individual requirements with minimal effort, leading to the 3D printing system becoming cost effective investment over time. Dental implants are seeing consistent growth due to an aging population requiring restorative dentistry. As the population age and seek to maintain their health and wellbeing, this demand will continue. Additionally as anatomical changes occur over time; these patients will require new dentures or partial removable dentures (RPD’s). Contrary to the growth in restorative dentistry PRD’s or partial removable dentures, are still in demand, particularly where cost is an issue. Co-Cr (cobalt-Chrome) provides an appropriate metal for this purpose having been tested through material science analysis of cross-sectional images confirming the outstanding quality in the end product. Additionally, testing of finished products using the selective laser melting process offered by SLM Solutions has been shown to achieve even better metallurgical characteristics than using conventional casting processes with the same material. All this serves to provide a strong recommendation for the use of 3D printing in the dental health sector. Already in use is SLM Solutions 280HL that can generate 400 tooth caps within a just few hours where part accuracy, perfect fit, look and feel, are all produced with consistent precision, meeting the required accuracy and tolerance range during the layer by layer process. Dental models can be produced in multiple versions to be used as control models or sample. Unlike their plaster counterparts these are break resistant, guaranteeing integrity of structure while in the clinic. As with medical uses, 3D metal printing enables dentists the opportunity to provide more accurate and intricate solutions to make patient outcomes not just safe, but with long lasting comfort. Research and development is an important factor for the growth of small part manufacturing that offers much to product export. The tremendous advances discussed above, using 3D printing technology or additive manufacturing, can not only improve the health and well being of our citizens but open the doors to smart manufacturing leveraging customisation and small runs carried out with efficiencies and confidence using reliable technology such as SLM Solutions range of selective laser melting systems. Raymax Applications Pty Ltd is the Australian distributor of SLM Solutions laser systems and metal powders. EN Want access to one of the largest ranges of 3D filaments: www.engineeringnews.co.nz 35 to fulfill individual needs. Experience indicates the advantages of supplying customised products as against off-the-shelf implants, is the superior comfort experienced by the patient, leading in turn, to faster recovery and better functionality. Reports from dental prosthetics indicate additive manufacturing of crown and bridgework has the opportunity to change the industrial production of tooth replacement – for the better. Operating with high precision and flexibility the 3D printing process ensures part accuracy; there is no human error as with milling, resulting in the production of high quality products at reduction in costs. Once ‘set up’, the CAD/CAM data can be modified to suit different Anco Prints offers the ability to supply a full range of 3D filaments such as glass, ABS, PLA, wood, and many more options including a new range of metallic filaments EN087 Anthony@ancoprint.co.nz | M: 027 315 6053 Phone 04 566 1700 | www.ancoprint.co.nz
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