Dental Model Orientations

Dental models may be printed a number of different ways:
A. Horizontal: Accurate, requires the least print preparation time, and prints the fastest for individual prints, but takes up the most build platform space
B. Angled (10-15°): Highest possible accuracy and smoothness, but requires the most print preparation and support cutting time
C. Vertical: Fastest printing method for mass production, but slowest for individual prints

When should I print angled?

The angled orientation is best used when accuracy and smoothness are more important than the time invested to make the print. For example, when aesthetics are important, such as when prints are going to be attached to articulator interfaces and shown directly to patients, then it may be better to print at an angle.

When should I use a different orientation?

In general, the angled orientation takes the most work to set up and to print. The horizontal orientation is not as smooth and may encounter resin leakage holes, but generally meets most accuracy needs without the set up time. More models can be printed in less time with the vertical orientation. If your prints are being used in the lab setting, either other orientation may suit your needs better.

1. Print Analysis

A. Critical Areas – Do Not Support A1- The teeth, any die holes, and the immediate gingival areas are the most important parts of the print, and all print orientations try to avoid putting supports on any of those locations. The angled orientation does not need supports in these locations, unless there is an overhang due to an unusual tooth placement. B. Intended Support Area B1- In the angled print orientation, the bottom back part of the model, which may include the bottom of an articulator attachment or palate surface, should have thick supports to hold the entire print in place. This surface will be closest to the build platform, so it will have the most force upon it. B2- The rest of the bottom of the print may use automatic supports, with only some manual adjustment.

2. Orientation

A. Start the print in a horizontal position. In Omega 3D, to place a print flat, select the object, go to BASE tab, and use the Select Bottom Face function. B. Angle the print so that the back of the model is on the platform, but the front of the model is raised. Angle : 10-15 ° This angle should make the front teeth (incisors) of the model nearly perpendicular to the build platform. C. Raise the part off the platform. Height : 1.5 mm

3. Supports

Supports for this type of print are best divided into two sizes: A. Main Supports 2 or more supports are placed on the back of the model, near the base. Place supports along the bottom until all areas wide enough to fit the full main support are supported. These supports should be rather large, because the weight of the piece will hang from them. Top Radius: 0.50 mm – 0.75 mm Bottom Radius: 1.00 mm – 1.80 mm Omega 3D Setting: 0.64 mm – Model, Tray, Engineering B. Base Supports Additional supports should be placed on the bottom to fill in the overhanging areas too narrow for a the main support size. If there are any minimum points on the back side of the model, use these fill supports on those locations. Top Radius: 0.75 mm – 1.25 mm Bottom Radius: 1.00 mm – 1.80 mm Omega 3D Setting: 1.00 mm – Thick Supports

Pro Tip:

Ackuretta recommends starting this print using Automatic Supports with the Main Supports setting. After the majority of the supports are made, use Manual Supports to remove all supports in the Base Supports Area and do other minor adjustments to the Main Supports Area as necessary. Then manually add the Base Supports.

4. Base

Ackuretta recommends adding a base to almost all supported prints. Adding a base allows the print to stick to the build platform securely, and it makes the print easier to remove during post processing. Base Thickness: 0.150 mm – 0.250 mm To add a base in Omega 3D, go to the BASE tab, and then click Add Base.

Remember:

A thicker base does not improve print performance. A base of 0.400 mm or thicker may even make a print less likely to succeed.

5. Print

Arrange all of the models that you want to print. In Omega 3D, select your Machine and Resin from the Project tab on the left side. Then go to the Slice tab to select your Material profile. Your material profile contains the layer thickness and may be calibrated for specific types of prints. Resin: QuraMODEL 2.0 Recommended Layer Thickness: 0.070 mm (FreeShape) or 0.075 mm (Diplo / Ackuray) Recommended Profile: Choose the “Model” setting. If your profile has a “Solid” or “Hollow” distinction, choose that setting as appropriate for your models. Diplo / Ackuray Print Settings Buffer Layers: 5 layers First Layer Curing: ×8 FreeShape 120 Settings Burn-In Layers: 6 layers Burn-In Layer Curing Time: ×3 curing time Max Motor Speed: 800

6. Finishing

After printing, clean, dry, and cut your print supports. Cleaning Alcohol: Ethyl alcohol (95%) or isopropyl alcohol (99%) Ultrasonic Cleaner or Soak Time: 2 minutes Suggested UV Oven: Ackuretta UV Oven Suggested UV Oven Time: 4 minutes, flip, and then another 4 minutes