Rapid Prototyping Journal, Volume 21, Issue 1, January 2015.
Purpose This paper aims to present an optimal prototyping technology for the manufacture of occlusal splints. Design/methodology/approach To carry out this study, a comparative technique was used to analyze models obtained by different prototyping techniques. Subsequently, further tests were carried out with the respect to the manufacturing of splints by means of thermoforming in a vacuum. This involved an analysis of the most important variables such as prototype material, geometric accuracy, surface finish and costs. Findings It was found that there is a group of prototyping technologies that are suitable for the manufacture of the models used in the thermoforming of correction splints, the most appropriate technologies being based on ink jet printing (IJP-Objet), UV photo polymerization and fused deposition modelling (FDM) due to the fact that they offer an optimal relationship between the cost and the quality of the model required for thermoforming Practical implications The application of rapid prototyping techniques in medicine makes possible the production of physical models from 3D medical image processing and their subsequent use in different specialties. It also makes possible preoperative planning processes, the production of prostheses and the preparation of surgical templates, thereby offering a higher quality of diagnosis, safer surgery, and cost and time savings when compared to conventional manufacturing technologies. Originality/value This paper suggests that there exists a group of prototyping technologies for the manufacture of splints that offer advantages over existing technologies. The results also suggest that, in many cases, the most expensive technology is not the most appropriate: there are other options that provide an optimal model in terms of the cost and the quality needed for thermoforming.
Purpose This paper aims to present an optimal prototyping technology for the manufacture of occlusal splints. Design/methodology/approach To carry out this study, a comparative technique was used to analyze models obtained by different prototyping techniques. Subsequently, further tests were carried out with the respect to the manufacturing of splints by means of thermoforming in a vacuum. This involved an analysis of the most important variables such as prototype material, geometric accuracy, surface finish and costs. Findings It was found that there is a group of prototyping technologies that are suitable for the manufacture of the models used in the thermoforming of correction splints, the most appropriate technologies being based on ink jet printing (IJP-Objet), UV photo polymerization and fused deposition modelling (FDM) due to the fact that they offer an optimal relationship between the cost and the quality of the model required for thermoforming Practical implications The application of rapid prototyping techniques in medicine makes possible the production of physical models from 3D medical image processing and their subsequent use in different specialties. It also makes possible preoperative planning processes, the production of prostheses and the preparation of surgical templates, thereby offering a higher quality of diagnosis, safer surgery, and cost and time savings when compared to conventional manufacturing technologies. Originality/value This paper suggests that there exists a group of prototyping technologies for the manufacture of splints that offer advantages over existing technologies. The results also suggest that, in many cases, the most expensive technology is not the most appropriate: there are other options that provide an optimal model in terms of the cost and the quality needed for thermoforming.