3D Printing Composition for Dental Objects with Enhanced Abrasion Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Three-dimensional printed articles require high abrasion resistance and mechanical strength while being capable of three-dimensional printing, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.

Innovation Solution

A three-dimensional printing composition comprising a polymerizable monomer, inorganic particles surface-treated with a compound represented by a specific general formula, and a photopolymerization initiator, which enhances the abrasion resistance and mechanical strength of the printed articles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional three-dimensional printing compositions are used, then the printing process can be completed, but the abrasion resistance and mechanical strength of the printed article are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidthree-dimensional printing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite material system consisting of inorganic particles (such as glass or ceramic particles) dispersed in a polymerizable monomer matrix. The inorganic particles provide mechanical strength and abrasion resistance, while the polymerizable monomer enables three-dimensional printing through photopolymerization. This composite approach allows the printed article to achieve both high strength and printability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes specific parameters of the composition including the particle size distribution (D10, D50, D90 values), volume ratio of inorganic particles to monomer, and molecular weight of the polymerizable monomer. By carefully controlling these parameters, the composition achieves a balance between viscosity (for printability) and mechanical properties (for strength and abrasion resistance).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If the composition is optimized for high mechanical strength, then abrasion resistance improves, but the viscosity increases making three-dimensional printing difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabrasion resistanceVSAvoidviscosity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent controls the viscosity by adjusting the particle size distribution of inorganic particles (keeping D50 between 0.5-2.0 μm), selecting appropriate polymerizable monomers with suitable molecular weights, and optimizing the volume ratio of inorganic particles (30-70 vol%). These parameter changes ensure the composition remains pumpable and printable while maintaining high abrasion resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a multi-modal particle size distribution where finer particles fill the gaps between larger particles, creating a densely packed structure. This local optimization of particle arrangement reduces void spaces and improves packing efficiency, thereby reducing viscosity while maintaining high inorganic particle content for abrasion resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

The composition effectively improves the abrasion resistance and mechanical strength of three-dimensional printed articles, enabling their successful production through three-dimensional printing.

Implementation Method 1

a photopolymerization initiator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

R2 is a hydrolyzable group

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Data Source

PatentEP4545060A1Composition for three-dimensional modeling and method for producing dental modeled object
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 GC CORP
  • EP4545060A1 patent drawing
  • EP4545060A1 patent drawing
  • EP4545060A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A three-dimensional printing composition includes: a polymerizable monomer; inorganic particles; and a photopolymerization initiator. The inorganic particles are surface-treated with a compound represented by a general formula (1) (in the general formula, R1 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R2 is a hydrolyzable group; R3 is a hydrocarbon group having 1 or more and 6 or less carbon atoms; p is 2 or 3; and q is an integer of 5 or more and 13 or less).