Segmented Dental Model Additive Manufacturing Distortion Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for producing dental models using additive manufacturing face significant distortion issues, particularly with larger models, and are not compatible with certain types of mounting plates, leading to inaccuracies and loss of reference connections.

Innovation Solution

The method involves creating dental models in individual segments connected by thin bridges via additive layer construction, with gap-like recesses to minimize distortion and allow for precise reassembly, using a CAD model with pre-defined cuts and connecting bridges to maintain dimensional stability and compatibility with custom-made mounting plates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If additive manufacturing is used to produce large dental models, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to distortion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoiddimensional accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The dental model is divided into multiple smaller segments that are manufactured separately and then connected via mounting plate. This segmentation reduces the size of each additive manufacturing task, minimizing distortion while maintaining overall model accuracy through precise reference connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If holes are positioned at cut locations for reference connections, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates as reference connections are destroyed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting plate compatibilityVSAvoidreference connection integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting plate is prepared in advance with reference connections positioned at locations that are deliberately excluded from the cut paths. This preliminary positioning ensures that reference connections are established before cutting occurs, preventing destruction of critical reference points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If dental models are produced as single pieces, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to increased distortion risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel structureVSAvoiddimensional stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The dental model is segmented into multiple sections that are manufactured separately with reduced distortion, then reassembled using a mounting plate with reference connections. This segmentation strategy maintains dimensional stability while managing the complexity of multi-part construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 approach reduces dimensional deviations by more than a factor of two, achieving high accuracy within the range of oral scan measurement accuracy, and allows for seamless interaction with custom-made mounting plates by maintaining precise positional and orientational integrity of segments.

Implementation Method 1

additive layer construction

Methodology Applied
Scientific Effect3D Printing: 3D Printing

Implementation Method 2

connecting bridges which connect the individual object segments to one another and which are fixed in their positional arrangement relative to one another

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStructural mechanics:

Data Source

PatentEP2953576B1Method for producing a distortion-free dental model, and dental model so produced
Publication Date: 2017.11.01 EOS GMBH ELECTRO OPTICAL SYST
  • EP2953576B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2953576B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2953576B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A method for producing a dental model by means of a generative layering technique comprises the following steps: altering a three-dimensional CAD model of the dental model, wherein gap-like recesses (22) are generated, such that the CAD model is cut into segments by these gap-like recesses (22), and connecting bridges (25) are placed in the CAD model in such a way that the connecting bridges connect adjacent segments to each other; producing the dental model by means of a generative layering technique on the basis of the altered three-dimensional CAD model.