Ceramic Build Platform for Dental Additive Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing additive manufacturing technologies face challenges in minimizing cross-contamination during the production of dental articles, particularly due to the use of materials that may not be compatible with human contact and the need for stringent hygiene in the manufacturing environment.
Innovation Solution
The use of a build platform with a ceramic surface in an additive manufacturing device, which assists in minimizing cross-contamination by allowing for the efficient removal of residual light-hardenable or hardened resin, and providing a durable surface that is more resistant to contamination than metal surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal build surface is used in additive manufacturing, then the build platform provides sufficient mechanical strength and durability, but the surface is prone to cross-contamination and retains residual resin that can contaminate subsequent dental articles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the build surface from metal to ceramic material. This material substitution fundamentally alters the surface properties, making it non-porous and resistant to resin adhesion, thereby eliminating cross-contamination while maintaining the required mechanical strength and durability for the build platform
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable ceramic build surfaces or plates that can be easily replaced. These ceramic surfaces are designed for single-use or limited-use cycles, ensuring that any potential contamination is eliminated by simply replacing the ceramic component rather than cleaning and validating complex metal surfaces, thus guaranteeing hygiene compliance for dental applications
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional materials are used for the build surface, then the manufacturing process is simple and cost-effective, but the materials are not compatible with human contact and may contain harmful substances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes ceramic materials that inherently combine the benefits of ease of manufacture with biocompatibility. The ceramic build surfaces can be produced through established ceramic manufacturing processes while ensuring the material composition is free from harmful substances, thus achieving both manufacturing simplicity and safety for human contact in dental applications
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a ceramic build surface is used, then cross-contamination is minimized and hygiene standards are met, but the device complexity increases due to the specialized ceramic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the build platform into modular ceramic components that can be independently replaced. This segmentation allows the ceramic build surface to be designed as a separate, interchangeable element, simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining contamination resistance through the use of disposable or easily replaceable ceramic parts
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution effectively minimizes cross-contamination and ensures the production of dental articles that meet hygiene standards, while also providing a durable build surface that enhances the manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
Stereolithography generally uses light for hardening a light-hardenable or photopolymerizable resins. The photosensitive resin typically solidifies because of exposure to light
Implementation Method 2
sandblasting a surface of each block precursor, wherein the sandblasted surface forms a surface section of a build surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a build platform for use in an additive manufacturing device that is builds up an object from layers of a light-hardenable resin, wherein the build platform comprises a build surface for building up the object thereon, and wherein the build surface comprises a ceramic material. The disclosure also provides a method of making a build surface comprises a ceramic surface. Further, the disclosure provides additive manufacturing devices that include build platforms comprising ceramic material. The disclosure also describes articles made using the methods and devices described.