Accuracy of dies fabricated by various three dimensional printing systems: a comparative study

ABSTRACT

Purpose@#The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of dies fabricated using 3D printing system to conventional method and to evaluate overall volumetric changes by arranging the superimposed surfaces. @*Materials and Methods@#A mandibular right first molar from a dental model was prepared, scanned and fabricated with composites of polyetherketoneketone (PEKK). Master dies were classified into 4 groups. For the conventional method, the impression was taken with polyvinylsiloxane and the impression was poured with Type IV dental stone. For the 3D printing, the standard die was scanned and converted into models using three different 3D printers. Each of four methods was used to make 10 specimens. Scanned files were superimposed with the standard die by using 3D surface matching software. For statistical analysis, Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test were done (P < 0.05). @*Results@#Compared to the standard model, the volumetric changes of dies fabricated by each method were significantly different except the models fabricated by conventional method and 3D printer of Stereolithography (P < 0.05). The conventional dies showed the lowest volumetric change than 3D printed dies (P < 0.05). 3D printed dies fabricated by Stereolithography showed the lowest volumetric change among the different 3D printers (P < 0.05). @*Conclusion@#The conventional dies were more accurate than 3D printed dies, though 3D printed dies were within clinically acceptable range. Thus, 3D printed dies can be used for fabricating restorations.