine, offering wide possibilities in the design and production of applications. Technologies such as Stereolithography (SLA), Digital Light Processing (DLP), PolyJet and UV LCD significantly contribute to the development of this sector.

3D printing methods that are used in the medical sector are SLA (Stereolithography), a technique that uses a UV laser to harden resins layer by layer, DLP (Digital Light Processing) that uses UV light, but instead of a laser it uses digital light projectors, UV LCD that uses LCD screens for masking and precise exposure of resins, and PolyJet – a technology involving the spraying of photopolymer droplets that are immediately hardened with UV light, enabling printing from several materials in one production process.

In prosthetics, 3D printing from light-cured resins is used in the production of dental arches, temporary crowns, tools and templates, and orthodontic overlays, such as aligners. Thanks to the precision of 3D printing, it is possible to create highly customized and accurate components that perfectly fit the individual needs of patients. The use of biocompatible resins that are safe and suitable for contact with human tissues is of key importance here. Although these resins are not used in the production of implants, their use in prosthetics and medical tools is wide. They are ideal for creating temporary prosthetic solutions that support treatment and reconstruction.

EnvisionTEC has played a key role in the development of 3D printing in the production of hearing aids. Thanks to the precision of DLP technology, it is possible to create hearing aids that perfectly fit the shape of the patient’s ear, which ensures greater wearing comfort and better sound quality. In turn, Align Technology uses 3D printing to produce orthodontic overlays. This technology enables the creation of a series of personalized aligners that gradually correct the alignment of teeth, offering an alternative to traditional orthodontic braces.

3D printing using light-cured resins is revolutionizing prosthetics and medicine, offering the possibility of creating highly customized, accurate and functional solutions. Technologies such as SLA, DLP, PolyJet and UV LCD open up new possibilities for the medical sector, enabling better adjustment to the individual needs of patients and ensuring higher comfort and effectiveness of treatment. Technology Applied – the largest Polish company providing 3D printing services, uses these production methods to create applications aimed at the medical and orthodontic market, providing a full spectrum of application possibilities.

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