I'm looking for a 3D printer for applications in the dental field, for printing digital dental models (not for itra-oral use parts).
Resolution and finish are the main requirements that we consider necessary.
Any suggestion?
I'm looking for a 3D printer for applications in the dental field, for printing digital dental models (not for itra-oral use parts).
Resolution and finish are the main requirements that we consider necessary.
Any suggestion?
If resolution is your upmost concern then resin 3d printers are the way to go. They use a liquid resin that does not harden until a UV laser is shined through them. Apparently they get ultra high resolution and smooth finishes right out of the box. The downside is they are generally more expensive machines and the resin material itself is also a higher cost. but if you are in the dental field then money is not a problem. Look into resin 3d printers.
otherwise if you want to try FDM printers then try looking into .1mm brass nozzles which will increase resolution but vastly increase print time. Not sure what material would be best. ABS has toxic smelling fumes, but is the same as LEGOS and is able to be easily smoothed (if necessary) with Acetone fumes. PLA might work well at .1mm nozzle resolution though and is a starch/dextrin based non-toxic biodegradable filament.
As mentionned by Andrew, resins should do the trick : most commons processes are SLA and DLP (DLP is faster but more expensive).
You should specify what are your exigences, it's not the same to do an ultra-high precision metal part and to have a $300 maximum-budget machine.