Enabling advancement in 3D printing for dentistry through high-performance materials, new processing techniques and comprehensive metrics

基于光固化的增材制造的扩张令人震惊，它代表了一种罕见的，真正的颠覆性 技术进步。至少在一定程度上快速生产定制模型和功能部件的能力， 以及实现向数字库存而不是物理库存的过渡是非常有吸引力的。然而，满 实现3D打印的潜在承诺依赖于材料和工艺的持续改进 采用3D打印部件的可访问性能范围存在显著差距， 可以实现高模量/强度和高韧性的联合收割机。我们正在寻求实现一个步骤的变化， 3D打印材料在坚固的同位素机械性能方面的性能潜力大大增强 分辨率和打印精度。另外的方面涉及3D打印材料的改进的表征， 适用于现有的制剂，特别是强调所提出的缺乏单体迁移到和 在部件内的化学成分会影响所获得的最终性能。有两个具体的目标指导这个项目。 第一个目标是将两个独立开发的经过验证的创新方法互补结合起来， PI：1）与机械性能相匹配甚至超过机械性能的极高强度和高韧性光聚合物 不能与2）反应性纳米凝胶添加剂组合进行光处理的工程塑料的性能， 在聚合之前产生显著的网状结构，并具有持续后固化的独特潜力， 仅在光曝光区域内保持空间隔离以产生极高分辨率的图案化结构。 这些功能结合在一起，解决了与3D打印相关的几个当前限制。第二个目标使用 先进的分析工具和模型，以及印刷和印刷后的过程，将扩大理解 光聚合物3D打印的复杂性。我们的目标是提供显著更高的性能， 高分辨率的3D打印材料，为实验室甚至办公室内的实际生产提供了机会， 功能性印刷牙冠、牙桥、假牙和其他口内修复体。这些材料也将加强已经 不断增长的牙科市场的正畸矫正器，咬合夹板，甚至更高的分辨率牙科模型，而毫无疑问， 由于对更高性能材料的需求未得到满足，因此打开了目前不可用的额外应用领域。我们可以 证明我们的基准材料显著优于传统牙科材料和当前的3D打印材料。 产品.为阻碍数字牙科逻辑过渡的现有挑战提供实用的解决方案 转换为基于打印机的临床服务，是这个拟议项目的基础。在这方面取得的进展预计也将 在越来越依赖3D打印的众多应用领域中产生共鸣， 可用材料的性能得到改善。

The expansion in photocure-based additive manufacturing has been stunning and it represents a rare, truly disruptive technological advancement. The ability to rapidly produce customized models and functional parts to at least some degree, as well as enabling the transition toward digital rather than physical inventories is incredibly attractive. However, full realization of the potential promises of 3D printing is reliant on the sustained improvement in the materials and the processes used. There is a significant gap in the accessible performance spectrum of 3D printed parts where final material properties can be achieved that combine both high modulus/strength and high toughness. We are seeking to deliver a step-change in the performance potential of 3D printable materials in terms of robust, isotopic mechanical properties, greatly enhanced resolution and printing accuracy. Additional aspects deal with improved characterization of 3D printed materials that can apply to both existing formulations and particularly to highlight how the proposed lack of monomer migration into and within parts as they are being printed affects the final properties obtained. There are two specific Aims guiding this project. The first Aim involves the complementary coupling of two proven innovative approaches developed independently by the PI: 1) extremely high strength and high toughness photopolymers that match or even exceed the mechanical performance properties of engineering plastics that cannot be photo-processed in combination with 2) reactive nanogel additives that contribute significant network-like structure ahead of polymerization and the unique potential for continued post cure that remains spatially isolated only within the photo-exposed regions to yield extremely high resolution patterned structures. These features when combined, address several of the current limitations associated with 3D printing. The second Aim uses sophisticated analytical tools and models as well as printing and post-printing processes that will extend understanding of the complexities of photopolymer-based 3D printing. Our goal is to provide access to markedly higher performance and high resolution 3D printing materials that open opportunities for practical in-lab or even in-office production of fully functional printed crowns, bridges, dentures, and other intraoral prosthetics. These materials would also enhance the already growing dental market for orthodontic aligners, bite splints and even for higher resolution dental models while undoubtedly opening additional application areas not currently available due to an unmet need for higher performance materials. We can demonstrate that our baseline materials significantly outperform conventional dental materials and current 3D printed products. Providing a practical solution to the existing challenges that are impeding the logical transition of digital dentistry into printer-based clinical services, is the basis for this proposed project. The advances made here are also expected to resonate throughout the multitude of application areas that are becoming increasingly reliant on 3D printing as the performance of available materials improve.