Transparent Orthodontic Post-Curing for Resin Removal and Shape Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D printing methods for orthodontic devices face issues with residual resin removal, reduced strength, and decreased transparency, along with challenges in achieving shape memory characteristics and uniform force distribution for tooth correction.
Innovation Solution
A post-curing method involving primary curing in an inert gas environment, secondary curing in oils, and boiling water treatment to remove residual resin, enhance strength and transparency, and enable shape memory characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a post-curing machine is used to cure the printout, then the strength and transparency are improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the post-curing process with the washing process into a single integrated operation. The washing machine simultaneously performs both washing and post-curing functions, eliminating the need for separate post-curing equipment and reducing manufacturing process complexity while maintaining improved strength and transparency
Solution Approach 2:
The washing machine is designed to perform multiple functions: washing the printout and simultaneously conducting post-curing treatment. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated post-curing machinery, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while achieving the desired strength and transparency improvements
2Ease of manufacture
If simple UV curing is performed, then the curing process is simple, but the strength and transparency of the printout cannot be improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the curing process by using a washing machine with controlled water temperature, circulation patterns, and duration to achieve superior post-curing effects. The washing machine's specific operational parameters (water temperature, cycle time, agitation patterns) create optimal conditions for both cleaning and enhanced curing, improving strength and transparency while keeping the process simple
3Productivity
If the user directly removes the washing material before post-curing, then the post-curing process can proceed, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the washing and post-curing operations into a single simultaneous process. The washing machine performs both functions at the same time, eliminating the need for users to manually remove washing material before post-curing. This integration dramatically improves productivity while making the operation much more convenient and less time-consuming
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 method effectively removes residual resin, improves curing speed and strength, enhances transparency, and allows for shape memory properties, ensuring accurate tooth correction by restoring the device's original shape under heat.
Implementation Method 1
a stereo lithography apparatus (SLA) method, which injects a laser into a photocurable resin to harden the scanned portion, and a digital light processing (DLP) method, which irradiates light to the lower part of a storage tank where the photocurable resin is stored and hardens it
Implementation Method 2
a post-curing machine is used, but when only simple UV curing is performed, there is a problem in that the strength and transparency of the printout cannot be improved
Implementation Method 3
treating the secondary post-cured printout with boiling water
Implementation Method 4
removes residual resin, improved curing speed and strength, enhances transparency
Data Source
AI summary
A method for post-curing a 3D printing output and a transparent orthodontic device manufactured by the method are described. The method for post-curing a 3D printing output removes residual resin from printouts manufactured through a 3D printer, shortens the curing time by improving the curing speed through a post-curing process, and can manufacture printouts with improved strength and increased transparency. The transparent orthodontic device removes resin of the surface through the post-curing process when manufacturing a transparent orthodontic device, improves strength, not only has excellent transparency, but also enables unreacted monomers to be removed, and can exhibit shape memory characteristics that restore its shape to the initially printed-out shape of the transparent orthodontic device by the provision of heat.