Accuracy of cast manufactured by digital light processing

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to clarify the effect of cast structure on the accuracy of digital light processing （DLP）. We created 3D model data of the maxillary edentulous jaw with five spheres and used it as the reference model data. The reference model data was edited to prepare full arch model data and half arch model data. Three types of full arch model data were prepared: a hollow type with a thickness of 3 mm, a hollow type with a thickness of 5 mm, and a solid type. On the other hand, one type of half arch model data was prepared: a hollow type with a thickness of 3 mm. Experimental casts were manufactured from the data of prepared models, using a 3D printer with DLP method, and the error of the casts was evaluated by measuring the distance between the center points of the spheres on the casts.

The error level of hollow casts was significantly higher than the error level of solid casts. （p <0.05, Kruskal-Wallis test）. Moreover, when comparing the full arch cast with the half arch cast, the error of the full arch cast was significantly higher （p <0.05, Mann-Whitney test）. The results of this study suggest that the structure of the model affects the accuracy of DLP.